Chamomile is one of the most recognized and used herbs in the western world. Many people think of it first for anxiety and insomnia, but it’s far more than a gentle nervine. From tea and tinctures to salves and soap, chamomile’s versatility and aroma have long-been welcomed into our lives.

To read about chamomile’s use throughout the ages, read this article or stop by The Herbarium for an in-depth plant monograph. Check out the links below for 23 ways to use chamomile in many different applications – not just tea!

Chamomile for Kids

Healthy, Homemade Herbal Kool-Aid for Kids

Kids love this summer drink. It tastes like fruit punch, but unlike its sugary counterpart, it is full of nutrient-rich herbs, including chamomile. Get the recipe here: http://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/flowerchild-refreshment-tea-healthy-homemade-herbal-kool-aid-alternative/

High-C Herbal Ice Pops

Tame summer heat with these frozen herbal pops for kids. Take heart knowing that you’re offering a tasty, nutritious treat, without the unwanted ingredients in most store-bought popsicles. Make a few extras for mom and dad, too! http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/05/put-the-healthy-back-into-summer-with-high-c-herbal-ice-pops/

Throat-Soothing Chamomile Ginger Popsicles with Lemon and Honey

Summer colds and sore throats are a bummer for kids (and adults too). Try this easy and delicious recipe for a ginger and chamomile throat-soothing popsicle. http://portandfin.com/throat-soothing-chamomile-ginger-popsicles-with-lemon-and-honey/

Herbal Sock Bath with Chamomile and Other Herbs

Herbal baths are making a comeback for kids and adults alike. Check out these instructions for assembling your own herbal bath sock, along with suggestions on what herbs you might want to include. This makes another great project to do with kids. http://herbalacademyofne.com/2015/03/how-to-make-a-childs-herbal-sock-bath/

Chamomile in the Kitchen

Chamo-berry Banana Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to get more fruit into your diet. A new twist on an old standby, this smoothie–made with chamomile–will delight your taste buds. Here’s the recipe for this summer-inspired treat. http://herbalacademyofne.com/2013/07/chamomile-herbs-we-love-for-summer/

Chamomile Latte

This latte is a delightful way to enjoy a cup of chamomile before bed, or any other time you want it or need a little relaxation. The herbal blend can be mixed ahead of time, so it’s ready when you want a cup. Find the recipe and directions here: http://returntothegarden.blogspot.com/2012/03/chamomile-latte.html

Chamomile Flower Tea Cookies

When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I immediately got to work in my kitchen and whipped up a batch. I can vouch for their deliciousness! Easy to make and a perfect cookie to enjoy with a glass of iced tea! http://www.growingupherbal.com/chamomile-flower-tea-cookies/

Chamomile for Healing, Relieving Stress, and Easing Pain

Home Remedy for Pink Eye

Looking for something natural to use for pink eye? Chamomile is the traditional go-to herb we reach for when dealing with this troublesome infection. Learn how to use chamomile to help the eyes and get other practical advice here. http://gwens-nest.com/home-remedy-for-pink-eye/

Healing Salve

This “aches and pain” salve recipe uses Roman chamomile essential oil. If you’re new to salve making, you’ll appreciate the step-by-step instructions in this post: http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/01/how-to-make-a-healing-salve/

Chamomile for Toothache Relief

Nip tooth pain in the bud with the herbal recipes that follow. You may even consider including some of these remedies in your herbal first aid kit. http://herbalacademyofne.com/2015/02/9-herbal-remedies-for-a-toothache/

Cough-B-Gone Tea

Long used for treating headaches associated with colds and the flu, chamomile is a good herb to keep in your apothecary. Here are ten recipes you can make so you’re ready for the upcoming cold and flu season, three of which include chamomile: http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/09/ten-homemade-herbal-teas-for-cold-and-flu-season/

Tummy Tea

Chamomile blends well with many other herbs to give us even more benefits. In this article about mints, you’ll learn how chamomile aids with digestions problems. This Tummy Tea recipe is wonderful for stomach aches and restlessness. There are other mint recipes you might want to try as well! http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/07/herbal-remedies-the-medicinal-mint-family/

Quick and Easy Itch-Relief Recipe

As much as we all love summer, we can’t always escape the “itches” that come from bug bites or run-ins with troublesome plants. Here’s a homemade calamine lotion you can make and keep on hand for just such problems. http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/05/natural-itch-relief-recipe/

Chamomile Herbal Steam for Allergy Relief

Have allergies? Itchy eyes and a stuffy nose? Check out these recipes and instructions for herbal eyewashes and steams, along with a number of other suggestions for dealing with allergies. http://herbalacademyofne.com/2015/06/natural-allergy-relief-nasal-rinses-eye-washes-herbal-steams/

Chamomile for Sunburn-Relief

Summer sunshine can sometimes come with downside—a hot, painful sunburn. Here are eleven different recipes for mists and baths that can help relieve the discomfort of a sunburn. http://simplelifemom.com/…/02/homemade-sunburn-remedies/

How to Use Chamomile to Reduce Stress

Get tips and recipes for using chamomile to calm frayed nerves. http://herbalacademyofne.com/2014/06/how-to-use-chamomile-to-reduce-stress/

Chamomile Burn Salve

Chamomile salve is a quick and easy way to soothe burns. It’s equally effective as a way to quiet “butterflies” in a nervous tummy. Find the instructions for making a salve and a calming tea here: http://oneashplantation.blogspot.com/2014/08/chamomile-for-burns-and-churns.html

Moon Time Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has been a woman’s ally herb for centuries. This article explains how and why women turn to this gentle herb for help. http://mamarosemary.com/blog/2011/11/11/moon-time-chamomile-bittersweet-change

Chamomile for Your Hair and Skin

Chamomile Hair Rinse

Making your own herbal hair rinses can help you avoid the questionable hair ingredients found in many commercial products. No matter your hair type or color, you’ll find a recipe here that works for you. The recipes are simple and are made with easy-to-find ingredients. http://simplelifemom.com/…/10-herbal-organic-hair-rinses/

Chamomile-Infused Coconut Oil

Combine the benefits of coconut and chamomile in this easy-to-make moisturizer. http://www.pistachioproject.com/2013/06/chamomile-infused-coconut-oil.html

Soapwort Shampoo and Body Wash

Soapwort shampoo and body wash is a simple recipe you can make at home. Add in herbs like chamomile for added benefits. http://herbalacademyofne.com/2015/04/natural-soapwort-shampoo-and-body-wash/

Honeybee Chamomile Lotion Bars

Get ready for the months ahead when cold weather leaves us with chapped, dry and cracking skin. These lotion bars are easy to make and a boon for troubled skin. Look for a chamomile and calendula-infused oil recipe here, too. http://mamarosemary.com/blog/2014/12/15/honey-bee-chamomile-lotion-bars

Four Herbal Skin Toners

Chamomile conditions the skin and reduces puffy eyes. Even better, you probably have the three ingredients this recipes calls for on hand. http://simplelifemom.com/2012/11/04/4-herbal-skin-toners/