Herbal Allergy and Cross-Reactivity: Daisy Family, Mint Family and Others
How allergic reactions to herbs happen, why people allergic to ragweed or daisies may react to chamomile or echinacea, what is known about mint-family herbs, and when to call 911.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
A serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is an emergency. MedlinePlus lists signs that can include itching, hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, throat tightness or trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, wheezing, a weak pulse, fainting, vomiting and dizziness, and says: if someone is having a serious allergic reaction, call 911, and if an auto-injector is available, give the injection right away. [1] See Severe allergic reactions to natural products.
What this page covers
Herbs are plants, and plants contain proteins that can trigger allergy. A reaction can come from eating, drinking, touching or breathing a herb or its pollen. The sources below name specific plant families, but they also show the limits of what is known. This page does not tell anyone they are or are not allergic; an allergist or clinician makes that diagnosis.The daisy family (Asteraceae)
Several well-known herbs belong to the daisy family, also called Asteraceae or Compositae. A review of stevia safety lists plants in this family that can induce hypersensitivity reactions as including ragweed, goldenrod, chrysanthemum, echinacea, chamomile, lettuce, sunflower and chicory. [2]| Herb | What the source says | Evidence label |
|---|---|---|
| Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla (flower) | NCCIH says side effects are uncommon but can include allergic reactions, including severe hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis, and that people are more likely to react if allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies. [3] The European Medicines Agency summary says chamomile flower medicines must not be used in patients allergic to them or to other plants of the Asteraceae family. [4] | Documented caution (NCCIH, EMA) |
| Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea and related species | NCCIH says echinacea is closely related to sunflowers, daisies and ragweed, that some people have allergic reactions to it which may be severe, and that some children in a clinical trial developed rashes that may have been allergic. [5] | Documented caution (NCCIH) |
| Butterbur, Petasites hybridus | NCCIH says butterbur may cause an allergic reaction in people allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies. [6] Separate from allergy, butterbur products have liver and other safety issues: see butterbur. | Documented caution (NCCIH) |
| Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium | NCCIH says people sensitive to ragweed and related plants may have allergic reactions to feverfew. [7] | Documented caution (NCCIH) |
Both ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) are accepted names in the family Asteraceae in the GBIF taxonomy. [8] A shared family means a higher chance of cross-reaction, not a certainty: the sources read do not give how often it happens. "Proper evidence not found" for a rate in the NCCIH and EMA pages read.
The mint family (Lamiaceae)
A 2025 narrative review of spice and herb allergy in children says the most frequently implicated spices include mustard, celery, coriander, fennel, cumin, anise and pepper, and herbs from the Lamiaceae family such as mint, oregano and sage; reactions ranged from mild oral symptoms to anaphylaxis, and cross-reactivity with birch and mugwort pollen was common. [9] A 2022 study of 180 people with suspected pollen allergy found 29 percent had positive skin prick tests to both herbs and pollens, and concluded that young people with pollen allergy are at high risk of reactions to herbs. [10] A 2018 case report described a 13-year-old with angioedema (swelling) after sage tea, oregano and fresh mint, and noted that diagnosing Lamiaceae allergy is complicated and cross-sensitivity is common. [11] These are small studies, a narrative review and a single case report: evidence of the link is limited, and none of them says how common allergy to mint-family herbs is in the general population.Garlic, ginseng and others
NCCIH says some people have allergic reactions to garlic. [12] NCCIH lists severe allergic reactions among uncommon side effects reported with Asian ginseng. [13] Essential oils and skin products can also cause skin allergy: see tea tree oil allergy and oxidized oil.What a reader can do
- If you know you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, daisy, sunflower, birch or mugwort pollen, tell a clinician or pharmacist before trying a herb from a related family, and check the plant name and part on the label (see reading supplement labels).
- Stop using a product and seek care if you have signs of a reaction; for severe signs call 911 (above). Report reactions: see side effects and reporting.
- Ask an allergist about testing; the 2025 review notes that diagnosis is challenging, with limited standardized tests. [9]
- For hay fever claims, see herbs for allergies and hay fever.
Frequently asked questions
I am allergic to ragweed. Can I drink chamomile tea?
NCCIH says people are more likely to react to chamomile if they are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies. [3] Ask an allergist or clinician before trying it.
Can echinacea cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. NCCIH says some people have allergic reactions to echinacea, which may be severe. [5]
Are mint-family herbs allergenic?
Mint, oregano and sage are among the Lamiaceae herbs reported to cause reactions in a narrative review. [9] The sources do not give how common this is.
What are the signs of anaphylaxis?
Hives, swelling of lips or tongue, throat tightness, trouble breathing, a weak pulse and fainting are among the signs MedlinePlus lists; call 911. [1]
Does a "hypoallergenic" or "natural" label help?
This is not described in the sources we read; a label does not replace asking a clinician. See Natural does not mean safe.
References
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine), Anaphylaxis. Read 2026-10-23.
- Steviol glycoside safety: are highly purified steviol glycoside sweeteners food allergens? (PubMed abstract). Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US), Chamomile. Read 2026-10-23.
- European Medicines Agency (EU), Matricariae flos (chamomile flower) herbal medicine summary. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US), Echinacea. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US), Butterbur. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US), Feverfew. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, species match API, names checked 2026-10-23.
- Spices, herbs and allergic reactions in children: myth or reality, narrative review, 2025 (PubMed abstract). Read 2026-10-23.
- Higher Risk for Sensitization to Commonly Consumed Herbs among Adults and Youngsters Suffering from Birch, Mugwort or Grass Pollinosis, 2022 (PubMed abstract). Read 2026-10-23.
- Angioedema Due to Lamiaceae Allergy, case report, 2018 (PubMed abstract). Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US), Garlic. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US), Asian Ginseng. Read 2026-10-23.