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If you’ve been looking for ways to sleep better, you’ve likely come across chamomile tea at some point. Chamomile is an herb with small, daisy-like flowers consumed by people across the world to improve health, including sleep
.
The chamomile plant’s name comes from Greek terms for “ground apple,” because of its fragrance. There are many chamomile varieties, but German and Roman chamomile are those generally made into tea and used for sleep and health. We explore how chamomile tea impacts sleep, as well as its other possible benefits.
Chamomile is considered to be a mild sedative or tranquilizer, which means it may relax the nervous system and promote sleep
. A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials found that chamomile improved sleep quality
. One study found that chamomile helped people with insomnia function slightly better during the day
. Chamomile has also been found to improve sleep in women during menopause
and after pregnancy
.
A flavonoid called apigenin is likely the component of chamomile that causes a sedative effect. Flavonoids are natural substances known to positively impact health that can be found in a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits
. The flavonoid apigenin has been found to bind on benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Prescription drugs that bind to benzodiazepine receptors usually treat insomnia, anxiety, or seizures
. Camomile is one of the richest natural sources of apigenin.
Does Chamomile Tea Have Caffeine In It?
On its own, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free. However, manufacturers sometimes make mixes that include multiple different types of teas. Check the label before drinking chamomile tea to make sure it hasn’t been combined with another type of tea that contains caffeine. Drinking tea that contains
caffeine
in the hours before bedtime can disrupt sleep
.
Research studies suggest that chamomile tea or supplements may help prevent or treat a wide variety of health-related issues beyond sleep. It has been regarded as an anti-inflammatory, a diuretic, and an analgesic. More research is needed to confirm, since many of chamomile’s benefits have been found in animal studies, but not yet proven in humans
.
Anxiety
Arthritis
Back pain
BedsoresÂ
Cancer
Cancer treatment side effects
Cardiovascular diseaseÂ
Common cold
Depression
Diarrhea
Flatulence
High blood sugar
Inflammation
Kidney damage
Intestinal worms and parasites
Irritable bowel syndrome symptom
Liver damage
Menstrual pain
Menstrual-related mood changes
Mortality
Nausea and vomiting
Nerve pain
Neurological problems
Osteoporosis
Oxidative stress
Stomach ulcers
In addition to being consumed as a tea or supplement, chamomile is sometimes also applied to the skin to treat itching, burns, wounds, and eczema. People may also gargle with chamomile tea or use it as a mouthwash when dealing with mouth or throat inflammation. Chamomile may be added to a bath to soothe anal or genital inflammation. Sometimes just the smell of camomile helps with relaxation. Finally, people sometimes breathe in vaporized chamomile
essential oil
instead of drinking the tea when treating anxiety and depression.
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Some studies suggest that chamomile
tea causes tiredness quickly
, so drinking it in the evening before bedtime might be best. However, if you find yourself waking up in the night to urinate, you may want to limit the amount of liquid you consume in the late evening
and instead drink your chamomile tea a little earlier.
“Usually the optimal time to drink some chamomile tea is 45-60 minutes before bedtime or during wind down time to help with sleep.”
Chamomile Supplements or Tea?
Chamomile is commonly consumed as an herbal infusion mixed with hot water or in a
tea form
, Most human research studies on chamomile appear to use tea
. Chamomile is also available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules. Whether a person opts to drink chamomile tea or take chamomile supplements is a personal decision.Â
There doesn’t appear to be research studies comparing the tea and dietary supplement forms of chamomile. That said, many of the components of chamomile are thought to be water soluble, so they may be best able to have a therapeutic effect in the form of chamomile tea.
Is Chamomile Safe?
People have been safely consuming chamomile since ancient times, especially the amounts found in tea. Some research suggests that chamomile is even safe for infants and children, but experts say that chamomile hasn’t been established as officially safe for people in this age group. Similarly, the safety of chamomile is unknown when it comes to pregnant or nursing women and people with kidney or liver disease.
Side effects to camomile are rare but may include nausea or dizziness. A small proportion of people are allergic to chamomile or develop an allergy to it after using it. People with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or plants in the
Compositae
family may be more likely to develop a chamomile allergy. Applying chamomile directly to the skin may be more likely to elicit an allergic reaction than drinking the tea.
If you want to try chamomile for a health issue, consider speaking with your doctor
. Your doctor can make sure chamomile won’t interfere with any medications you’re taking. Your doctor can also identify if you require any tests or treatments for the issues you’re wanting to take chamomile for.
References
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Hieu, T.H. et. al (2019) Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials. Phytother Res . 2019 Jun;33(6):1604-1615. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6349. Epub 2019 Apr 21.
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Abbasinia, Hanieh & Alizadeh, Zeinab & Vakilian, Katayon & Jafari, Zohreh & poor, Pegah & Ranjbaran, Mehdi. (2016). Effect of Chamomile extract on sleep disorder in menopausal women. The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility. 19. 1-7. 10.22038/ijogi.2016.7631.
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Chang SM, Chen CH. Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial. J Adv Nurs. 2016 Feb;72(2):306-15. doi: 10.1111/jan.12836. Epub 2015 Oct 20. PMID: 26483209.
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Akram, W., Ahmed, S., Rihan, M., Arora, S., Khalid, M., Ahmad, S., … Vashishth, R. (2023). An updated comprehensive review of the therapeutic properties of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). International Journal of Food Properties, 27(1), 133–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2023.2293661
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Akhgarjand, C., Moludi, J., Ebrahimi-Mousavi, S. et al. The effect of chamomile consumption on glycemic markers in humans and animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Diabetes Metab Disord 23, 189–198 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40200-023-01345-8
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Dietary Supplements. Medline Plus.
https://medlineplus.gov/dietarysupplements.html
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# Does Chamomile Tea Make You Sleep?
Updated July 15, 2025
Written by Jay Vera Summer

Jay Vera Summer
Contributing Writer
Jay Vera Summer is a writer, editor, and wellness coach. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in psychology and Master's degrees in both writing and public policy.
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\| Medically Reviewed by Lulu Guo, MD

Lulu Guo, MD
Sleep Medicine Physician
Dr. Lulu Guo is a graduate of the prestigious Medical Scholars program at Michigan State University and was admitted into medical school at the age of seventeen after completing undergraduate studies in two years. She is double board-certified in Family and Sleep Medicine.
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- [Is Chamomile Actually Good For Sleep?](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#is-chamomile-actually-good-for-sleep)
- [Benefits of Chamomile Tea](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#benefits-of-chamomile-tea)
- [When to Drink Chamomile Tea for Better Sleep](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#when-to-drink-chamomile-tea-for-better-sleep)
If you’ve been looking for ways to sleep better, you’ve likely come across chamomile tea at some point. Chamomile is an herb with small, daisy-like flowers consumed by people across the world to improve health, including sleep [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) MDPI Open Access[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-259217) .
The chamomile plant’s name comes from Greek terms for “ground apple,” because of its fragrance. There are many chamomile varieties, but German and Roman chamomile are those generally made into tea and used for sleep and health. We explore how chamomile tea impacts sleep, as well as its other possible benefits.
[](https://sleepdoctor.com/products/nightly-sleep-stack?utm_campaign=sf&utm_cta_location=display_ad)
## **Is Chamomile Actually Good For Sleep?**
Chamomile is considered to be a mild sedative or tranquilizer, which means it may relax the nervous system and promote sleep [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-259219) . A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials found that chamomile improved sleep quality [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) Phytotherapy Research[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-259221) . One study found that chamomile helped people with insomnia function slightly better during the day . Chamomile has also been found to improve sleep in women during menopause [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) Gynecology and Infertility[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260010) and after pregnancy [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260012) .
A flavonoid called apigenin is likely the component of chamomile that causes a sedative effect. Flavonoids are natural substances known to positively impact health that can be found in a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260014) . The flavonoid apigenin has been found to bind on benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Prescription drugs that bind to benzodiazepine receptors usually treat insomnia, anxiety, or seizures [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260016) . Camomile is one of the richest natural sources of apigenin.
### **Does Chamomile Tea Have Caffeine In It?**
On its own, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free. However, manufacturers sometimes make mixes that include multiple different types of teas. Check the label before drinking chamomile tea to make sure it hasn’t been combined with another type of tea that contains caffeine. Drinking tea that contains [caffeine](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/caffeine-and-sleep) in the hours before bedtime can disrupt sleep [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM)JCSM is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260018) .
## **Benefits of Chamomile Tea**
Research studies suggest that chamomile tea or supplements may help prevent or treat a wide variety of health-related issues beyond sleep. It has been regarded as an anti-inflammatory, a diuretic, and an analgesic. More research is needed to confirm, since many of chamomile’s benefits have been found in animal studies, but not yet proven in humans [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) UpToDateMore than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260032) .
- Anxiety [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) Taylor & Francis OnlineTaylor & Francis Online is the journal content platform for the Taylor & Francis Group. The site gives online access to all journals published by Taylor & Francis.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260020)
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Bedsores
- Cancer
- Cancer treatment side effects [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260022)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Common cold
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- High blood sugar [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) SpringerLinkSpringerLink provides researchers with access to millions of scientific documents from journals, books, series, protocols, reference works, and proceedings.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260024)
- Inflammation
- Kidney damage
- Intestinal worms and parasites
- Irritable bowel syndrome symptom
- Liver damage
- Menstrual pain
- Menstrual-related mood changes
- Mortality [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260027)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nerve pain
- Neurological problems
- Osteoporosis
- Oxidative stress
- Stomach ulcers
In addition to being consumed as a tea or supplement, chamomile is sometimes also applied to the skin to treat itching, burns, wounds, and eczema. People may also gargle with chamomile tea or use it as a mouthwash when dealing with mouth or throat inflammation. Chamomile may be added to a bath to soothe anal or genital inflammation. Sometimes just the smell of camomile helps with relaxation. Finally, people sometimes breathe in vaporized chamomile [essential oil](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/best-essential-oils-for-sleep) instead of drinking the tea when treating anxiety and depression.
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## **When to Drink Chamomile Tea for Better Sleep**
Some studies suggest that chamomile [tea causes tiredness quickly](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/best-tea-for-sleep), so drinking it in the evening before bedtime might be best. However, if you find yourself waking up in the night to urinate, you may want to limit the amount of liquid you consume in the late evening [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) UpToDateMore than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260035) and instead drink your chamomile tea a little earlier.
“Usually the optimal time to drink some chamomile tea is 45-60 minutes before bedtime or during wind down time to help with sleep.”

Lulu Guo, MD
Sleep Medicine Physician
### **Chamomile Supplements or Tea?**
Chamomile is commonly consumed as an herbal infusion mixed with hot water or in a [tea form](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/food-and-drink-promote-good-nights-sleep), Most human research studies on chamomile appear to use tea [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260037) . Chamomile is also available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules. Whether a person opts to drink chamomile tea or take chamomile supplements is a personal decision.
There doesn’t appear to be research studies comparing the tea and dietary supplement forms of chamomile. That said, many of the components of chamomile are thought to be water soluble, so they may be best able to have a therapeutic effect in the form of chamomile tea.
### **Is Chamomile Safe?**
People have been safely consuming chamomile since ancient times, especially the amounts found in tea. Some research suggests that chamomile is even safe for infants and children, but experts say that chamomile hasn’t been established as officially safe for people in this age group. Similarly, the safety of chamomile is unknown when it comes to pregnant or nursing women and people with kidney or liver disease.
Side effects to camomile are rare but may include nausea or dizziness. A small proportion of people are allergic to chamomile or develop an allergy to it after using it. People with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or plants in the *Compositae* family may be more likely to develop a chamomile allergy. Applying chamomile directly to the skin may be more likely to elicit an allergic reaction than drinking the tea.
If you want to try chamomile for a health issue, consider speaking with your doctor [Trusted Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/about-us/editorial-policy) Medline PlusMedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends.[View Source](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#references-260030) . Your doctor can make sure chamomile won’t interfere with any medications you’re taking. Your doctor can also identify if you require any tests or treatments for the issues you’re wanting to take chamomile for.
## References 17 Sources
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9. Drake C, Roehrs T, Shambroom J, Roth T. Caffeine effects on sleep taken 0, 3, or 6 hours before going to bed. J Clin Sleep Med. 2013 Nov 15;9(11):1195-200. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.3170. PMID: 24235903; PMCID: PMC3805807.
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11. Akram, W., Ahmed, S., Rihan, M., Arora, S., Khalid, M., Ahmad, S., … Vashishth, R. (2023). An updated comprehensive review of the therapeutic properties of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). International Journal of Food Properties, 27(1), 133–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2023.2293661
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16. Dai YL, Li Y, Wang Q, Niu FJ, Li KW, Wang YY, Wang J, Zhou CZ, Gao LN. Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies. Molecules. 2022 Dec 23;28(1):133. doi: 10.3390/molecules28010133. PMID: 36615326; PMCID: PMC9822300.
<https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36615326/>
17. Dietary Supplements. Medline Plus.
<https://medlineplus.gov/dietarysupplements.html>
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| Readable Markdown | [Skip to content](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleep#post_content)
If you’ve been looking for ways to sleep better, you’ve likely come across chamomile tea at some point. Chamomile is an herb with small, daisy-like flowers consumed by people across the world to improve health, including sleep .
The chamomile plant’s name comes from Greek terms for “ground apple,” because of its fragrance. There are many chamomile varieties, but German and Roman chamomile are those generally made into tea and used for sleep and health. We explore how chamomile tea impacts sleep, as well as its other possible benefits.
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Chamomile is considered to be a mild sedative or tranquilizer, which means it may relax the nervous system and promote sleep . A meta-analysis of 12 randomized, controlled trials found that chamomile improved sleep quality . One study found that chamomile helped people with insomnia function slightly better during the day . Chamomile has also been found to improve sleep in women during menopause and after pregnancy .
A flavonoid called apigenin is likely the component of chamomile that causes a sedative effect. Flavonoids are natural substances known to positively impact health that can be found in a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits . The flavonoid apigenin has been found to bind on benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. Prescription drugs that bind to benzodiazepine receptors usually treat insomnia, anxiety, or seizures . Camomile is one of the richest natural sources of apigenin.
### **Does Chamomile Tea Have Caffeine In It?**
On its own, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free. However, manufacturers sometimes make mixes that include multiple different types of teas. Check the label before drinking chamomile tea to make sure it hasn’t been combined with another type of tea that contains caffeine. Drinking tea that contains [caffeine](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/caffeine-and-sleep) in the hours before bedtime can disrupt sleep .
Research studies suggest that chamomile tea or supplements may help prevent or treat a wide variety of health-related issues beyond sleep. It has been regarded as an anti-inflammatory, a diuretic, and an analgesic. More research is needed to confirm, since many of chamomile’s benefits have been found in animal studies, but not yet proven in humans .
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Bedsores
- Cancer
- Cancer treatment side effects
- Cardiovascular disease
- Common cold
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Flatulence
- High blood sugar
- Inflammation
- Kidney damage
- Intestinal worms and parasites
- Irritable bowel syndrome symptom
- Liver damage
- Menstrual pain
- Menstrual-related mood changes
- Mortality
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nerve pain
- Neurological problems
- Osteoporosis
- Oxidative stress
- Stomach ulcers
In addition to being consumed as a tea or supplement, chamomile is sometimes also applied to the skin to treat itching, burns, wounds, and eczema. People may also gargle with chamomile tea or use it as a mouthwash when dealing with mouth or throat inflammation. Chamomile may be added to a bath to soothe anal or genital inflammation. Sometimes just the smell of camomile helps with relaxation. Finally, people sometimes breathe in vaporized chamomile [essential oil](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/best-essential-oils-for-sleep) instead of drinking the tea when treating anxiety and depression.
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Some studies suggest that chamomile [tea causes tiredness quickly](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/best-tea-for-sleep), so drinking it in the evening before bedtime might be best. However, if you find yourself waking up in the night to urinate, you may want to limit the amount of liquid you consume in the late evening and instead drink your chamomile tea a little earlier.
“Usually the optimal time to drink some chamomile tea is 45-60 minutes before bedtime or during wind down time to help with sleep.”
### **Chamomile Supplements or Tea?**
Chamomile is commonly consumed as an herbal infusion mixed with hot water or in a [tea form](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/food-and-drink-promote-good-nights-sleep), Most human research studies on chamomile appear to use tea . Chamomile is also available as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules. Whether a person opts to drink chamomile tea or take chamomile supplements is a personal decision.
There doesn’t appear to be research studies comparing the tea and dietary supplement forms of chamomile. That said, many of the components of chamomile are thought to be water soluble, so they may be best able to have a therapeutic effect in the form of chamomile tea.
### **Is Chamomile Safe?**
People have been safely consuming chamomile since ancient times, especially the amounts found in tea. Some research suggests that chamomile is even safe for infants and children, but experts say that chamomile hasn’t been established as officially safe for people in this age group. Similarly, the safety of chamomile is unknown when it comes to pregnant or nursing women and people with kidney or liver disease.
Side effects to camomile are rare but may include nausea or dizziness. A small proportion of people are allergic to chamomile or develop an allergy to it after using it. People with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or plants in the *Compositae* family may be more likely to develop a chamomile allergy. Applying chamomile directly to the skin may be more likely to elicit an allergic reaction than drinking the tea.
If you want to try chamomile for a health issue, consider speaking with your doctor . Your doctor can make sure chamomile won’t interfere with any medications you’re taking. Your doctor can also identify if you require any tests or treatments for the issues you’re wanting to take chamomile for.
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11. Akram, W., Ahmed, S., Rihan, M., Arora, S., Khalid, M., Ahmad, S., … Vashishth, R. (2023). An updated comprehensive review of the therapeutic properties of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). International Journal of Food Properties, 27(1), 133–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2023.2293661
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