One of my favorite plants in my category of “strong but gentle” herbs. We have a misguided notion that plant actions have to be strong in order to be effective. Chamomile has persisted in the general consciousness for so long as a benign herbal tea (After all, Peter Rabbit drank it, so how powerful could it be?) A cup of chamomile tea can be a comfort when sick. Because it calms you down and helps to digest your food at the same time, it makes a wonderful after-dinner drink. These same properties are so helpful when sick. It is very calming to children. I recommend steeping it for only 10-15 minutes. If steeped long enough the tea has a bitter flavor. Since bitterness is a specific for the digestive system, the bitter taste is perfectly good but not desirable for many people. I have found that people are amazed at how delicious fresh chamomile tastes. Their experience of chamomile usually derives from purchasing tea bags from the store. There is a big difference in flavor.
