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Chamomile Side Effects & Safety

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. 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. (). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI
  2. (). Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine. DOI
  3. (). The effects of chamomile extract on sleep quality among elderly people: A clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. DOI
  4. (). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.