Chamomile (German), Cautions
- Chamomile is included in the Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) list by the FDA.
- Do not ingest large amounts of chamomile tea during pregnancy, since some of the plant's ingredients may cause uterine contractions. The essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy. Chamomile Tea May Not be Safe During Pregnancy
- If you are allergic to other plants belonging to the Daisy family, such as ragweed, elecampane and arnica you may also be sensitivity to chamomile. If you have asthma�take chamomile infusions with caution, especially if you are allergic to these plants.
- Chamomile may cause allergies either by direct contact with the plant, employing it as an eye wash, skin cream or drinking the tea.
- Chamomile may interfere with blood clotting, do not use together with aspirin, warfarin or other substances that possess anticoagulant (blood-thinning) action.
- Do not take chamomile with diazepam or other sedative medications, since this may increase the potency of the drugs.
Children under 5 should not take more than half a cup of tea per day.
Chamomile may make asthma worse, so people with asthma should not take it.
Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the risk of miscarriage.
Chamomile may act like estrogen in the body, so women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or uterine cancer, should ask their doctors before taking it.
If you are allergic to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile.
Drinking large amounts of highly concentrated chamomile tea may cause vomiting.
Chamomile may cause drowsiness, so don’t take it and drive.
Stop taking chamomile at least 2 weeks before surgery or dental surgery, because of the risk of bleeding.
Possible Interactions
If you take any of the following drugs, you should not use German chamomile without first talking to your health care provider:
Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) -- Chamomile may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin.
Sedatives -- Chamomile can make these drugs stronger, including:
- Anti-seizure medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote)
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
- Drugs to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem)
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Alcohol
The same is true of sedative herbs, such as valerian, kava, and catnip.
Blood pressure medications -- Chamomile may lower blood pressure slightly. Taking it with drugs for high blood pressure could cause blood pressure to drop too low.
Diabetes medications -- Chamomile may lower blood sugar. Taking it with diabetes drugs could raise the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
Other drugs -- Because chamomile is broken down by the liver, it may interact with other drugs that are broken down the same way. Those drugs may include:
- Fexofenadine (Seldane)
- Statins (drugs that can lower cholesterol)
- Birth control pills
- Some antifungal drugs