Chamomile (Dried)
Chamomile is an apple-scented flower brewed as a calming evening tea, rich in the flavonoid apigenin that supports relaxation and sleep.
Nutrition · per ~2 g serving · ≈ a pinch
- Vitamin A12.0 iu<1% DV
- Vitamin C0.12 mg<1% DV
- Iron0.16 mg<1% DV
- Calcium5.6 mg<1% DV
- Magnesium1.8 mg<1% DV
- Potassium16.0 mg<1% DV
- Polyphenols~3.0 mg
Score · 80/100
Vitamins & minerals packed in relative to calories — the single biggest driver of the score.
How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Fat quality — unsaturated vs saturated, and trans-fat free.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds for this food group.
Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best — gentler on blood sugar.
- Iron44% DV
- Calcium22% DV
- Magnesium21% DV
- Potassium17% DV
- Vitamin C7% DV
Overview
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), the German species most used for tea, is a small daisy-like flower with a sweet, apple-like aroma that has been brewed as a soothing medicinal infusion across Europe and the Middle East for thousands of years. Its calming reputation rests largely on apigenin, a flavonoid that binds benzodiazepine and GABA receptors in the brain to produce mild sedative and anxiety-easing effects, the basis for chamomile's long use as a sleep aid. The flower also contains bisabolol and chamazulene from its volatile oil, terpenes with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, plus additional antioxidant flavonoids. Dried chamomile supplies small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, but as a tea it is consumed in modest quantities. Steeped at about a tablespoon of flower heads per cup and covered to trap the volatiles, it yields a gentle, lightly honeyed brew often combined with lavender or lemon balm. Beyond tea, the infusion flavors syrups and poached fruit. Chamomile's value is its calming, anti-inflammatory bioactives and its place as a gentle evening ritual rather than nutrition.
Health Benefits (3)
- Promotes relaxation and sleepmoderateApigenin binds GABA-A and benzodiazepine receptors, producing mild sedative and anxiolytic effects that support sleep onset
- Reduces inflammationlimitedBisabolol and chamazulene inhibit inflammatory mediators and soothe mucosal tissue
- Soothes digestive upsetlimitedVolatile oils relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle, easing spasm and discomfort, a long-standing carminative use
Food Pairings
- ·Pair with honey because its sweetness rounds the flower's delicate apple note
- ·Combine with lavender or lemon balm because the three reinforce a calming bedtime infusion
- ·Use with lemon because a squeeze brightens the soft floral tea
Practical Tips
- ·Choose whole dried flower heads over crushed dust, as they hold aroma better
- ·Cover the cup and steep five to ten minutes to retain the volatile oils; avoid boiling the flowers
- ·Store airtight away from light and use within a year
Optimal Timing
Chamomile is best as an evening tea, where apigenin supports calm and easier sleep.
Brewed as tea it adds negligible calories and is fasting-compatible.
Concerns
- · Processed meat (WHO Group 1 carcinogen)
Systems supported
body systems this food feedsPathways supported
biochemical reactions enabled by this foodCompared to other herbs & spices
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower chamomile (dried) is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
What people ask about chamomile (dried)
What is chamomile (dried)?
Chamomile (Dried) is classified as a herbs & spices. Chamomile is an apple-scented flower brewed as a calming evening tea, rich in the flavonoid apigenin that supports relaxation and sleep.
Is chamomile (dried) healthy?
Chamomile (Dried) scores 80/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Iron, Calcium, Magnesium. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Is chamomile (dried) high in protein?
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Is chamomile (dried) high in fiber?
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.6 g of fiber (~2% of the 28 g daily value).
Is chamomile (dried) keto-friendly?
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.6 g of net carbs (1.2 g total minus 0.6 g fiber).
When is the best time to eat chamomile (dried)?
Best in the evening. Chamomile is best as an evening tea, where apigenin supports calm and easier sleep.
How much chamomile (dried) should I eat?
A typical serving is around 2 g (~6 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating chamomile (dried) alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
What pairs well with chamomile (dried)?
Chamomile (Dried) pairs nicely with: Pair with honey because its sweetness rounds the flower's delicate apple note; Combine with lavender or lemon balm because the three reinforce a calming bedtime infusion; Use with lemon because a squeeze brightens the soft floral tea.
Are there any concerns with eating chamomile (dried)?
Processed meat (WHO Group 1 carcinogen).
Supplements that mirror Chamomile (Dried)'s nutrient profile
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients chamomile (dried) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
Signature nutrients in Chamomile (Dried)
These are the nutrients chamomile (dried)contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.