Whole Leaf Chamomile (Bulk)

Whole chamomile flowers are best steeped for 5 to 7 minutes in water just at or below boiling, around 200–212°F (93–100°C). Whole flowers retain more volatile essential oils than the broken pieces in commercial tea bags, so they may require a slightly longer steep to fully extract flavor.

Store whole chamomile flowers in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture—properly stored, they can retain flavor and potency for up to a year. Avoid plastic containers, which can impart off-flavors and do not seal as effectively against humidity.

Whole chamomile flowers retain more of their volatile essential oils because they have not been crushed into the fine fannings used in commercial tea bags. This results in a richer, more complex flavor profile and potentially higher levels of beneficial compounds like bisabolol and apigenin.

A general guideline is 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried whole chamomile flowers per 8 ounces of water, adjusted to taste. Since whole flowers are bulkier than finely cut chamomile, you will need a larger volume per cup than you would with a standard tea bag blend.