Chamomile Tea & Frequent Urination

The need to urinate frequently is annoying, and it can disrupt your daily activities and sleep schedules. Chamomile tea, available in health food stores and grocery stores, is mild tasting and often taken as a relaxing drink. The herb has a long history of use in treating kidney and bladder conditions, and theoretically, if chamomile tea corrects urinary tract disorders, it may be beneficial in reducing frequent urination in some cases. Studies confirming the herb's effectiveness for that purpose, however, are nonexistent. See your doctor if you have frequent urination problems.

Frequent Urination Causes

Your urinary tract consists of your kidneys, bladder and the tubes in which urine flows through these organs and then out of your body when you urinate. An infection, an injury or changes in the muscles and tissues surrounding these organs may trigger the need to urinate often. In addition, medications, diuretics and some beverages may be frequent urination triggers, according to MayoClinic.com.

Chamomile

German chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is the plant found in most herbal chamomile teas, but Russian chamomile, or Chamaemelum nobile, a distant relative of German chamomile, may also be an ingredient in some herbal teas. Although only distantly related, both herbs have similar properties, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Chamomile contains volatile oils, flavonoids and hydroxycoumarins, but it is the presence of mucilages that may be responsible for the herb's soothing effect on the urinary tract. Chamomile may also be a mild antimicrobial, meaning it might inhibit the growth of micro-organisms that contribute to urinary tract infections, or UTIs. Ancient Greeks and Romans used the herb to treat kidney and bladder disorders.

Preparation

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center suggests preparing chamomile tea by pouring boiling water over approximately 3 tsp. of dried chamomile flowers. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes before straining. Chamomile is also available in capsules and tincture form. Follow dosage instructions on the package when using other types of the herb.

Considerations

Chamomile is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, but there is still a risk of adverse effects, including the interference with medications. The herb may produce a blood-thinning effect, so do not take chamomile if you're already taking anti-coagulants, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Due to lack of safety testing, do not use chamomile if you're pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have liver or kidney disease. Do not give chamomile to children. Allergic reactions to chamomile, which can be severe, increase if you are allergic to ragweed. Talk to your doctor about frequent urination symptoms to rule out an underlying condition.