Make a small pot of chamomile tea with honey and, if you like, a pinch of culinary lavender. This recipe is adapted from BBC Good Food’s chamomile tea and serves one or two.

Herbal tea in a glass pitcher with fresh herbs
A small pot makes one or two cups.

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons dried chamomile flowers
  • A pinch of dried culinary lavender, optional
  • 2 teaspoons runny honey
  • Freshly boiled water, enough to fill a 500 to 600 ml teapot

How to Make It

  1. Put the chamomile and optional lavender in the teapot.
  2. Boil the water and let it stand for one minute, then fill the pot.
  3. Steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the honey and strain into cups.
Herbal tea being strained into a glass pitcher
Strain the flowers before serving.

Plain toast or a mild biscuit makes a simple snack alongside the tea. If you prefer it cold, let it cool promptly and refrigerate before serving over ice.

About Chamomile

Chamomile can cause allergic reactions, particularly in people allergic to related plants such as ragweed or daisies. It can also interact with medicines, including warfarin and sedatives. See NCCIH’s chamomile guidance and ask a health professional if you take medication or have a medical condition. NCCIH says little is known about chamomile’s safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding; ask your health professional about it. Honey should not be given to children under one year old.

A glass of iced herbal tea with citrus
Chill the tea if you would like to serve it over ice.

Does this tea lower cortisol?

The effect of this particular tea on cortisol has not been established. Enjoy it for its flavor and speak with a health professional about stress or other symptoms.