Chamomile is a medicinal herb commonly used to reduce digestive discomfort and promote sleep. This herbal treatment may also help relieve skin or oral inflammation. Additional research is needed to support these purported health claims, however. The two types of chamomile are German and Roman, though German chamomile is more commonly used. Chamomile is typically prepared as a tea, but is also available as a tincture, capsules, inhalant, cream, gargle and bath soak. Discuss the side effects of chamomile with your medical provider before using any form of this herbal treatment.
Allergic Reaction
If you are hypersensitive to ragweed, daises, asters or chrysanthemums, you may also have an allergy to chamomile. Improper use of chamomile by people allergic to this herb may cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis symptoms include hives, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, facial swelling, dizziness, weakness, pale skin and fainting. Seek emergency medical care if you exhibit anaphylaxis symptoms upon exposure to chamomile. If you do not receive prompt medical attention, you may be at risk of developing life-threatening complications.
Skin or Eye Irritation
Topical preparations of chamomile applied to the skin or near your eyes may cause irritation. Treated skin may appear unusually red or inflamed and may begin to itch. Eye irritation may cause itchy, watery or bloodshot eyes. These side effects of chamomile are typically temporary, but consult your doctor if skin or eye irritation persists or becomes severe.
Vomiting
Consuming large quantities on concentrated chamomile tea may cause stomach irritation and may induce vomiting. To prevent the development of such side effects, adults should limit their intake of chamomile tea to 3 to 4 cups prepared with 2 to 4 g of dried chamomile per cup of tea. Seek care from your physician if vomiting persists for more than two to three days, because recurrent bouts of vomiting may lead to dehydration.
Medication Interactions
If you are receiving treatment with certain medications, taking chamomile may be inappropriate. Avoid using chamomile in conjunction with blood-thinning medications, because this herbal treatment may increase your risk of bleeding. Concomitant use of chamomile and sedative, such as barbiturates, anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants and alcohol should be avoided. Chamomile may increase the sedating effects of these drugs. In addition, do not take chamomile in conjunction with statins, birth control pills, fexofenadine or antifungal drugs.
References
- National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine; Chamomile; July 2010
- University of Michigan Health System; Chamomile; Healthwise Staff; Jun. 30, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; German Chamomile; Steven D. Ehrlich; Nov. 11, 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Roman Chamomile; Steven D. Ehrlich; Nov. 11, 2008
- Flora Herb and Supplement Encyclopedia: Chamomile Flowers (German)
- RxList: German Chamomile
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