Dried Chamomile Flowers: Uses, Tea, Skincare & German vs Roman Differences
Dried chamomile flowers are one of the most widely recognised herbal teas in the world, traditionally used for relaxation and as a calming bedtime drink. This guide covers what dried chamomile flowers are, the difference between the two common types (German and Roman chamomile), their main uses, and how to make chamomile tea.
What Are Dried Chamomile Flowers?
Chamomile is a small, daisy-like flower from the Asteraceae family, most commonly the species Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile). Its dried flower heads are steeped to make one of the most popular herbal teas worldwide, valued for their mild, apple-like flavour and traditional calming reputation.
Not all dried flowers sold online are food-grade for tea, cooking, or skincare, always choose food-grade, pesticide-free chamomile, like the ones processed at A D Food & Herbs.
Chamomile is one of several food-grade dried flowers in our range alongside rose, hibiscus, blue cornflower, jasmine, calendula, lavender, saffron, marigold, safflower, and butterfly pea flower each processed and packed to the same food-safety standard. Browse our full Dried Flowers collection to see all of them.
German vs. Roman Chamomile: What's the Difference?
| Feature | German Chamomile | Roman Chamomile |
|---|---|---|
| Plant | Matricaria chamomilla | Chamaemelum nobile |
| Growth habit | Annual | Perennial, low-growing |
| Flavor | Mild, sweet, apple-like | Slightly more bitter and herbaceous |
| Most common use | The variety most commonly sold as tea | More often used in aromatherapy and essential oils |
Most dried chamomile sold for tea, including ours, is German chamomile — the more widely cultivated and commonly available variety.
What Do Dried Chamomile Flowers Taste Like?
Chamomile tea has a mild, slightly sweet, apple-like flavour with subtle floral and herbaceous notes. It's naturally caffeine-free, which is part of why it's so commonly drunk in the evening.
Uses of Dried Chamomile Flowers
A Naturally Caffeine-Free Tea for Relaxation
Chamomile tea is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas globally, traditionally used as a calming drink before bedtime. It has been the subject of ongoing scientific interest for its potential relaxation properties, though individual results can vary and it isn't a substitute for medical advice on sleep issues.
A Traditional Ingredient in Skincare
Chamomile is a popular botanical in natural skincare commonly infused into oils, used in face masks, and added to soaps and lotions for its gentle, soothing character. Chamomile Powder works well for finer skincare preparations.
A Traditional Hair Rinse
A cooled chamomile infusion is traditionally used as a hair rinse, particularly for lighter hair tones, said to add natural shine and subtle brightening over time.
Used in Baking and Cooking
Dried chamomile flowers are used to flavour baked goods, syrups, and desserts, and can be infused into milk or cream for a subtle floral note in custards and ice cream.
A Fragrant Addition to Bath Products
Chamomile is a common addition to bath soaks and bath bombs, valued for its gentle scent and traditional calming association.
Natural Aromatherapy and Potpourri
Dried chamomile flowers are used in potpourri, sachets, and aromatherapy blends for their mild, apple-like fragrance.
Are Dried Chamomile Flowers Edible?
Yes, food-grade dried chamomile flowers are edible and are most commonly used to brew tea, though they're also used to flavour baked goods and desserts. As with any dried flower, only petals specifically processed as food-grade should be used for eating or drinking.
How to Make Chamomile Tea
Ingredients
- 1–2 teaspoons dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup hot water (just short of boiling)
Method
- Heat water until just short of a boil.
- Add the dried flowers.
- Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes, then strain.
- Drink warm, or cool and serve over ice.
Optional additions: honey, a slice of lemon, or a few lavender buds for a calming blend.
How to Store Dried Chamomile Flowers
Keep dried chamomile flowers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and protected from moisture. Store them in a tightly sealed, airtight container to preserve their colour, fragrance, and quality for as long as possible.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
- Chamomile belongs to the daisy (Asteraceae) family — people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or related plants should be cautious.
- If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a doctor before making chamomile tea a regular habit.
- If you take regular prescription medication, check with a doctor or pharmacist before drinking any herbal tea regularly, since herbal ingredients can sometimes interact with medications.
- For skincare use, patch-test on a small area first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- This article is general information, not medical advice, and isn't a substitute for guidance from a healthcare professional about your own health or sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dried chamomile flowers used for?
Most commonly for herbal tea, but also skincare, hair rinses, baking, bath products, and aromatherapy.
Does chamomile tea have caffeine?
No. It's naturally caffeine-free, which is part of why it's popularly drunk in the evening.
What's the difference between German and Roman chamomile?
German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the variety most commonly sold as tea; Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is more often used in aromatherapy and essential oils.
What do chamomile flowers taste like?
Mild, slightly sweet, and apple-like, with subtle floral and herbaceous notes.
Are dried chamomile flowers edible?
Yes, food-grade chamomile is edible and most commonly used for tea, as well as baking and desserts.
What's the difference between chamomile flowers and chamomile powder?
Whole flowers suit tea and infusions; chamomile powder blends more evenly into face masks, batters, and skincare preparations.
Can chamomile be used as a hair rinse?
Yes — a cooled chamomile infusion is traditionally used as a hair rinse, particularly for lighter hair tones.
How should dried chamomile flowers be stored?
In a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in a tightly sealed, airtight container.
Choosing Quality Dried Chamomile Flowers
A few things separate good dried chamomile flowers from average ones:
- Whole, intact flower heads — excessive crumbling or dust usually means lower quality or age
- Good colour — bright white petals with a yellow centre; dull or browned flowers suggest poor storage
- Food-grade sourcing — grown and processed specifically for consumption, not just decoration
- Proper drying — evenly dried to preserve fragrance and flavour
- Appropriate packaging — sealed to protect against moisture and light, which fade colour and fragrance over time
A D Food & Herbs supplies food-grade dried chamomile flowers and chamomile powder, sourced and processed for tea, skincare, and craft use.
Looking for Quality Dried Chamomile Flowers?
Whether you're shopping for your own kitchen and skincare routine or sourcing for your business, explore our food-grade chamomile flowers and powder — or get in touch for bulk and private label requirements.
Read More
If you'd like to explore other dried flowers, take a look at our guides on dried rose petals, butterfly pea flower, dried safflower petals, and dried calendula petals.