Chamomile Side Effects | Drug Interactions – OkReviews

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Chamomile is powerful natural substance that has long been used to treat a range of common medical conditions. The daisy-like plant is widely recognized as one of the safest herbal medicine available, and most healthy individuals can use it without experiencing any negative results.

However, like all medicinal herbs, chamomile carries some risk of possible side effects, and they should be considered carefully if you are using for the first time.

Does Chamomile Have Side Effects?

  • Allergic reaction
Allergic reaction to chamomile are very rare, but they have been known to occur. You have a higher chance of being allergic to chamomile if you have a recognized allergy to either ragweed or daisies.
The symptoms of a reaction are usually mild and take the form of nausea, vomiting, itching, or a rash.
More serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, have also been documented.
  • Drowsiness
Chamomile contains high quantities of the natural oil Bisabolol. The oil effectively combats anxiety and restlessness making chamomile an excellent treatment for insomnia and stress.
 However, if an excessive quantity of the plant is consumed, it can leave you feeling dangerous sedated. 
This side effect of chamomile is especially problematic if you have to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Various dosages affect people differently, so be particularly cautious when taking the herbal remedy for the first time.
If you are using chamomile tea as a sleeping aid, it is best to drink it shortly before to bed.

Effects on young children

  • Some types of chamomile contain a trace amount of the toxin Clostridium Botulinum.
  • Though the substance is easily tolerated by adults and older children, it can cause infant botulism in newborns and babies under the age of six months.

Drug interaction

Possible interaction has been noted between chamomile and some types of medication. The plant has the potential to affect the function of any drugs they are broken down in the liver.
This can include sedatives, birth control pills, statins, and antifungals. Furthermore, one of the natural oils that can be found in chamomile, Coumarin, acts as an anticoagulant.
If it is taken in addition to blood thinning medication, such as warfarin, it has the potential to cause uncontrollable bleeding.

Safe Quantities

Many of the side effects of chamomile are easy to avoid if you use a safe quantity. If you are taking the plant as a tea, the guideline maximum amount is 4 cups per day with no more than 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile per cup.
When adding chamomile oil to a bath, include 8 drops of the oil at most. If you are using it as a massage oil, mix 3 drops of chamomile oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil, such as almond, evening primrose, or rose hip oil.
Despite the various possible side effects, negative reactions to chamomile are very rare and generally mild.
Chamomile is considered to be an extremely safe alternative to conventional pain killers and other herbal treatments.
Nevertheless, if you are unsure about the side effects of chamomile in relation to the medication you are taking or any existing health conditions you have, consult your doctor before use.

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