Chamomile tea is a gentle herbal beverage used to treat stomach pain and other gastrointestinal problems. Considered generally safe for most adults, chamomile contains anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and carminative properties that may potentially offer relief from flatulence, heartburn, upset stomach and digestive discomfort. Due to its helpful digestive properties, it is highly unlikely that drinking chamomile tea would cause an upset stomach.
Definition
Chamomile tea is generally made from one or two herbs from the chamomile family: M. chamomilla, or German chamomile, and C. nobile, or Roman chamomile. Both plant varieties are frequently used for teas, and the flowers of each are used as treatments for various digestive disorders. According to National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus, Roman chamomile is used to treat stomach conditions such as indigestion, nausea, loss of appetite, flatulence and vomiting. Since the tea generally promotes sensations of relaxation and calm, chamomile may also be effective at treating upset stomach symptoms caused by mental stress.
Chamomile and the Stomach
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, chamomile creates an anti-spasmodic effect in the body, which helps relax muscles surrounding the intestines. As an herbal remedy, chamomile tea dates to ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations and has been used to treat a variety of stomach conditions, such as stomach ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease. Although few studies have been performed on people, test tube studies have revealed potentially beneficial functions such as antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties in chamomile.
Dosage and Upset Stomach
While considered to be one of the safest herbs, chamomile belongs to the aster plant family and may cause allergic reactions to individuals who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, feverfew and other aster plants. Although it is unlikely chamomile tea would cause stomach upset, individuals with allergies may experience a number of unpredictable side effects. To reduce your risk of unpleasant symptoms, limit your chamomile tea consumption to the recommended dosage of 1 to 2 tsp. of dried herb per 2/3 cup of water, taken no more than four times a day.
Safety Concerns
Talk to your doctor before adding chamomile tea to your diet if you are uncertain how your body will react. If you are allergic to chamomile, avoid pre-packaged herbal tea blends that may contain chamomile.
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