5 Delicious Ways to Indulge with Fresh Chamomile

56 Shares

If you are a part of our email subscriber list you already know we have some BIG changes that are coming to the site over the next couple of months and I am so excited to finally share the first of them with you today! My dear friend Sabrina of Vigor and Sage (AKA: the big green birthday party co-host) is bringing her expertise on health, wellness and authentic living to B&B with an inspiring series all about edible flowers. Every few weeks this spring and summer we will be bringing you a different flower and loads of recipe inspiration along with our favorite floral inspired products so you too can infuse your world with edible botanicals! -Meg

Hi B&B readers, it's Sabrina of Vigor and Sage and I am so excited to be here with you today! Spring is here and I'm not complaining about it. I love the feeling of growth and renewal associated with this season. It feels like a great time to slow down and reflect, noticing the little things and allowing yourself to bloom unhurriedly. My attention has been on doing less with more focus, and being very mindful about where I spend my energy. Its such a good feeling when I can spend my time with friends and still feel like I've had a productive day. Post preschool drop off lately has found me and my 9-month old daughter Vera posted up at the local coffeehouse with Meg chatting away about what it means to really live intuitively and how to invest in our own personal growth. These conversations quickly evolved into a natural collaboration, one that continues to grow and blossom. Taking a cue from nature we've decided to dive into the healing art of edible flowers. From delicious recipes to simple self-care rituals, we will be combining both of our strengths and passions to share different ways you can enjoy nature's bounty.

On a recent trip to the local farmers market, Meg turned me on to a farmer who was selling bunches of fresh chamomile. Already pretty obsessed with edible flowers, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on some. I kind of freaked out! Honestly, I was giddy with excitement! These daisy like gems are just delightful, so light and sweet. And let me tell you.. waking up to the smell of fresh chamomile is divine! We made it a point to hit him up again the following week, grabbed at least three more beautiful bunches each and haven't stopped swapping recipe ideas since! Obsessed much? It's hard not to be.

Chamomile flowers are a great way to brighten up a gloomy day and they smell gorgeous but there's more to this plant than meets the eye. You may recognize chamomile as an herbal tea used to encourage restful sleep. That's because it has mild sedative effects which can also help ease stress and anxiety. Even just smelling chamomile can help release tension and ward of feelings of depression. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which means drinking chamomile tea regularly may help increase your immune system, reduce colds and fight against infection. Known to calm muscle spasms chamomile has been used for ages as a natural and effective way to soothe an upset stomach and may even be helpful in reducing the discomfort of menstrual cramps.

There are so many medicinal uses for chamomile, from topical to edible. Just to get you started, we're sharing five delicious ways you can enjoy the gentle healing properties of this sweet little herb.

1. Chamomile Steamer

Whether you are looking to wind down after a long day at the office or are just trying to limit your caffeine intake, but still crave a creamy latte this Chamomile Steamer is for you. All you need is a french press a handful of buds and warm plant based milk for a fresh, creamy sip that will warm you through and through.

2. Chamomile Citrus Italian Cream Soda

Homemade sodas are a super simple treat without the crazy amount of sugar and caffeine in traditional soft drinks. Don't let the easy recipe fool you, this delicate blend of chamomile and orange will have you feeling fancy as you kick back and relax into Spring.

3. Chamomile Tisane: Quite possibly the easiest cup of tea you will ever brew! Delightful, light and sweet floral flavor notes that have the ability to mellow your mood within a few sips. Simply place ¼ cup fresh chamomile buds into a tea strainer, cover with water heated to 200°F and steep for 3-5 minutes. We love the naturally sweet tones of this tea all by itself, but feel free to drizzle in a little chamomile citrus simple syrup, agave or honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter sip.

4. Chamomile and Caramelized Honey Macarons by A Cookie Named Desire

When we were researching chamomile and creative ways to use it we found ourselves really inspired by these beautiful macarons! These gluten free cookies may take a bit more effort than a chamomile steamer or a tea, but they would be so worth it.

5. Chamomile Digestive Bitters from Urban Moonshine

We first tried these digestive bitters at Expo West last month when our tummies were feeling a bit uneasy from all of the sampling we had been subjecting ourselves too. Admittedly, we were skeptical that they would work, but after a small shot our tummies calmed down and we were turned on to the world of digestive bitters. According to Urban Moonshine these Chamomile Digestive Bitters are also great for occasional heartburn and morning sickness during pregnancy and the high ginger content in this formula makes it effective for occasional nausea.

[mc4wp_form id="7635"]