Is Chamomile Tea Safe?

Yes. Chamomile tea is one of the safest, best-tolerated herbal teas in the world. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes chamomile as likely safe in the amounts commonly found in teas, and clinical reviews report side effects that are rare and mild. [1] [2] People have enjoyed it daily for thousands of years.

There are a few specific situations that call for a little care. Knowing them means you can enjoy every cup with confidence.

Who Should Take Care

Ragweed and Daisy Allergies

Chamomile belongs to the same plant family (Asteraceae) as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums and marigolds. If you are allergic to those, chamomile can occasionally trigger a reaction. [1] Choose a chamomile-free blend, such as our lavender and rooibos Quiet Mind Tea.

Blood-Thinning Medication

Chamomile contains natural coumarin compounds. A case report linked heavy chamomile consumption to an interaction with warfarin. [3] If you take a blood thinner, mention chamomile to your doctor so it is on their radar.

Sedative or Sleep Medication

Chamomile is naturally calming, which is the point.* Combined with sedatives, sleep aids or anxiety medication, it can add to drowsiness. If you take any of these, check with your doctor first.

Is Chamomile Tea Safe During Pregnancy?

Speak with your doctor or midwife before drinking chamomile tea regularly during pregnancy. Chamomile is a traditional, widely enjoyed tea, but well-designed research in pregnancy is limited, and some health authorities advise caution with regular use. This is about giving pregnancy the extra care it deserves, not because chamomile is known to be harmful. The same advice applies while breastfeeding.

Your provider knows your history and can tell you what is right for you. If they give you the go-ahead, chamomile remains a lovely caffeine-free alternative to coffee and black tea. See Does Chamomile Tea Have Caffeine?

Common Side Effects (They Are Rare)

Side effects from chamomile tea are uncommon and mild. [1] [2] The few reported include:

• Allergic reactions in people sensitive to the daisy family.
• Drowsiness, which for an evening tea is usually the goal rather than a problem.*
• Nausea with very large amounts, which is why one to three cups a day is the comfortable range.

In a meta analysis of chamomile trials, chamomile was well tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. [2]

Can You Drink Chamomile Tea Every Day?

Yes. For most healthy adults, one to three cups of chamomile tea a day is safe and enjoyable. It is a food, not a drug, and it is not habit forming. Daily drinking is how most people enjoy its calming and sleep benefits: a 2024 meta analysis found chamomile improved sleep, especially staying asleep.* [4] More in Is It Safe to Drink Sleep Tea Every Night?

The Bottom Line

Chamomile tea is a safe, gentle drink for almost everyone. Take care if you have a ragweed or daisy allergy, take a blood thinner or sedative, or are pregnant or nursing, in which case a quick word with your doctor settles it. Otherwise, enjoy your cup.

Transparency is the whole idea behind our ingredient library: every herb we use is listed in full, with the research linked. Our Sleep Restore Tea pairs chamomile with valerian root and gentle supporting herbs, all caffeine-free.

Shop Sleep Restore Tea

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chamomile tea safe during pregnancy?

Speak with your doctor or midwife before drinking it regularly. Research in pregnancy is limited, so your provider is the right person to advise you.

Can you drink chamomile tea every day?

Yes. For most healthy adults, one to three cups a day is safe, and it is not habit forming.

Who should not drink chamomile tea?

People allergic to ragweed, daisies or marigolds should avoid it. Anyone taking blood thinners or sedatives, or who is pregnant or nursing, should check with their doctor first.

Does chamomile tea have side effects?

Rarely, and they are mild: occasional allergic reactions in sensitive people, gentle drowsiness, and nausea with very large amounts.

Does chamomile interact with medication?

It can add to the effect of sedatives and may interact with blood thinners such as warfarin. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you take either.

Is chamomile tea safe for children?

Ask your child's doctor before giving any herbal tea to children.

References

1.          National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chamomile. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile

2.          Hieu TH, Dibas M, Surya Dila KA, et al. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res. 2019;33(6):1604-1615. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31006899/

3.          Segal R, Pilote L. Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla. CMAJ. 2006;174(9):1281-1282.

4.          Kazemi A, Shojaei-Zarghani S, Eskandarzadeh P, Hashempur MH. Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2024;84:103071. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229924000591