How to Dry Chamomile Flowers?

For some, chamomile evokes a bitter herbal tea (some refer to it as chamomile tea), but it is far more interesting than it seems and renowned for its many benefits. To begin with, it's important to note that there isn't just one single type of chamomile. In fact, there are three medicinal plants bearing the name chamomile. They belong to different botanical genera, though all three are part of the large Asteraceae family.

We have:

- Roman Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile, perhaps the most well-known and the first that comes to mind;

- German Chamomile, Matricaria recutita, also called Wild Chamomile or Scented Mayweed;

- Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium (or Chrysanthemum parthenium), also known as Bachelor's Buttons.

These three plants have distinct properties, though the first two are relatively similar. Therefore, it's essential to determine which chamomile you're looking for before correctly identifying the plant you wish to use. Additionally, harvesting and drying the flowers mainly concern the first two: Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. With Feverfew, it's primarily the leaves that are used.

Chamaemelum nobile (photo Mélanie Show), Matricaria recutita and Tanacetum parthenium

When to Harvest Chamomile Flowers?

Chamomiles bloom for several months, typically from May to September. The flowers should be harvested when they have just bloomed and are fully open.

You can make multiple harvests, as picking them progressively during the flowering period will allow the plant to replenish its reserves.

As always, for harvesting, choose a dry day to facilitate drying and prevent mould growth, and a sunny one to maximise the active compounds.

Some may also advise picking the flowers preferably in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, to preserve their aroma.

How to Harvest and Dry Chamomile Flowers?

There are two drying techniques, one applicable to all three chamomiles, the other more suited to Feverfew. In both cases, drying chamomile takes about a week.

• Either you pick the flowers one by one and dry them flat on a cloth or tray in a cool, dry place away from light;
• Or you make bouquets of fully bloomed flowers—which is quite easy with Feverfew—and hang them upside down in a dark place, which will undoubtedly add a rustic touch to your home. Once thoroughly dry, you can then detach the flowers.

You can also dry them in a dehydrator. Spread the flowers in a single layer on the tray and let them dry for 1 to 4 hours, checking every 30 minutes. In the oven at the lowest temperature, drying will take a few hours, depending on the oven, with regular checks. Lastly, chamomile can be dried in a microwave. Place the flowers between two sheets of absorbent paper and dry for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the power. Check every 30 seconds until completely dry.

Dried flowers take on a slight ivory hue. If they turn brown, discard them.

Drying flowers in hanging bouquets

How to Store Chamomile Flowers?

Once the flowers are thoroughly dry—meaning they crumble between your fingers—you can store chamomile in an airtight container, well protected from moisture.

Stored this way, chamomile flowers can last for several months. Remember to label your containers, especially if you're drying flowers from different chamomile varieties. Otherwise, you might struggle to tell them apart later.

Uses

To extract the active compounds from chamomile, as with most flowers, the infusion method is used, which involves pouring boiling water over the dried plant.

Generally, use one teaspoon of dried Roman or German chamomile flower heads per cup. Or dried leaves for Feverfew.

However, those allergic to Asteraceae should take precautions, as reactions are possible. Interactions with certain medications may also occur, so consult a professional if needed.

Indications

Roman Chamomile & German Chamomile

Let's start with the properties of Roman Chamomile (or Noble Chamomile) and German Chamomile (or Matricaria), which are relatively similar.

Both can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.

Oral Use

As a herbal tea, chamomile is commonly used to soothe digestive discomfort. It may help alleviate bloating, flatulence, belching, and other digestive issues.

German Chamomile may also stimulate appetite.

Topical Use

Roman and German Chamomile have soothing and antipruritic properties on the skin, meaning they can help relieve itching. They may also aid in healing scrapes, chapped skin, cracks, and insect bites.

Irritated eyes can also benefit from the calming properties of these two chamomiles.

Note: For this use, preparation must be meticulous to ensure a safe solution.

While infusing the flowers is customary, here it's better to boil them for one to two minutes. Then turn off the heat and let them steep before thoroughly filtering to remove all particles. Wait until completely cooled—you wouldn’t want to burn your eyes!—before soaking a cotton pad or soft, clean cloth and gently placing it over your eyelids.

Lastly, German Chamomile (Matricaria) is reputed to lighten hair and is often found in shampoos designed for this purpose.

Feverfew

The properties of this plant differ significantly from those we've just discussed.

Here, it's not the flowers that are used but the aerial parts—primarily the leaves.

Feverfew infusions may help relieve migraines and other headaches. They may also be used for painful menstruation.

In Conclusion

Always exercise extreme caution when using plants. If you're using them for medicinal purposes, consulting a specialist is strongly advised.

Moreover, particularly with chamomiles due to the confusing common names, it's crucial to be rigorous in plant identification and refer to Latin names.