To make wild chamomile tea, you simply infuse the flowers and leaves in hot water, similar to preparing any other herbal tea.
Steps to Making Wild Chamomile Tea:
- Gather your chamomile: Harvest fresh wild chamomile flowers and leaves. You can also use dried chamomile.
- Boil water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil.
- Cool slightly: Let the boiling water cool for a minute or two. This prevents scorching the delicate chamomile flowers.
- Infuse: Place the chamomile flowers and leaves in a teapot or mug. A general guideline is about 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile or 2-4 teaspoons of fresh chamomile per cup of water. Adjust to taste.
- Pour water: Pour the slightly cooled boiling water over the chamomile.
- Steep: Allow the tea to steep for at least 5 minutes, or longer if you prefer a stronger flavor. Experiment to find your ideal steeping time.
- Strain: Strain the tea to remove the flowers and leaves.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy! You can add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
Tips for the Best Wild Chamomile Tea:
- Quality matters: Use high-quality, fresh or properly dried chamomile for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Dosage is personal: Adjust the amount of chamomile you use based on your preference for strength.
- Experiment: Try different steeping times to find the perfect balance of flavor and aroma for your taste.
- Harvesting responsibly: If harvesting wild chamomile, be mindful of the environment and only take what you need, leaving plenty for the plant to regenerate and for wildlife. Ensure you have correctly identified the plant before consuming it.
