Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea made from dried chamomile flowers. It has a pleasant, mild flavor and aroma, and is commonly consumed as a relaxation and sleep aid due to its calming properties. However, some people wonder if drinking too much chamomile tea may have adverse effects.
Quick Answers
– The recommended daily limit for chamomile tea is 2-3 cups per day. Drinking more than this is generally considered safe, but moderation is advised.
– Consuming very high amounts of chamomile tea over extended periods may cause side effects like drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
– Chamomile tea is not recommended for pregnant women as it may increase risk of miscarriage or preterm labor when consumed in excess.
– Do not drink chamomile tea if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family like ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.
Active Compounds in Chamomile Tea
The key active compounds found in chamomile flowers that provide its relaxing effects include:
– Apigenin – This flavonoid binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain which exert a sedative effect.
– Luteolin – Another flavonoid that binds to GABA neurotransmitter receptors resulting in a calming effect.
– Bisabolol – Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
– Chamazulene – Has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and wound healing benefits.
– Various volatile oils – Contribute to chamomile’s recognizable scent and flavor. Also provide antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.
So while chamomile tea has many beneficial medicinal effects, consuming it in very high amounts may cause issues due to the sedative nature of its natural compounds.
Recommended Daily Intake
Most herbal medicine experts consider 2-3 cups of chamomile tea to be a safe daily limit for adults. This provides adequate relaxation benefits without much risk of side effects.
Drinking more than 3 cups per day is generally not recommended, but is still considered safe by most available research if one does not have any chamomile allergies or contraindicated conditions.
Some sources suggest a maximum limit of 4-5 cups of chamomile tea per day for short term use in healthy adults. But routine long-term consumption above 3 cups daily may increase risk of side effects and is not advised.
Here is a quick table summarizing the commonly recommended daily intake limits:
| Expert Recommendations | Recommended Daily Limit for Chamomile Tea |
|---|---|
| University of Maryland Medical Center | 2-3 cups |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | 3-4 cups |
| University of Michigan Health | 2-4 cups |
So in summary, 2-3 cups per day is widely agreed upon as a safe amount of chamomile tea for most healthy adults. Consuming 4-5 cups maximum for short periods is likely fine too, but long-term high intake above 3 cups daily is not recommended.
Side Effects of Excessive Intake
Drinking chamomile tea in moderation is perfectly safe for most people. But consuming it excessively and regularly over long periods may cause the following adverse side effects:
– Drowsiness – Due to the sedative compounds, very high chamomile intake can make you feel constantly sleepy, tired or sluggish.
– Vomiting and Nausea – Excessive consumption may irritate the stomach lining and cause digestive issues.
– Allergic Reactions – Skin rashes, swelling, breathing issues or anaphylaxis in those allergic to chamomile or related plants.
– Lightheadedness and Dizziness – Chamomile’s relaxing compounds can lower blood pressure causing temporary faintness.
– Diarrhea – Very high doses may irritate the intestinal lining and cause loose stools.
– Increased Risk of Miscarriage – Pregnant women should not consume chamomile tea excessively as it may increase uterine contractions.
– Drug Interactions – Chamomile can interact with sedative medications, blood thinners, antibiotics and more when consumed in high amounts.
So while chamomile tea is very safe when consumed moderately, drinking too much may result in the above unwelcome symptoms in some individuals.
Groups that Should Moderate or Avoid Chamomile Tea
The following groups should limit chamomile tea intake or avoid it completely:
– Pregnant Women – Should not drink more than 1 cup per day due to uterine stimulation risks.
– Breastfeeding Mothers – Chamomile compounds may pass to the infant via breastmilk causing colic or drowsiness.
– Children – Chamomile tea should not be given to children below 5 years of age due to lack of safety research. For older children, limit to 1 small cup per day.
– People with Ragweed Allergies – Cross-reactivity is common, so those allergic to ragweed pollen should avoid chamomile tea.
– People on Sedatives or Blood Thinners – May experience additive effects or bleeding risks. Consult your doctor about chamomile tea intake.
– People with Upcoming Surgery – Should stop taking chamomile tea 2 weeks before surgery because it may increase bleeding risks.
So the above groups should either limit their chamomile tea consumption to 1 cup per day or avoid it completely depending on individual factors and sensitivities.
Signs of Chamomile Tea Overdose
Acute chamomile tea overdose is very rare, but reported symptoms include:
– Nausea and Vomiting
– Abdominal Discomfort
– Irregular Heartbeat
– Tremors
– Anxiety
– Skin Rash, Hives or Itching
– Difficulty Breathing
– Collapsing or Fainting
If you experience multiple severe symptoms after drinking a very large amount of chamomile tea, seek medical help immediately. Milder symptoms like drowsiness or digestive upset after excessive consumption usually resolve on their own after a few hours.
Can You Drink Too Much Chamomile Tea Daily?
Yes, it is possible to drink too much chamomile tea on a regular long-term basis.
Consuming more than 3-4 cups per day over months or years may increase your risk of:
– Sedative side effects like fatigue, dizziness, faintness and sluggishness
– Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea
– Thinning of blood and increased bleeding risk
– Severe allergic reaction in susceptible people
– Adverse herb-drug interactions
– Increased risk of miscarriage if you are pregnant
So it’s advised to not make a habit of drinking chamomile tea in excess of 3-4 cups per day over long periods of time. Cycling your intake or taking breaks is a good way to minimize risk of side effects.
Tips to Drink Chamomile Tea Safely
Here are some tips to enjoy chamomile tea safely and avoid potential side effects:
– Stick to 2-3 cups per day unless advised otherwise by your doctor
– Read the package directions and do not exceed the recommended daily serving
– Take occasional rest days from chamomile tea to prevent habituation
– Avoid drinking chamomile tea before operating heavy machinery or driving
– Check for ragweed or chamomile allergies before consuming it
– Monitor for side effects like drowsiness or digestive upset
– Consult your doctor about drug interactions if you take sedatives or blood thinners
– Purchase high-quality chamomile tea from reputable brands
– Drink pure chamomile tea rather than blended versions to control your intake
– Do not brew the tea for longer than 5 minutes to prevent very concentrated doses
Following these tips will help you enjoy chamomile tea safely while reducing any risks from excessive consumption. Moderation is key.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, 2-3 cups of chamomile tea per day is considered a safe amount for most healthy adults. Consuming up to 4-5 cups maximum for short periods is likely fine too.
But routinely drinking more than 3-4 cups per day long-term may increase your risk of sedative side effects, allergic reactions in sensitive people, and interactions with certain medications.
Stick to moderate intake, avoid excessive daily consumption, and be cautious if you have any contraindicated conditions. Monitor yourself for any unwelcome symptoms and consult your doctor if needed.
Moderation and good judgement is key to gaining the relaxation and health benefits of chamomile tea while avoiding any risks from overconsumption.
Chamomile Tea has NO caffeine!