There are several health benefits of chamomile. It is used for treating several health ailments including anxiety, insomnia, fever and inflammation.
Tea made from German chamomile flower is generally considered safe by experts and given GRAS "Generally Recognized As Safe" rating in the US. Still, there are certain circumstances during which it's advised not to consume chamomile tea.
Use right dosage of chamomile tea
There is no standard on how much chamomile tea one should drink. Usually 9-15 grams of chamomile or drinking 1-4 cups of chamomile tea is considered safe.
Some people may feel drowsiness after drinking chamomile tea. If you are thinking of driving after drinking chamomile tea, it's not a good idea. In case of large dose, he/she may have nausea and vomiting.
When shouldn't you drink chamomile tea?
In case of Allergy
If you are allergic to plants related to daisy family (especially chamomile, ragweed, daisies, marigold and chrysanthemums plants), chamomile tea can trigger allergic reaction. It can cause anaphylactic shocks (severe allergic responses), skin reactions and many more.
During pregnancy
Chamomile tea is not safe during any stage of pregnancy because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking chamomile tea during pregnancy have potential of miscarriage. It is not recommended during breastfeeding either.
Pregnant women are advised to consult their doctors before consuming any type of herb during pregnancy.
While using blood thinning medications
If you take blood thinning medications, you should avoid drinking chamomile tea. It's because chamomile tea has blood-thinning properties. Chamomile tea when combined with anticoagulant drugs may cause internal bleeding.
Prior Surgery
Chamomile tea may interact with anesthetic drugs (drug that induces insensitivity to pain). That's why, it is advised not to use chamomile at least 2 weeks before surgery.
When to take medical advice
If you are taking medications for following conditions, you should consult your doctor before you drink chamomile tea.
- Infection such as malaria, tuberculosis
- asthma or allergies
- any heart condition
- diabetes
- cancer
- psychiatric disorder
- erectile dysfunction
- heartburn
- migraine headaches
Some people may have allergic reaction because of chamomile tea. If you have hives, swelling of your face or throat and difficulty in breathing, you should seek for medical help immediately.
