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Chamomile Tea
What is chamomile tea?
Chamomile tea is an herbal tea (tisane) made from the flower of the chamomile plant,
which is related to the daisy. Chamomile tea is one of the most popular of the
herbal teas, which are technically not "true" teas because they're made with herbs,
rather than leaves from the tea plant.
The name "chamomile"
The name "chamomile" (often also spelled "camomile") is of Greek origin. It comes
from a phrase meaning "ground apple." One whiff of chamomile and you'll know why:
it smells and tastes a bit a like apple.
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In fact, the Spanish word for chamomile, "manzanilla," means "small apple."
History of chamomile
The first known usage of chamomile was in ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians
would drink chamomile beverages for a variety of ailments, including intestinal
disorders and colds. The ancient Egyptians would also use chamomile to embalm the
dead, and they would often make offerings of chamomile to their gods.
The ancient Romans were also known to use chamomile. Romans drank chamomile as
a beverage and they also used it as an incense.
Types of chamomile
There are two general types of chamomile: German chamomile and Roman chamomile.
It should be noted that Roman chamomile was named thus not by the Romans themselves,
but by 19th century scientists who discovered this variety of chamomile growing
in a field in Rome.
German chamomile is the milder of the two, and is the type most people enjoy as
chamomile tea. It is also sometimes known as Wild Chamomile or Hungarian Chamomile.
German chamomile is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but it has been successfully
introduced to Australia and North America. Its scientific name is Matricaria recutita.
Roman chamomile is also sometimes known as Roman camomile, chamomile, garden camomile
or low chamomile. It grows in Europe, North Africa and North America. Roman chamomile
is not used as often as German chamomile is for drinking, but it is sometimes used
cosmetically as a hair rinse for blondes, and its oil is also used in aromatherapy.
Medicinal uses of chamomile
Like so many other herbal teas, chamomile is know to us today because it has been
used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Chamomile tea has been used to aid with
numerous medical complaints, including colds, upset stomach and insomnia.
Today, chamomile tea's relaxing, soothing properties and lack of caffeine make it
a favorite bedtime drink for many.
Although studies still have to be done to determine with greater accuracy its medicinal
qualities, chamomile tea is still used throughout many areas of the world for intestinal
and stomach disorders and spasms, as a sleep aid, and as a preventative of colds.
And many people enjoy chamomile tea simply for its delightful, crisp apple-like
flavor.
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