Who Should Not Drink Chamomile Lavender Tea? A Guide to Risks and Contraindications

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

Many people consume herbal blends for their calming effects, but for certain individuals, consuming chamomile lavender tea can pose risks. It is crucial to understand who should not drink chamomile lavender tea, particularly those with allergies, on certain medications, or during pregnancy, as adverse effects can occur. Consulting a healthcare provider is the best way to determine if this tea is safe for your individual health profile.

Quick Summary

Certain individuals, such as pregnant women, young children, and those with specific allergies or on blood thinners, should avoid chamomile lavender tea due to potential health risks.

Key Points

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid due to potential uterine stimulation and lack of definitive safety data during these periods.
Allergies: Individuals allergic to ragweed, daisies, or related plants should abstain to prevent severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Drug Interactions: Exercise caution if taking blood thinners, sedatives, or hormone-related medications, as the tea can increase side effects.
Infants & Children: Not recommended for babies under 12 months due to a potential risk of botulism spores.
Upcoming Surgery: Discontinue use at least two weeks prior to any surgery to avoid complications with bleeding and anesthesia.
Pre-existing Conditions: Those with liver or kidney disease or estrogen-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer) should consult a doctor before use.
Driving/Operating Machinery: Avoid drinking the tea before operating vehicles or heavy machinery due to its sedative effects.

Key Risks and Contraindications

While widely available and generally considered safe for healthy adults, the combination of chamomile and lavender introduces several factors that can be problematic for specific populations. The mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties of these herbs, while often beneficial, can also become a source of adverse effects or interactions. Understanding these contraindications is the first step toward responsible consumption.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Concerns

One of the most important groups who should not drink chamomile lavender tea are pregnant or nursing women. The primary concerns stem from the potential for uterine stimulation and a general lack of conclusive safety research for both herbs.

Chamomile's Effects: Regular, high-dose consumption of chamomile during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight in observational studies. Its compounds can act as uterine stimulants in some cases.
Lavender's Effects: Lavender is also not recommended during pregnancy. It is believed to have potential hormonal effects and can cause uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage.
Breastfeeding Caution: For breastfeeding mothers, insufficient data exists to confirm the safety of chamomile and lavender. As with pregnancy, health experts typically advise caution and recommend consulting a doctor before consumption.

Allergies and Cross-Reactivity

Both chamomile and lavender can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Chamomile is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family, which includes common allergens like ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.

Asteraceae Family Allergy: If you have a known allergy to any plants in this family, you are at a higher risk of cross-hypersensitivity to chamomile. Reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis.
Lavender Allergy: While less common, allergies to lavender flowers are possible and can manifest as rashes, throat irritation, or breathing issues.
Asthma Risk: Individuals with asthma, especially if they have allergies to the Asteraceae family, should be cautious as chamomile can trigger respiratory symptoms.

Drug Interactions

The compounds in chamomile and lavender can interfere with certain medications, altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.

Blood Thinners: Chamomile has mild blood-thinning effects. It can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications like warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or other antiplatelet drugs.
Sedatives: Because both herbs have calming properties, they can enhance the sedative effects of central nervous system depressants, including benzodiazepines, anti-seizure medications, and alcohol.
Hormone-related Medications: Chamomile may have estrogenic effects and could potentially interfere with hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, or tamoxifen. It is also not recommended for those with estrogen-sensitive conditions like breast cancer or endometriosis.

Infants and Young Children

Chamomile tea should not be given to infants under 12 months old due to the potential risk of infant botulism. Loose-leaf teas, in particular, may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which the infant gut is not yet developed enough to handle. Medical experts recommend avoiding all herbal teas for very young children unless under a doctor's specific guidance.

Pre-operative and Specific Medical Conditions

Anyone scheduled for surgery should stop consuming chamomile lavender tea at least two weeks beforehand. Its blood-thinning and sedative effects can cause complications with anesthesia and increase bleeding risk. Additionally, individuals with existing liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor, as the herbs could affect these organs.

Potential Health Risks: A Comparison


Aspect	Chamomile	Lavender	Combined Risk Factors
Allergies	Higher Risk: Strong cross-reactivity with ragweed, daisies, and chrysanthemums.	Lower Risk: Allergies are less common but can cause skin and respiratory issues.	Additive Risk: Individuals allergic to either may react to the combined tea.
Sedation	Contains apigenin, which binds to brain receptors with sedative effects.	Contains linalool and linalyl acetate, known for calming effects.	Enhanced Sedation: Synergistic calming effects can increase drowsiness, especially with other sedatives.
Hormonal Effects	Mild estrogenic properties; potentially affects hormone-related therapies.	Can have hormonal effects; linked to gynecomastia in boys in some studies.	Complex Interaction: Combined hormonal effects may be problematic for sensitive conditions or medications.
Bleeding Risk	Mild blood-thinning properties can interact with anticoagulants.	Does not typically have blood-thinning effects but should still be considered in the overall herbal intake profile.	Elevated Bleeding Risk: Chamomile component poses a significant risk when combined with blood thinners.

Watch for These Symptoms

It's important to be aware of the signs that a reaction is occurring. If you consume the tea and experience any of the following, discontinue use and seek medical advice:

Hives, rash, or skin irritation.
Swelling of the face, throat, or lips.
Wheezing, difficulty breathing, or asthma attacks.
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.
Unusual fatigue, excessive drowsiness, or dizziness.
Increased bleeding or bruising, especially when taking blood thinners.

Conclusion: Always Prioritize Medical Advice

While chamomile lavender tea is a beloved beverage for many, it is not without risks, especially for those in vulnerable groups. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, individuals with allergies to related plants, and those taking specific medications should approach this tea with extreme caution or avoid it entirely. The interaction with anticoagulants and sedatives, the potential for allergies, and concerns regarding pregnancy are significant reasons to consult a healthcare professional. Ultimately, the best course of action is to have an open conversation with your doctor or pharmacist before incorporating this or any new herbal supplement into your routine. For more information on chamomile's safety, visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at nccih.nih.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not recommended to drink chamomile lavender tea during pregnancy. Both herbs have potential risks, including the possibility of stimulating the uterus, and there is insufficient research to confirm their safety for pregnant women.

No, this tea is not safe for infants, especially those under 12 months old. Loose-leaf chamomile can be contaminated with botulism spores, and infant digestive systems are not equipped to handle this risk. Always consult a pediatrician before giving any herbal products to a child.

People with a known allergy to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds, are at a higher risk of an allergic reaction to chamomile. Symptoms can range from hives to severe anaphylaxis.

Yes, chamomile lavender tea can interact with certain medications. It should be avoided by individuals taking blood thinners (like warfarin) or sedatives (like benzodiazepines) due to enhanced effects. It may also interfere with hormone-related drugs.

Because chamomile has mild blood-thinning properties and both herbs have sedative effects, it should be stopped at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery. This precaution helps prevent increased bleeding and dangerous interactions with anesthetic medications.

Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face or throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Limited research exists on the effects of long-term use, but people with pre-existing liver or kidney diseases should exercise caution. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to assess any potential risks.