Chamomile Tea

Overview

Chamomile tea is made from chamomile flowers. This page is about the tea as a preparation. The plant's background, traditional uses and other forms are in the Chamomile guide in Herbs & Botanicals. Caffeine: chamomile is not Camellia sinensis, so a pure chamomile infusion is a herbal tea, not true tea. [1]

Which chamomile

There are two types, German and Roman chamomile; NIH's summary covers German chamomile (Matricaria recutita, also Matricaria chamomilla). [2] Check the label for the Latin name, and whether the bag is pure chamomile or a blend.

What the research shows about the tea

PubMed lists only 4 randomized controlled trials that mention "chamomile tea" in the title or abstract (see Research). Most chamomile trials use extracts or capsules. NIH's evidence points are:

We do not carry results from supplements over to the tea.

What EU regulators concluded

The EU monograph describes matricaria (chamomile) flower as a traditional herbal medicinal product, on the basis of long-standing use, for minor gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating and minor spasms, relief of common cold symptoms, minor mouth and throat inflammation and certain skin uses; it does not rely on clinical trials, and the committee noted that studies were insufficient because chamomile was not compared with another treatment. [3] For adults and adolescents the monograph describes 1.5 to 4 g of the flower in 150 ml of boiling water as an infusion, 3 to 4 times daily, with a doctor to be consulted if symptoms persist for more than one week; amounts for younger children exist for some preparations, but ask a pediatrician before giving any herbal drink to a child. [3] This is a description of authorised products, not a recommendation. See EU monograph examples.

Safety

• The EU monograph says chamomile must not be used by people allergic to chamomile or other plants of the Asteraceae (daisy or ragweed) family, and allergic reactions, sometimes severe, have been reported when liquid chamomile preparations touched the lining of the mouth. [3]
• Chamomile is likely safe in the amounts commonly found in teas and foods. Side effects are uncommon but can include nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions, including severe reactions and anaphylaxis. [2]
• Allergy: more likely if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies. [2]
• Hormones: chamomile might have some estrogen-like effects, and preliminary studies suggest it might reduce the effect of birth control pills. [2]
• Medicines: interactions with warfarin and some liver-processed drugs have been reported; theoretical with sedatives. [2]
• Little is known about safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. [2] See Safety.

Preparation

We do not give a universal steeping time or amount: it depends on the product, and we have not verified a method for every form. Follow the instructions on a product made for tea.