Chamomile

The key ingredient within every can of Sleep Toniq is chamomile. The first stage in production involves steeping chamomile flowers in water for over 15 hours. This enables us to gently extract its aroma and medicinal qualities, creating a chamomile tea base to which the rest of the ingredients are added.

Despite it being a fairly common nighttime drink, most people know very little about the history, uses and biology of this remarkable ingredient.

Nestled among the colourful blooms of the English countryside, the humble chamomile flower stands out as a delicate herb that has captivated human interest for centuries.

Its popular use is rooted in the ancient traditions of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The Egyptians considered chamomile to be a gift from the sun god Ra, praising the flower for its medicinal properties and use in embalming. The ancient Greeks used it to treat intestinal and digestive issues, referring to it as Chamaimēlon – meaning ‘Earth Apple’ after its subtle sweet scent. The Romans on the other hand, appreciating its calming properties, used it to calm the nerves of soldiers before battle.

Whilst there are numerous different types of chamomile, the one used in Sleep Toniq is known scientifically known as Matricaria Chamomilla. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe and Western Asia. It boasts dainty, daisy-like flowers with a bright yellow centre and white petals. The flowers contain a complex array of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and volatile oils, which contribute to its distinctive fragrance and healing properties.

In particular, a flavonoid compound within chamomile called Apigenin has garnered the interest of scientists in recent years, and there have been numerous studies conducted to examine its use in treating insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues.

When steeped in water, chamomile creates an infusion that is a delicate and slightly sweet, with an earthy aroma, notes of apple and vanilla, and a slightly floral finish. Apart from providing noticeable functional benefits, it also serves to help balance out the high notes of the apple cider vinegar and orange, whilst complimenting the earthy sweetness of the honey.

We currently source our chamomile from Egypt, but we are working with British growers for our next batch, making Sleep Toniq a classic British product that makes the most of our amazing produce.