From Stress Relief to Sweet Dreams, Experts Say These Best Chamomile Teas Help You Unwind With Every Sip

Long before there was the viral "sleepy girl mocktail", there was the humble cup of chamomile tea. A steamy cup of the stuff can be relaxing enough to put you out like a light, hence its popularity in many sleepytime tonics and herbal blends. But its benefits extend beyond being a natural nod-off aid; research shows chamomile can soothe an upset gut, bolster immunity, and even help keep your blood sugar in check. Needless to say, it's worth keeping in your pantry.

Ready to doze off? Sip on these best chamomile teas, all expert-approved and ready for brewing.

What to look for in chamomile tea

When shopping for chamomile tea, you’ll have the choice between tea bags and loose-leafw tea. Tea bags are often more convenient, but loose-leaf tea is usually fresher and more flavorful, says Ann Ziata, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. However, she adds, “There are still high-quality bagged teas that are excellent. It is really a matter of preference.”

Experts In This Article

• Ann Ziata, chef at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City
• Christina Manian, RDN, registered dietitian

For the best quality options, also consider the ingredients. If you want to be sure that a product is truly organic, look for options with a USDA Organic seal. If you’re particular about choosing products that are ethically made, consider other relevant third-party certifications. “Any information for sourcing ingredients is very meaningful to me, especially when it comes to tea which can be procured in less than ethical ways,” says Christina Manian, RDN, registered dietitian and Well+Good contributor. Opt for picks containing tea leaves that have been sourced from a single region and no synthetic additives, adds Ziata.

Shop the best chamomile tea

Best tea bags: Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile (16 Tea Bags) — $6.00

Form: tea bags | Size: 16 and 32 tea bags | USDA Organic? yes | Fair Trade certified? no

Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile is beloved by both experts, making it our overall best pick. “It is a yummy, organic, well-sourced chamomile,” says Manian, while Ziata appreciates its simplicity. It contains only one ingredient—USDA Organic-certified chamomile flower sourced from the Nile Valley in Egypt—and no synthetic flavors or additives. Traditional Medicinals offers its Organic Chamomile in counts of 16 and 32, and in other variations such as Organic Chamomile and Lavender.