Chamomile: The Apple on the Ground

Chamomile's name is a description. From the Greek khamai, on the ground, and melon, apple. Ground apple, for a low-growing plant that smells like one.

What it is

Chamomile isn't a single plant but a name shared by several daisy-like species in the Asteraceae family. Two show up in herbal practice: German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

The history goes deep. Egyptians dedicated chamomile to Ra on account of its bright yellow center. Romans used it to flavor drinks and burned it as incense. It is one of the most widely used botanicals on earth and has been for thousands of years.

Taste and smoke

Gentle, slightly sweet and floral, with that apple-and-hay character the name promises. The smoke is soft. Of everything we blend with, chamomile is among the least demanding.

What to pair it with

Lavender, for something more floral and more intense. Spearmint, for a brighter, sharper blend. Its sweetness is mild enough that it rarely fights anything.

In our blends

Chamomile is in Dream Worker, with blue lotus, licorice root, mugwort, mullein, sage and spearmint. Also as a loose blend.

Tea Tokes blends are tobacco-free and nicotine-free. 21+.