Can Chamomile Tea Lower Hemoglobin? The Truth About Tea and Iron

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that some herbal teas, including chamomile, contain compounds that can affect nutrient absorption? This raises the question: can chamomile tea lower hemoglobin, and if so, how significant is the effect on your body's iron levels?

Quick Summary

Chamomile tea contains compounds called tannins that can inhibit non-heme iron absorption, indirectly affecting hemoglobin production, but is not a direct remedy to lower high levels.

Key Points

Inhibits Iron Absorption: Chamomile tea contains tannins and polyphenols that can interfere with the absorption of non-heme iron from meals.
Indirect, Not Direct Effect: It does not directly "lower" hemoglobin but can indirectly affect iron levels over time, especially with consistent consumption near meals.
Timing is Crucial: To minimize any impact on iron absorption, drink chamomile tea at least one hour before or after eating.
Low Tannin Content: While chamomile has less tannin than black tea, the inhibitory effect on iron absorption is still present and relevant for those with iron concerns.
Consult a Doctor: For managing high or low hemoglobin, seek professional medical advice rather than relying solely on herbal teas.
Not a Treatment for High Hemoglobin: Effective methods for lowering high hemoglobin include medical procedures, dietary changes, and quitting smoking.

Understanding Hemoglobin, Iron, and Tea

To understand whether chamomile tea can lower hemoglobin, it's essential to first know how these elements interact within the body. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and its production is heavily dependent on an adequate supply of iron. Iron comes in two forms: heme iron, found in animal products like meat and fish, and non-heme iron, found in plant-based foods like grains, beans, and vegetables. Chamomile tea contains certain compounds that can affect this system, but not in the way many people might think.

The Science Behind Chamomile and Iron Absorption

Chamomile tea, like other herbal and traditional teas, contains polyphenols and tannins. These natural compounds are known to be potent inhibitors of non-heme iron absorption. The tannins in tea bind to non-heme iron in the digestive tract, forming complexes that the body cannot easily absorb. This mechanism is the primary reason why some teas can influence iron levels. It is not a direct attack on existing hemoglobin but rather an interference with the body's ability to produce new red blood cells by limiting the availability of a key building block.

While chamomile's tannin content is relatively low compared to black tea, it is still present and can have an inhibitory effect, especially with regular consumption. For individuals with a balanced diet rich in both heme and non-heme iron, the effect of moderate chamomile tea consumption is likely negligible. However, for those with existing iron deficiency, or for individuals consuming large quantities of tea with non-heme iron-rich meals, this can become a significant factor. Research has shown associations between high tea consumption and lower ferritin levels, which is a marker of iron stores.

Practical Guide to Consuming Chamomile Tea

For those who enjoy chamomile tea but are concerned about their iron levels, especially if they are vegetarian or have an iron deficiency, here are some practical tips to minimize the tea's inhibitory effects on iron absorption:

Timing Your Tea: A simple and effective strategy is to drink your chamomile tea at least one hour before or after your meals. Research indicates that the inhibitory effects of tea disappear after about an hour.
Pairing with Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful enhancer of non-heme iron absorption. Pairing your iron-rich, plant-based meals with vitamin C sources, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, or strawberries, can help counteract the effects of tannins.
Limit Excessive Intake: If you are prone to iron deficiency, limiting your daily chamomile tea intake can help. Avoid drinking multiple cups throughout the day, especially alongside meals.

What Actually Lowers Hemoglobin?

It is crucial to understand that chamomile tea is not a medical treatment for high hemoglobin. Elevated hemoglobin levels are a serious health issue that can be caused by various factors and should be managed under a doctor's care. For those with high hemoglobin, genuine strategies exist that are proven to help:

Lifestyle Modifications

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the blood and can prevent a temporary rise in hemoglobin caused by dehydration.
Quit Smoking: Smoking reduces oxygen levels in the blood, prompting the body to produce more red blood cells and thus increasing hemoglobin. Quitting smoking can help normalize these levels.
Moderate Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise improves oxygen utilization and circulation, which can help manage hemoglobin levels. Extreme endurance sports, however, may temporarily increase red blood cell production.

Medical Interventions

In cases of genuinely high hemoglobin, a healthcare provider might recommend a procedure called phlebotomy, where a small amount of blood is removed to reduce the number of red blood cells. They may also prescribe specific medications depending on the underlying cause, such as polycythemia vera.

Chamomile's Health Benefits vs. Hemoglobin Impact


Aspect	Chamomile Benefit	Impact on Hemoglobin/Iron
Effect on Blood	Calming, relaxing, and anti-inflammatory properties. May help regulate blood sugar.	Can reduce non-heme iron absorption, indirectly affecting iron stores and hemoglobin production, especially with high intake.
Primary Mechanism	Apigenin and other compounds interact with brain receptors to promote relaxation. Antioxidants reduce inflammation.	Tannins and polyphenols chelate and bind to non-heme iron, preventing its uptake by the body.
Digestive Health	Aids digestion, alleviates bloating and discomfort due to its anti-inflammatory properties.	May inhibit the absorption of iron from plant-based foods consumed in the same meal, an important consideration for vegetarians.

Conclusion: Responsible Tea Consumption

In summary, while chamomile tea is not a designated remedy for lowering high hemoglobin, it can inhibit iron absorption due to its tannin and polyphenol content. For most people, the effect is minor, but individuals with or at risk for iron deficiency should be mindful of their consumption, particularly around meal times. The most effective and medically-sound ways to manage high hemoglobin levels involve significant lifestyle changes and, when necessary, professional medical intervention. Always consult a healthcare provider for any concerns regarding your hemoglobin or iron levels and before using herbal remedies for medicinal purposes.

For more information on high hemoglobin, visit the Cleveland Clinic on High Hemoglobin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Excessive and frequent consumption of chamomile tea, especially with iron-rich meals, can inhibit non-heme iron absorption over time. For individuals already at risk or with a poor diet, this could contribute to or worsen an iron deficiency, which can cause anemia.

The impact on iron levels depends on an individual's overall diet, existing iron stores, and the timing of consumption. Moderate, infrequent tea drinking is less likely to have a significant effect, but consistent, excessive intake alongside meals can meaningfully reduce iron absorption, especially of non-heme iron.

No, it is not recommended. The tannins in chamomile tea can bind to the iron in supplements, significantly reducing their effectiveness. You should take iron supplements at least one hour apart from drinking chamomile or any other tea.

The primary inhibitory effect of tea tannins is on non-heme iron (from plants). While traditionally thought to affect only non-heme, some research suggests a dose-dependent effect on heme iron as well. Heme iron absorption is generally more robust and less impacted.

To minimize the impact, drink chamomile tea at least one hour before or after consuming an iron-rich meal. This allows your body to absorb the iron before the tannins interfere.

While tea can inhibit iron absorption, it is not a recommended treatment for iron overload. Conditions like hereditary hemochromatosis, which causes iron overload, require medical supervision and specific treatments. While some studies mention potential benefits of tea in iron-overload conditions like thalassemia, this should only be managed by a healthcare provider.

Chamomile tea is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit overall health. It has also been studied for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with diabetes.