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Chamomile Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Very well tolerated — one of the safest herbal supplements
  • Allergic reactions in people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or other Asteraceae family plants
  • Mild drowsiness (usually desirable)
  • Nausea at high doses (rare)
  • Contact dermatitis from topical use (rare)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Anticoagulants (warfarin) — chamomile contains coumarin derivatives that may increase bleeding risk
  • CYP1A2 substrates — chamomile may inhibit CYP1A2, affecting caffeine and some medication metabolism
  • Sedative medications — mild additive effects
  • Iron supplements — tannins in chamomile tea may reduce iron absorption; separate by 2 hours
  • Cyclosporine — chamomile may alter cyclosporine levels

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 1,500mg extract/day (the Mao 2016 study used up to 1,500mg daily without adverse effects)

Full Chamomile Guide

References

  1. RCTAmsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, Rockwell K, Mao JJ, Shults J (2009). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTMao JJ, Xie SX, Keefe JR, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam JD (2016). Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. DOI PubMed
  3. RCTAdib-Hajbaghery M, Mousavi SN (2017). The effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people: A clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Soeller I, Mao JJ, Rockwell K, Newberg AB (2012). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. PubMed
  5. Valmy J, Greenfield S, Shindo S, Kawai T, et al. (2025). Anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile from randomized clinical trials: a systematic review and meta-analyses.. Pharmaceutical biology. DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisKazemi A, Shojaei-Zarghani S, Eskandarzadeh P, Hashempur MH (2024). Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  7. Maleki M, Mardani A, Manouchehri M, Ashghali Farahani M, et al. (2023). Effect of Chamomile on the Complications of Cancer: A Systematic Review.. Integrative cancer therapies. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
  1. Meta-analysisHieu TH, Dibas M, Surya Dila KA, Sherif NA, et al. (2019). Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed
  2. Ostovar M, Rezaee Z, Najibi SM, Hashempur MH (2025). Chamomile: A systematic review of adverse events.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  3. Hajizadeh-Sharafabad F, Varshosaz P, Jafari-Vayghan H, Alizadeh M, et al. (2020). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and diabetes mellitus, current knowledge and the way forward: A systematic review.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Rügge SD, Nielsen M, Jacobsen AS, Vang O, et al. (2010). [Evidence of dermatological effects of chamomile].. Ugeskrift for laeger. PubMed