Can too much chamomile be bad? Understanding the risks and safe dosage

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

While chamomile is widely praised for its calming properties, a 2022 review of its constituents highlights the need for further toxicity tests to confirm its safety in all circumstances. This popular herb, consumed for centuries, is not without potential risks when taken in large quantities or by specific individuals.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential risks and side effects of consuming excessive amounts of chamomile, including allergic reactions and medication interactions. It also outlines the recommended safe dosage and provides guidance for specific individuals who should exercise caution or avoid chamomile altogether.

Key Points

Excess is Harmful: While beneficial in moderation, excessive chamomile consumption can lead to negative side effects like nausea and drowsiness.
Allergy Alert: Individuals allergic to ragweed, daisies, or chrysanthemums are at higher risk for allergic reactions, including severe anaphylaxis.
Medication Interference: Chamomile can interact with blood thinners and sedatives, increasing the risk of bleeding or excessive sleepiness.
Pregnancy and Surgery: Pregnant women and those scheduled for surgery should avoid chamomile due to risks of uterine contractions and bleeding complications.
Stick to a Safe Dose: For most people, a safe dose is typically 1-4 cups of tea per day, but individual sensitivities vary.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to a healthcare provider before using chamomile if you have existing health issues or take regular medication.

Understanding the Risks of Excessive Chamomile

Although generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, consuming chamomile in large amounts can lead to several adverse effects. Most risks are minor and disappear once consumption is reduced, but certain interactions and allergies can pose more serious health threats. The potential for side effects varies from person to person, and individuals sensitive to certain compounds may react differently.

Allergic Reactions

One of the most common risks associated with chamomile is an allergic reaction, particularly in people with sensitivities to related plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. This family includes ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. For these individuals, excessive chamomile intake can trigger a range of symptoms, from mild skin rashes and itchy eyes to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

Swelling of the throat or lips (angioedema)
Trouble breathing (asthma)
A red, itchy rash (contact dermatitis)
Sneezing and watery eyes

Digestive Upset

Consuming chamomile in very high doses is known to cause gastrointestinal issues. While mild amounts can help with stomach problems, an overdose can lead to the opposite effect, causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. This is more likely to occur with highly concentrated forms or when consuming an unusually large quantity.

Potential Drug Interactions

One of the most significant concerns with excessive chamomile consumption is its potential to interact with various medications. Chamomile contains a compound called coumarin, which has mild blood-thinning properties. This can be particularly dangerous when combined with prescription blood thinners.

Common Medication Interactions:

Blood-thinning medications: Chamomile can increase the effect of drugs like warfarin and heparin, raising the risk of bleeding.
Sedatives: As a mild sedative itself, chamomile can amplify the effects of other sedative medications, such as benzodiazepines, leading to excessive drowsiness.
Estrogen-based medications: Some evidence suggests chamomile might interact with estrogen, which could interfere with hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives.
Antidepressants and anti-seizure medications: There is a theoretical risk of interaction with these medications, so it is best to consult a doctor.

Pregnancy and Surgery Concerns

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid chamomile due to a lack of safety research. Some evidence suggests that regular use during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm labor or miscarriage by inducing uterine contractions. For those undergoing surgery, it is recommended to stop consuming chamomile at least two weeks beforehand to reduce the risk of bleeding complications.

Chamomile Dosage: What's the Right Amount?

The amount of chamomile that is safe to consume depends on individual factors like sensitivity and overall health. While there is no standard recommended dosage, general guidelines exist. A common recommendation is to stick to 1 to 4 cups of chamomile tea per day. For stronger preparations or supplements, it's crucial to follow the product's directions and potentially consult a healthcare provider.

How Strength Affects Dosage


Factor	Affects	Impact on Chamomile Use
Tea Concentration	Strength per serving	Using more teabags or steeping longer increases the dose and potential effects.
Individual Sensitivity	Personal reactions	People with allergies or medication dependencies should be more cautious with smaller doses.
Form of Chamomile	Potency	Supplements or essential oils are much more concentrated than tea and require careful dosing.
Frequency	Cumulative effect	The total daily or long-term intake is more important than a single serving.

Conclusion: Mindful Consumption is Key

While chamomile is a popular and generally safe herbal remedy, the question "can too much chamomile be bad?" is definitively answered with a yes. Consuming excessive amounts can lead to side effects ranging from mild digestive upset and drowsiness to severe allergic reactions and dangerous interactions with medications. By understanding the risks, sticking to a moderate intake of 1-4 cups per day for tea, and exercising caution, especially if you fall into an at-risk group, you can enjoy the relaxing benefits of chamomile safely. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions, are on medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding before incorporating chamomile into your routine.

For more detailed information on herbal safety, consider consulting reputable sources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

A high dose of chamomile tea is subjective, but drinking significantly more than the commonly recommended 1-4 cups per day is generally considered excessive. This can increase the likelihood of side effects like nausea and drowsiness.

Yes, it is possible to be allergic to chamomile, especially if you have a known allergy to other plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.

Symptoms of a bad reaction can range from mild (skin rash, sneezing, dizziness) to severe (swelling, breathing difficulties). If you experience any concerning symptoms, stop use and seek medical advice.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid chamomile because some compounds can potentially cause uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. There is also limited safety research for this group.

Yes, chamomile can interact with medications like blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), sedatives, and estrogen-based drugs. Always consult a doctor if you are on medication before consuming chamomile regularly.

While serious toxicity is rare, an overdose of chamomile can lead to pronounced drowsiness, weakness, and vomiting. In the case of an overdose, discontinue use and hydrate well.

It is not conclusively established that chamomile is safe for infants and very young children, and some experts express caution. Similar to honey, it may contain botulism spores, which are especially dangerous for infants.