Is Drinking Chamomile Tea Every Day Bad for You?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 2 million Americans use chamomile for its calming effects, but questions persist about its long-term safety. Is drinking chamomile tea every day bad for you, or is it a perfectly safe daily ritual? The answer depends on your personal health status and consumption amount.

Quick Summary

For most, daily chamomile tea is safe and beneficial in moderation, but allergic reactions and medication interactions are possible. Specific groups, including pregnant women and those on blood thinners, should exercise caution or avoid it entirely.

Key Points

Generally Safe for Most: Moderate daily consumption of chamomile tea is safe and well-tolerated for the majority of people, with a recommended intake of 1-3 cups.
Risk of Allergic Reaction: Individuals with allergies to ragweed, daisies, or other daisy-family plants should be cautious, as chamomile can trigger an allergic response.
Potential Drug Interactions: Chamomile may interact with blood thinners (like warfarin) and sedatives, increasing the risk of bleeding or drowsiness, respectively.
Avoid During Pregnancy: Due to its potential to cause uterine contractions, pregnant women are advised to avoid or limit chamomile tea.
Digestive and Sleep Benefits: The tea's calming properties and anti-inflammatory effects can aid in better sleep quality and soothe digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.
Monitor for Side Effects: Excessive consumption may lead to drowsiness or nausea in some people, so paying attention to your body's reaction is important.

The Benefits of a Daily Chamomile Tea Habit

For centuries, people have turned to chamomile for its soothing properties, and modern research has begun to support these traditional uses. Regular, moderate consumption can offer several health advantages for many individuals.

Improved Sleep Quality

One of the most well-known benefits of chamomile is its ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep. The flavonoid apigenin, found in chamomile, binds to specific receptors in the brain that are associated with sleepiness and calming effects. A small study involving postnatal women found that those who drank chamomile tea daily for two weeks reported better sleep quality than the control group.

Digestive Health Support

Chamomile is often used to soothe digestive issues due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Regular intake may help relieve common discomforts such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Some studies have indicated that chamomile may help inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause stomach ulcers and reduce muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Potential Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Rich in antioxidants, chamomile tea helps the body fight against oxidative stress and inflammation. Flavonoids and terpenoids found in chamomile have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit conditions like arthritis and general pain. This antioxidant activity may also play a role in reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases over time.

Blood Sugar Management

Some research suggests that daily chamomile consumption could assist with blood sugar control, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. One study found that participants who drank chamomile tea three times daily for eight weeks experienced lower insulin and cholesterol levels. This is believed to be due to chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties, which can protect pancreatic cells.

The Potential Risks of Drinking Chamomile Tea Daily

While generally safe for most, daily chamomile tea is not without potential downsides, especially for specific populations or when consumed in excess. Understanding these risks is crucial for making an informed decision about your daily routine.

Allergic Reactions

One of the most significant risks is an allergic reaction, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. Symptoms can range from a mild skin rash to severe anaphylaxis, though the latter is very rare. If you have a known allergy to these plants, it is best to avoid chamomile entirely.

Drug Interactions

Chamomile can interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effects. It contains a compound called coumarin, which has blood-thinning properties and could increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants like warfarin. It may also interact with sedatives, antiplatelet drugs, and certain antidepressants. It is essential to consult a doctor if you take any regular medication.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns

Healthcare professionals often advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid chamomile tea. Some compounds in chamomile may have the potential to stimulate uterine contractions, which could pose a risk of miscarriage or preterm labor, especially with high consumption. The safety of chamomile during breastfeeding has not been fully established, making caution the best approach.

Chamomile vs. Other Popular Teas: A Comparison


Feature	Chamomile Tea	Peppermint Tea	Green Tea
Best Known For	Calming, sedative effects, sleep aid	Digestive relief, refreshing taste	Antioxidant content, metabolism boost
Contains Caffeine?	No	No	Yes
Primary Uses	Insomnia, anxiety, digestive issues	Indigestion, nausea, bloating	Energy, antioxidant support, weight management
Drug Interactions	Potential with blood thinners, sedatives	Few reported interactions	Potential with blood thinners, certain heart medications
Allergy Risk	Higher for those allergic to daisy family	Low	Low

How to Minimize Risks with Daily Consumption

For most people, drinking 1-3 cups of chamomile tea per day is considered safe and beneficial. To reduce any potential risks, consider these tips:

Start with a small amount. Introduce chamomile into your routine slowly to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Stay within a moderate dose. Excessive consumption can lead to drowsiness or nausea in some individuals.
Be aware of your allergies. If you have a history of allergies to related plants, avoid chamomile.
Consult a doctor. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have existing health conditions.
Source from reputable brands. Opt for high-quality, organic tea to avoid potential contaminants or pesticides.

Conclusion: So, is drinking chamomile tea every day bad for you?

For the majority of the population, incorporating chamomile tea into a daily routine is not bad and can provide numerous benefits, including improved sleep and digestion. However, it is not a universally safe choice for everyone. Those with allergies to the daisy family, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals on certain medications must exercise caution and seek medical advice before regular consumption. As with any herbal remedy, moderation and awareness of your own body's signals are key. By taking these precautions, you can safely enjoy the calming and therapeutic effects of chamomile tea every day.

For more information on the safety of herbal remedies, you may find the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health to be a useful resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, drinking 1 to 3 cups of chamomile tea per day is considered safe. However, sensitive individuals may experience side effects at higher doses.

If you have allergies to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, marigolds, or daisies, you may be at higher risk of an allergic reaction to chamomile. It is best to avoid it or consult a doctor first.

Yes, chamomile can interact with medications like blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), sedatives, and certain antidepressants. Always consult your doctor if you take regular medication.

Most health experts advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid chamomile tea, as it may cause uterine contractions. Always consult a healthcare provider before consumption.

Side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, drowsiness, and, in high doses, nausea or vomiting.

Yes, chamomile has mild sedative effects that can cause drowsiness. It is often recommended for evening consumption to aid sleep, so it's advisable to be cautious when drinking it during the day, especially before driving or operating machinery.

Chamomile is often used to soothe digestive issues. However, if you have a very sensitive stomach, excessive amounts might cause mild nausea. It's best to start with a small amount.