Camomile or Chamomile? That is the Question

Camomile or chamomile, caffeinated or non-caffeinated? That is the question.

We've got everything you need to know about this fragrant herbal infusion.

Looking for the perfect drink for a quiet moment or in need of something to help you wind down after a busy day? Then the beautiful and fragrant qualities of camomile tea are here to help you relax and restore.

What's in a Name?

A source of much confusion, there are actually two ways to spell it. The name "Camomile" can also be spelt "chamomile" because it derives from the Greek name for this beautiful herb "Khamaimelon", which literally translates to Kamai (earth) and melon (apple), thanks to its delicious apple-like aroma.

Camomile (without the h) is the more traditional middle English spelling – which is around the time it became popular as a remedy for sleep, fevers, and skin conditions.

Camomile is a herb that's part of the Asteraceae family, a relative from which daisies and sunflowers come. It has been used to make camomile tea as a herbal infusion for centuries. We call it a herbal infusion because it doesn't come from the Camellia Sinensis plant, where most teas come from. Instead, the fragrant 'tea' is made from the flower heads of the camomile plants.

¿Te Negro, O Manzanilla?

Camomile tea is very popular in Mexico, where they call it manzanilla. So much so that if you order a cup of tea, your waiter will almost always ask "¿te negro, o Manzanilla?" ("Black tea or camomile?")

Caffeinated or Not-caffeinated?

Much like most of our herbal teas, camomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, as well as being sugar-free and with only four calories a cup!

And, though we absolutely love pure organic camomile tea on its own, our amazing blenders have created a huge variety of flavours to complement this heavenly herbal infusion!

Combining it with a drop of honey only adds to its wonderfully soothing comfort. Plus, it mixes perfectly with other fruits and herbs such as apple, vanilla, and even orange blossom.

Mellow Yellow

One of the many potential benefits of camomile tea is its relaxing and calming effect.

Camomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that produces a natural sedative effect. This is why we use it as part of our Sleep tea (and in our Moment of Calm tea), as it helps to promote sleepiness. That and its deliciously fragrant flavour makes it a really soothing choice.

Plus, because it's naturally caffeine-free, it makes for a great bedtime tea, so why not make it part of your night-time routine? So, the next time you need a moment of calm, why not try a cup of camomile?

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