What can you add to chamomile tea?

First of all do not squeeze the flowers while steeping, otherwize the chamomile tea taste can become bitter

Chamomile tea has a mild flavor so you can use some of this idea to make it not only healthy but also dellicious:

• Citrus: You can add a splash of juice before serving. Or infuse extra flavor by adding the citrus zest while steeping the tea. Lemon juice, lime, or orange will work with chamomile.
• Ginger: Add a few slices of fresh ginger to infuse it with extra zing.
• Lavender: Add edible dried lavender to steep. Adjust the amount to taste. Or, sweeten the tea with a bit of lavender syrup.
• Vanilla: Use around 1/8 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to make a delicious honey vanilla chamomile tea recipe. Adjust the amount to taste.
• Cinnamon: Add some cinnamon (in stick or powder form) to the tea while it steeps.
• Herbs: A small amount of basil or mint (regular or flavored options like apple mint) can be added to the teapot or serving glasses for a subtle aromatic flavor.

)Simmer the water and any of the above ingredients on the stove for 10 - 15 minutes to extract more flavor. Then add the chamomile and steep for 5 minutes)

• Milk: Chamomile tea with milk is soothing and slightly creamy. Use the dairy or dairy-free milk of your choice. For a chamomile tea latte, use equal parts water and milk for the drink.
• Iced chamomile latte: Make a double-strength brew, allow it to chill, then top it up with milk and ice. This tastes lovely with vanilla too.
• Apple juice: Replace some water with apple juice (to taste) for a delicious, refreshing warm, or iced version. It will naturally sweeten it, too.
• Green tea: Add a green tea teabag (or loose leaf green tea).
• Hibiscus: Add a small amount of hibiscus for tangy flavor and several health benefits.
• Berries: Add some muddled or whole berries to an iced chamomile tea for more flavor and texture. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc., will work.

Benefits of chamomile tea

The potential benefits of chamomile tea, for which there is the most evidence, include:

1. Reducing menstrual pain. Several studies have linked chamomile tea to reduced severity of menstrual cramps. A 2010 study, for example, found that consuming chamomile tea for a month could reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. Women in the study also reported less anxiety and distress associated with period pain.

2. Treating diabetes and lowering blood sugar. Again, some studies have found that chamomile tea can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Research does not show that chamomile is a viable substitute for diabetes medications, but it may be a helpful supplement to existing treatments. Similarly, a 2008 study of rats found that consistent consumption of chamomile tea might prevent blood sugar from increasing. This effect reduces the long-term risk of diabetes complications, suggesting that chamomile could improve diabetes outcomes.

3. Slowing or preventing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the progressive loss of bone density. This loss increases the risk of broken bones and stooped posture. While anyone can develop osteoporosis, it is most common among post-menopausal women. This tendency may be due to the effects of estrogen. A 2004 studyTrusted Source found that chamomile tea might have anti-estrogenic effects. It also helped promote bone density, but the studys authors caution that further research is needed to prove this apparent benefit.

4. Reducing inflammation. Inflammation is an immune system reaction to fight infection. Chamomile tea contains chemical compounds that may reduce inflammationTrusted Source. However, long-term inflammation is linked to a wide range of health problems, including hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal pain, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and even depression.

5. Cancer treatment and prevention. Some studies suggest that chamomile tea may target cancer cells, or even prevent those cells from developing in the first place. However, research so far is inconclusive, and scientists say more work is needed to prove chamomiles anti-cancer claims. Also, most research has looked at clinical models in animals, not humans. A 2012 studyTrusted Source compared the cancer-fighting powers of marigold and chamomile teas. Both were able to target cancer tumors selectively, but the effects of marigold tea were more potent.

6. Helping with sleep and relaxation. Chamomile tea is widely thought to help people relax and fall asleep. Few clinical trials have tested this, however. In one review of the current evidence, 10 of 12 cardiovascular patientsTrusted Source are quoted as having fallen asleep shortly after consuming chamomile tea. A handful of other studies looking at clinical models also suggest that chamomile tea may help people relax. In a study using rats, chamomile extract helped sleep-disturbed rodents fall asleep. Many researchers believe that chamomile tea may function like a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs that can reduce anxiety and induce sleep. Some research suggests that chamomile binds to benzodiazepine receptors. A review looking at the ability of chamomile tea to reduce anxietyTrusted Source is inconclusive. Some studies show a modest anti-anxiety benefit, but others do not.

7. Treating cold symptoms. Anecdotal evidence and some studiesTrusted Source suggest that inhaling steam with chamomile extract can relieve some of the symptoms of the common cold. But this benefit is not proven yet.

8. Treatment for mild skin conditions. A small 1987Trusted Source study found that applying chamomile extract directly to a wound assisted healing. Likewise, a few studiesTrusted Source have found that chamomile ointments may help with eczema and mild inflammatory skin conditions, although they are not as effective as hydrocortisone cream.