Chamomile is a small flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center, famous for being made into a soothing herbal tea. The flowers smell like apples, and when you steep them in hot water, they create a gentle, slightly sweet drink that people have been enjoying for thousands of years.

Chamomile tea has a reputation for helping people relax and fall asleep, which is why parents sometimes give it to children before bedtime or when they're feeling anxious. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks all valued chamomile for its calming properties. Today, you'll find chamomile tea in nearly every grocery store, often in boxes decorated with peaceful nighttime scenes.

The plant itself grows close to the ground with feathery leaves, and it's so hardy that it can spread across lawns and fields. Some people grow chamomile in their gardens, where the flowers attract bees and butterflies. When you walk on chamomile, it releases its apple-like scent, which is why it was once planted along garden paths.

Beyond tea, chamomile appears in lotions, shampoos, and other products meant to be gentle and soothing. The word has become almost synonymous with calmness.