The herb commonly brewed as a tea to promote sleep and relaxation is chamomile. The infusion is usually made from the dried flower heads of German chamomile or Roman chamomile, both daisy-like plants in the Asteraceae family.
Chamomile has been used in herbal traditions for centuries, and its name comes from the Greek word chamaimēlon, meaning “earth-apple,” a reference to the flowers’ apple-like scent. The flowers contain compounds such as apigenin, bisabolol, and chamazulene, which help explain the plant’s fragrance and continued interest in traditional medicine.
Chamomile tea is widely associated with calm and bedtime routines, but that reputation is stronger than the clinical evidence. Some reviews suggest it may improve overall sleep quality or reduce nighttime awakenings, while evidence for treating insomnia remains limited. Chamomile can also trigger reactions in people allergic to ragweed and may interact with anticoagulants.