Tea and hospitality
What Is Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile “tea” is an herbal infusion made from chamomile flowers, not Camellia sinensis. It is valued for its gentle floral flavor and is naturally caffeine-free when no tea leaves are added.
A flower in the cup
Chamomile has a soft, apple-like or honeyed aroma to many drinkers. It can be served plain or with a little sweetness. Because it is an infusion, the flavor depends on the flowers, the amount used, and the steeping method.
Do not confuse a pleasant evening ritual with a proven treatment. The NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says evidence is insufficient to rate chamomile’s clinical usefulness for many promoted purposes, including limited evidence for sleep.
Read the blend and serve thoughtfully
A chamomile blend may include mint, fruit, or true tea leaf. Check the label if caffeine or allergies matter. People allergic to ragweed or related plants may react to chamomile, according to NCCIH.
For a guest, offer a clear ingredient list and let them choose. Hospitality is better served by truthful information than by a promise that a cup will heal or calm them.