Long before there was the viral “sleepy girl mocktail”, there was the humble cup of chamomile tea. A steamy cup of the stuff can be relaxing enough to put you out like a light, hence its popularity in many sleepytime tonics and herbal blends. But its benefits extend beyond being a natural nod-off aid; research shows chamomile can soothe an upset gut, bolster immunity, and even help keep your blood sugar in check. Needless to say, it’s worth keeping in your pantry.
Ready to doze off? Sip on these best chamomile teas, all expert-approved and ready for brewing.
What to look for in chamomile tea
When shopping for chamomile tea, you’ll have the choice between tea bags and loose-leafw tea. Tea bags are often more convenient, but loose-leaf tea is usually fresher and more flavorful, says Ann Ziata, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. However, she adds, “There are still high-quality bagged teas that are excellent. It is really a matter of preference.”
For the best quality options, also consider the ingredients. If you want to be sure that a product is truly organic, look for options with a USDA Organic seal. If you’re particular about choosing products that are ethically made, consider other relevant third-party certifications. “Any information for sourcing ingredients is very meaningful to me, especially when it comes to tea which can be procured in less than ethical ways,” says Christina Manian, RDN, registered dietitian and Well+Good contributor. Opt for picks containing tea leaves that have been sourced from a single region and no synthetic additives, adds Ziata.
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Shop the best chamomile tea
Best tea bags: Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile (16 Tea Bags) — $6.00
Form: tea bags | Size: 16 and 32 tea bags | USDA Organic? yes | Fair Trade certified? no
Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile is beloved by both experts, making it our overall best pick. “It is a yummy, organic, well-sourced chamomile,” says Manian, while Ziata appreciates its simplicity. It contains only one ingredient—USDA Organic-certified chamomile flower sourced from the Nile Valley in Egypt—and no synthetic flavors or additives. Traditional Medicinals offers its Organic Chamomile in counts of 16 and 32, and in other variations such as Organic Chamomile and Lavender.
- Recommended by Manian and Ziata
- USDA organic
- Comes in other varieties
- Available in multiple sizes
- Not Fair-Trade certified
- It isn’t as flavorful as loose-leaf varieties
Best value: Yogi Tea Comforting Chamomile Tea (6-Pack) — $27.00
Form: tea bags | Size: 16 tea bags/pack | USDA Organic? yes | Fair Trade certified? no
Yogi Tea’s Comforting Chamomile Tea is the most affordable option featured on the list. It’s sold in a bulk pack of six, amounting to a total of 96 tea bags, with each 16-count box amounting to $4 a pop. Plus, it comes recommended by Ziata, who is a fan of its classic flavor and straightforward ingredients lists. It’s made only with USDA organic-certified chamomile flowers and is free of unwanted additives. It has a well-balanced flavor, though you have to steep it for longer than the recommended time of seven minutes for a stronger brew.
- Recommended by Ziata
- USDA organic
- Comes in a six pack at at affordable price
- Not Fair Trade certified
- It isn’t as flavorful as loose-leaf varieties
Best premium blend: Rishi Chamomile Medley (15 Tea Bags) — $10.00
Form: tea bags | Size: 15 tea bags | USDA Organic? yes | Fair Trade certified? no
If you aren’t a fan of the flavor of pure chamomile tea, consider this pick. “Rishi makes a delightfully herbal Chamomile Medley with lemongrass and mint,” says Ziata, who recommends this option. Each box comes with 15 tea bags, each of which contains whole chamomile flowers like you’d find in loose-leaf tea. In other words, it tastes fresh and packs plenty of flavor. It uses USDA Organic-certified ingredients, and the chamomile flowers are sourced from the Central of Croatia. The price reflects this pick’s quality, and each bag will set you back $10.
- Recommended by Ziata
- USDA organic
- Ideal for those who don’t like the pure flavor of chamomile
Best loose leaf: In Pursuit of Tea Chamomile (4 oz.) — $17.00
Form: loose leaf | Size: 4 oz.; 1 lbs. | USDA Organic? no | Fair Trade certified? no
If you want the freshest possible cup of chamomile tea, look no further than loose-leaf varieties. This pick from In Pursuit of Tea comes with the recommendation of Ziata. “In Pursuit of Tea makes the freshest chamomile tea I’ve ever tasted,” she says. “You can re-steep the flowers a few times in a row and still get incredible flavor.” As the manufacturer indicates it has tasting notes of honey and fig. The whole chamomile flowers are sourced from various areas in Eastern Europe, and it’s available in a four-ounce or one-pound bag or in tea bag form.
- Recommended by Ziata
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Available as tea bags
- Pricey
- Not USDA Organic- or Fair Trade- certified
Writer’s pick: Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra (20 Tea Bags) — $3.00
Form: tea bags | Size: 20 tea bags | USDA Organic? no | Fair Trade certified? no
Celestial Seasonings’ Sleepytime Extra is a personal favorite on nights I want a full eight hours of uninterrupted rest. Each bag contains chamomile and valerian root, which work together to calm my overactive mind before I hit the bed. The floral-forward flavor is present in every cup, and I like that it comes in a count of 20 for just a little over $4. A qualm people might have: It isn’t USDA Organic- or Fair Trade-certified, but it is effective and widely accessible online and in stores.
- Inexpensive
- Comes with 20 tea bags
- Non GMO Project verified
- Not USDA Organic- or Fair Trade- certified
- Limited sizes
Most flavorful: Teapigs Chamomile Herbal Tea (50 Tea Bags) — $24.00
Form: tea bags | Size: 50 tea bags | USDA Organic? no | Fair Trade certified? no
I’m also privy to the chamomile tea bags from Teapigs. For one, it comes in tea bags with whole chamomile flowers, offering the convenience of tea bags but the full-bodied flavor of loose leaf tea. Speaking of flavor, the slightly sweet, floral hint of chamomile shines through in each cup and it never, ever tastes bitter. What’s more, the sachets and packaging are made from compostable materials, and all products are certified by the Rainforest Alliance, which means they’re made with social, economic, and environmental sustainability in mind.
- Made with whole chamomile flowers
- Verified by the Rainforest Alliance
- Sachets and packaging are made from compostable materials
- Not USDA Organic- or Fair Trade- certified
- Limited sizes on Amazon
Best Fair Trade: Tazo Organic Calm Chamomile (16 Tea Bags) — $5.00
Form: tea bags | Size: 16 tea bags | USDA Organic? yes | Fair Trade certified? yes
If you want chamomile that is USDA Organic- and Fair Trade-certified, opt for this pick from Tazo. Tazo has previously been recommended by Manian, who likes purchasing chamomile tea—or any tea, for that matter—with relevant third-party certifications of social and environmental responsibility. It also has tasting notes of rose and hibiscus flowers, blackberry, and peppermint, making it floral, fruity, herbal, and very refreshing. Cue the ahhs.
- Inexpensive
- USDA Organic- and Fair Trade- certified
- Ideal for those who don’t like the pure flavor of chamomile
- It isn’t as flavorful as loose-leaf varieties
- Limited sizes on Amazon
FAQs
What are the health benefits of chamomile tea?
One of the main health benefits of chamomile tea is its calming effects. “Chamomile has been found to help relieve symptoms of anxiety,” says Manian. What’s more, it has “anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and immune health benefits.” While beloved as a natural sleep aid, it also works to support the digestive system, she adds. As such, it’s an ideal choice for those with IBS, Melanie Murphy Richter, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian and neuronutritionist, previously told Well+Good.
Who should not drink chamomile?
Most people can drink chamomile tea, but those who suffer from seasonal allergies may want to steer clear of it. According to Neka Pasquale, MS, LAc, founder and chief product officer of Urban Remedy, in a previous Well+Good interview: “Chamomile is a relative of ragweed, so some people can have an allergic response if they are allergic to the ragweed or daisy family.”
Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.
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Rafraf, M et al. “Effectiveness of chamomile tea on glycemic control and serum lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.” Journal of endocrinological investigation vol. 38,2 (2015): 163-70. doi:10.1007/s40618-014-0170-x -
Sebai, Hichem et al. “Antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) decoction extract in rats.” Journal of ethnopharmacology vol. 152,2 (2014): 327-32. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.01.015
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