Can this tea be used externally — on the skin or as a rinse?

Yes, chamomile flower infusion is traditionally used externally — this is one of the classic uses of the plant in European herbal practice. This product can be used to prepare an infusion for:

• Gargling and mouth rinses — for mild irritation of the mucous membranes. The infusion should be warm, not hot.
• Compresses and wet dressings — for mild skin irritation. A cloth soaked in the infusion is applied to the area for a few minutes.
• Rinsing — some people use chamomile infusion in facial skin care as a gentle addition to washing.

For external use, the infusion is prepared in the same way as for drinking. Always let the infusion cool to a comfortable temperature before use.

An important point: watch how your skin and mucous membranes react. Chamomile belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae), and in people who are allergic to plants of this family (for example, ragweed, chrysanthemums, calendula) it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction — both when taken internally and on external contact. If you are using chamomile externally for the first time, apply a small amount of the infusion to a limited area of skin and wait to see how it reacts. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop using it and see a doctor.

External use does not replace medical care for pronounced inflammation or skin diseases.