Chamomile has been used through the centuries to promote relaxation and stress relief. It contains substances that interact with the brain and central nervous system in a fashion similar to anti-anxiety drugs. It is also widely known to control insomnia. It has mildly sedating and muscle-relaxing properties that help insomnia sufferers fall asleep easier.
In order to be effective, it is not required that chamomile be used on a regular basis. It provides immediate relief for restlessness and sleeplessness. Ingested in the form of tea, which is made from the dried flowers, it is best when steeped for about five minutes in boiling water, then sipped 30-45 minutes before retiring to bed.
The dried flowers and leaves are most often packaged as tea. It can be bought both as bags of tea and in bulk packages. Grocery stores commonly carry chamomile tea in boxes containing a number of individual bags.