What to do with chamomile leaves: 10 proven uses
What to do with chamomile leaves : you can use them to prepare soothing herbal teas, incorporate them in cooking as a mild spice, integrate them into homemade skin care or add them to a relaxing bath.
According to a study published in Molecular Medicine Reports () [1], chamomile extracts contain active flavonoids—including apigenin— that exert measurable anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects. The leaves, often overlooked in favor of the flowers, also contain these compounds at useful concentrations.
- Relaxing herbal tea: the infused leaves calm the nervous system.
- Culinary use: they flavor salads, soups and marinades.
- Skin care: as a compress or lotion, they soothe irritations.
- Soothing bath: added to hot water, they relax the muscles.
- Natural gardening: they repel certain harmful insects.
1. Preparing an herbal tea: the easiest way to know what to do with chamomile leaves
Infusion remains the number one way to enjoy chamomile leaves. Pour 250 ml of simmering water (90°C maximum) over 2 to 3 g of dried leaves. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain.
This method preserves the flavonoids without denaturing the volatile compounds. You can add a spoonful of honey to soften the slightly grassy flavor.
To learn more about the optimal dosage, consult our guide to chamomile herbal tea: how much per day.
2. Using the leaves in cooking: a little-known use
What can you do with chamomile leaves in cooking? They can be used as a mild aromatic herb, similar in taste to Roman chamomile. Chop them finely and add them to a vinaigrette, a cold soup, or a compound butter.
Their slightly aniseed and floral flavor enhances white fish dishes or summer salads. Use them fresh for a more pronounced aroma.
- Chamomile and lemon vinaigrette
- Compound butter with fresh leaves
- Culinary infusion for poaching fish
- Spring salad garnish
- Mild marinade for poultry
3. Homemade skincare: what to do with chamomile leaves to soothe irritations
What can you do with chamomile leaves to take care of your skin? Prepare a concentrated infusion (5 g per 100 ml of water), let it cool, then apply as a compress to red or irritated areas for 10 minutes.
Apigenin and luteolin present in the leaves inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, according to a review published in the Journal of Natural Products ( ) [3].
For detailed advice on eye applications, read our article on how to use chamomile for the eyes.
4. Relaxing bath with chamomile leaves
Fill a muslin bag with 50g of dried leaves and hang it under the hot water tap. The water will become infused with active ingredients as the bath fills.
This bath soothes muscle tension and promotes relaxation before bedtime. Many readers report that this method significantly improves the quality of their sleep.
If you are hesitating between several plants for sleep, our comparison of verbena or chamomile for sleep will help you choose.
5. What can be done with chamomile leaves to promote sleep?
Chamomile is one of the most studied plants for its effects on sleep. Apigenin binds to GABA-A receptors in the brain, producing a mild sedative effect.
A clinical study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing () [4] showed that regular consumption of chamomile extract improved sleep quality in 80% of participants after four weeks.
To understand the full mechanism, read Does chamomile make you sleepy? What science says.
6. Hair lotion: a surprising use for chamomile leaves
What can you do with chamomile leaves to care for your hair? Prepare a strong infusion (10 g per 200 ml), strain, and let it cool. Use this liquid as a final rinse after shampooing.
The flavonoids and tannins in the leaves strengthen the hair fiber and add golden highlights to light hair. Repeat twice a week for visible results in one month.
- Shine rinse for blonde hair
- Gentle anti-dandruff treatment
- Light natural detangler
- Soothing lotion for sensitive scalps
7. Natural repellent in the garden: what to do with chamomile leaves to protect your crops
Chamomile leaves contain volatile compounds that repel aphids and some mites. Steep 100g of fresh leaves in 1 liter of cold water for 24 hours, strain, and spray on your plants.
This solution is non-toxic to bees and pollinators. It can be applied every five days during periods of infestation.
To optimize your harvest, consult our guide on when to pick chamomile.
8. Steam inhalation: what to do with chamomile leaves for respiratory issues
Pour 5g of dried leaves into a bowl of very hot water. Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. This method clears nasal passages and soothes irritated mucous membranes.
The NCCIH [2] recognizes the traditional use of chamomile to relieve symptoms of the common cold and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.
- Nasal decongestion for colds
- Soothing mild sinusitis
- Hydration of mucous membranes in winter
9. Digestive compress: to relieve gastric discomfort
What can you do with chamomile leaves for digestive comfort? Drink a cup of warm chamomile tea after meals. The terpenes in the leaves relax the smooth muscles of the intestines.
EFSAmild gastrointestinal spasms and bloating as part of its medicinal plant assessment program.
You can also apply a warm compress soaked in herbal tea to the abdomen for 15 minutes for a local antispasmodic effect.
10. Drying and storage: preparing your chamomile leaves all year round
To enjoy the benefits of chamomile leaves out of season, dry them properly. Pick the leafy stems in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, and hang them in small bunches in a dry, well-ventilated place.
Drying takes 7 to 14 days depending on the ambient humidity. Then store the leaves in an airtight glass jar, away from light. They will retain their properties for 12 months.
To find out when to harvest, read our article on when to plant chamomile for a successful harvest.
German chamomile vs Roman chamomile: what's the difference in the leaves?
Both species are used similarly, but their profiles differ. German chamomile has thinner, more aromatic leaves. Roman chamomile produces fleshier leaves with a slightly bitter taste.
To avoid confusing these plants with the common daisy, consult our guide chamomile or daisy: how to easily distinguish them.
| Use | German chamomile | Roman chamomile |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxing herbal tea | Very effective (strong aroma) | Effective (more bitter taste) |
| Kitchen | Sweet aniseed flavor | More pronounced flavor |
| Skin care | Excellent (anti-inflammatory) | Good (soothing) |
| Relaxing bath | Very suitable | Very suitable |
| Garden repellent | Effective | Less documented |
| Inhalation | Recommended | Usable |
Precautions and contraindications to be aware of
How can you safely use chamomile leaves? Follow a few essential rules. People allergic to plants in the Asteraceae should avoid all internal and external use.
- Pregnancy: avoid high doses internally (potential uterotonic effect).
- Anticoagulants: Chamomile may potentiate the effect of warfarin.
- Allergy to Asteraceae: absolute contraindication.
- Children under 3 years old: consult a pediatrician before use.
- Sedatives: possible additive effect with benzodiazepines.
If you are looking for an alternative for sleep, our comparison of linden or chamomile for sleep presents other suitable options.
What to do with chamomile leaves harvested from the garden: a practical step-by-step guide
Do you grow your own chamomile? Here's how to make the most of every part of the plant, including the leaves, without wasting anything.
- Harvest the leaves before full flowering for maximum content of active ingredients.
- Rinse gently with cold water to remove dust and insects.
- Dry on a rack or hang in bunches for 10 days.
- Store in an airtight jar labeled with the harvest date.
- Use within 12 months to retain all properties.
- Compost the leftovers: chamomile leaves enrich the compost with nitrogen.
- What to do with chamomile leaves first? Prepare an herbal tea with 2 to 3 g of dried leaves for an immediate relaxing effect.
- What can be done with chamomile leaves for the skin? A compress of concentrated infusion soothes redness and irritation in 10 minutes.
- What to do with chamomile leaves in the garden? Use them in an aqueous infusion as a natural repellent against aphids.
- What can you do with chamomile leaves in cooking? Chop them finely to flavor vinaigrettes, soups and fish marinades.
- What can you do with chamomile leaves for sleep? Drink a cup of infusion 30 minutes before bedtime to promote sleep thanks to apigenin.
Frequently asked questions about what to do with chamomile leaves
Can chamomile leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, fresh chamomile leaves are edible raw. Add them in small quantities to a salad for their floral flavor. Avoid large quantities raw to prevent digestive irritation.
What to do with dried chamomile leaves?
What can you do with dried chamomile leaves? You can infuse them into herbal tea, add them to aromatic herb blends, use them for inhalation, or add them to a relaxing bath. They will keep for 12 months in an airtight container.
Do chamomile leaves have the same properties as the flowers?
The flowers have a higher concentration of essential oils, particularly chamazulene. The leaves contain flavonoids in useful quantities, but their therapeutic potential is slightly lower than that of the flower heads.
What can be done with chamomile leaves for swollen eyes?
Prepare a cooled infusion, soak two cotton pads in it, and place them on your closed eyelids for 10 minutes. The anti-inflammatory effect of the flavonoids reduces swelling and redness.
How many chamomile leaves are needed for an herbal tea?
Use 2 to 3 g of dried leaves (about a heaped teaspoon) for 250 ml of water at 90 °C. Infuse for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the desired strength, then strain before drinking.
Can chamomile leaves be mixed with other plants?
Yes. Chamomile leaves pair well with verbena, linden, or lemon balm for an evening herbal tea. In cooking, they combine with tarragon and chives for mildly aromatic dishes.
What to do with fresh chamomile leaves from the garden?
What to do with fresh chamomile leaves? Use them immediately in infusions, salads, or as a garnish. If you have a large quantity, dry or freeze them for later use.
Do chamomile leaves help with anxiety?
Yes. Apigenin, found in the leaves, binds to GABA-A receptors, producing a mild anxiolytic effect. A meta-analysis published in Phytomedicine () confirms the effectiveness of chamomile on mild to moderate generalized anxiety.
Can chamomile leaves be used for babies?
No, not without prior medical advice. Children under 3 years old should not consume chamomile tea without a pediatric prescription. Consult your doctor before using it on an infant.
What can be done with chamomile leaves for hair?
Prepare a rinse with a strong infusion (10 g per 200 ml), strain, and use after shampooing. This treatment adds golden highlights to light hair and soothes sensitive or dandruff-prone scalps.
Are chamomile leaves effective against menstrual pain?
Chamomile's antispasmodic properties can relieve mild menstrual cramps. Drink two cups of chamomile leaf infusion daily during the first few days of your period. For severe pain, consult a doctor.
What can be done with chamomile leaves for the face?
What can you do with chamomile leaves for your face? Apply a cooled chamomile infusion compress to red or acne-prone areas for 10 minutes. You can also incorporate the infusion into a clay mask to enhance its soothing effect.
Key takeaways
What can you do with chamomile leaves? The possibilities are numerous and accessible to everyone: relaxing herbal tea, skincare, soothing bath, culinary use, or even as a garden repellent. These leaves, often overlooked in favor of the flowers, contain active flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects documented by science.
What can you do with chamomile leaves starting today? Begin with a simple infusion of 2 to 3 grams of dried leaves in 250 ml of hot water, 30 minutes before bedtime. This is the simplest, most tried-and-tested, and most effective way to discover the potential of this remarkable plant.
Sources and studies
- Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future — Molecular Medicine Reports,
- Chamomile — Health Information — NCCIH,
- Anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids from Matricaria chamomilla — Journal of Natural Products,
- Chamomile extract improves sleep quality in postnatal women — Journal of Advanced Nursing,
- Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to Matricaria chamomilla — EFSA,
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
