Chamomile Tea vs. Chamomile Broth: Which Helps More?

Kellen Day
Jun 8
3 min read

A calming cup of chamomile tea with delicate petals—an herbal companion to your soup, cleansing, and digestive wellness routine.

If you’re an herbal tea enthusiast, you’ve likely savored chamomile tea’s floral comfort. But have you tried chamomile broth—an infusion of flowers in a clear vegetable stock? In this post, we’ll compare Chamomile Tea vs Chamomile Broth, explore their gut-science–backed benefits, and help you decide which makes the better ritual. Whether you’re winding down with a mug before bed or incorporating herbs into a gentle cleansing routine, understanding these options can enhance your self-care practice.

Chamomile Tea vs Chamomile Broth: The Basics

Chamomile Tea is made by steeping dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes. It’s caffeine-free, soothing, and easy to prepare.
Chamomile Broth involves simmering chamomile flowers in a light vegetable or bone broth for 10–15 minutes, resulting in a warm, savory drink that also provides added electrolytes and amino acids.

Both deliver chamomile’s key active compounds—flavonoids like apigenin and volatile oils such as bisabolol—but the medium (water vs. broth) changes how your gut processes them.

Gut-Science–Backed Benefits

Anti-Inflammatory Action
Chamomile’s apigenin binds to inflammatory pathways in the gut, helping calm irritation. In animal studies, chamomile extracts have been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation markers by up to 40%.
Smooth Muscle Relaxation
Bisabolol and other oils act as mild antispasmodics, relaxing the digestive tract and easing cramps. One clinical review found that chamomile tea significantly decreased abdominal pain in patients with functional gut disorders.
Enhanced Nutrient Uptake with Broth
When chamomile is infused in broth, you also get minerals like potassium and magnesium plus collagen or plant-based amino acids. These support gut lining integrity and aid hydration—especially beneficial during a short soup cleansing phase.

Preparing Your Chamomile Ritual

Chamomile Tea Preparation

Boil fresh water and let it cool for 1 minute (around 200°F).
Place 1–2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a mug or infuser.
Pour hot water over the flowers and steep for 5–8 minutes.
Strain and sip slowly, ideally 30 minutes after a light meal, to maximize absorption.

Chamomile Broth Preparation

In a small pot, combine 2 cups of light vegetable or chicken broth with 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cover for 10–15 minutes.
Strain out the flowers, and season with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
Enjoy as a sipping broth between meals or as part of a gut-soothing soup blend.

Which Should You Choose?

For quick relaxation and sleep support, chamomile tea is a convenient and portable option.
For deeper gut repair and hydration, chamomile broth offers an extra nutrient boost—ideal during gut-reset phases or light soup cleansing days.
Taste preference also matters: tea highlights chamomile’s floral notes, while broth delivers a savory herbal profile.

Incorporating into Your Routine

Start with chamomile tea in the mid-afternoon to help ease stress without caffeine.
Swap in chamomile broth on slower mornings or evenings as a comforting “liquid meal.”
Combine both: sip tea after dinner and broth before bed for a full spectrum of benefits.

Key Takeaways

Chamomile tea and chamomile broth both support gut health through their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
Broth adds electrolytes and amino acids that enhance gut barrier repair.
Use tea for convenience; choose broth when you need extra nourishment or during a soup cleanse.