Chamomile Infusion

Chamomile infusion is a tea made from dried chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita) steeped in boiling water. It is traditionally consumed for minor stomach issues, colds, and to promote better sleep, and the infusion is also used for gargling and rinsing the mouth.

Origins

Chamomile has been described in ancient medical texts. According to the NCCIH, an American center for research on unconventional medicine that is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it was an important medicinal herb in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Today, as noted by the NCCIH, chamomile is recommended for colds, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia, cough, and many other ailments.

In the European Union, chamomile flowers (Latin: Matricariae flos) have a monograph from the herbal committee of the European Medicines Agency (HMPC), adopted in 2015. The committee recognized it as a traditional herbal remedy. This means that effectiveness is likely, and safe use has been established for at least 30 years, including at least 15 years in the EU. Traditionally, the infusion is prepared by pouring boiling water over dried flowers; specific quantities are provided in the product leaflet.

What We Know

Label: Weak evidence. Reviews of studies find isolated beneficial results, mainly concerning sleep quality and generalized anxiety, but there are few studies, they are small, and yield inconsistent results. The NCCIH and the European Medicines Agency state that there is insufficient clinical trial data to confirm efficacy.

What Studies Say

• NCCIH (USA): Studies on chamomile for various ailments have not provided sufficiently reliable evidence. Preliminary studies suggest that chamomile supplements may help with generalized anxiety disorder. Herbal mixtures containing chamomile have been studied for diarrhea in children and infant colic, but chamomile alone was not found to be helpful. Small studies suggest that chamomile rinses may alleviate oral irritation after radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
• European Medicines Agency (HMPC, 2015): The committee analyzed several clinical studies. It saw possible benefits, but the data were insufficient, partly because chamomile was not compared with another medication. Therefore, the recognition is based on traditional use.
• Systematic review with meta-analysis, 2019 (Phytotherapy Research): 12 studies with random assignment. For anxiety (3 studies), there was no difference. For generalized anxiety disorder and sleep quality, results were better after chamomile. Insomnia was assessed in only one study and showed no change. The authors state that larger studies are needed.
• Systematic review with meta-analysis, 2024 (Complementary Therapies in Medicine): 10 studies, 772 participants. Chamomile improved scores on the sleep quality questionnaire, and in two of three studies, it reduced the number of nighttime awakenings. However, it did not prolong sleep or improve daytime well-being.
• Systematic review of adverse events, 2025 (Complementary Therapies in Medicine): 72 studies and 11 case reports. Gastrointestinal complaints and drowsiness were most commonly reported, mild and transient. In 6 case reports, allergic reactions occurred, including 3 cases of anaphylactic shock. The authors note a lack of safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Safety

Risks

• Allergy. The NCCIH states that adverse effects are rare and may include nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions, including severe ones. The European Medicines Agency describes severe reactions (shortness of breath, angioedema, collapse, anaphylactic shock) after contact of liquid preparations with mucous membranes, such as the mouth. The frequency is unknown.
• Eyes. Chamomile used near the eyes may cause irritation (NCCIH).
• Estrogen-like effects. The NCCIH states that chamomile may act similarly to estrogens and could exacerbate estrogen-sensitive conditions, such as breast or uterine cancer.
• Amount. The NCCIH assesses chamomile as probably safe in amounts found in teas and foods. When used for medicinal purposes, it is considered possibly safe only for a short duration.

Who Should Avoid It

• Individuals allergic to chamomile or other plants from the Asteraceae family. This contraindication is noted in the European Medicines Agency monograph.
• Infants. According to the European Medicines Agency, consumption of the infusion by children under 6 months of age is not considered safe due to their nutritional and fluid needs. Do not give the infusion to an infant without consulting a doctor.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: sources vary. The NCCIH states that little is known about safety during this time, while the European Medicines Agency allows the tea. Consult a doctor or midwife before drinking.
• Individuals with estrogen-sensitive conditions, such as those with a history of breast or uterine cancer, should consult a doctor first.

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin (anticoagulant). The NCCIH reports interactions between chamomile and warfarin, as well as with some drugs processed in the liver.
• Cyclosporine after kidney transplant. The European Medicines Agency describes interactions in kidney transplant patients who consumed large amounts of chamomile for an extended period (about two months). The report concerns cases of changes in cyclosporine levels.
• Birth control pills. Preliminary studies suggest that chamomile may weaken their effectiveness (NCCIH).
• Sedatives. The NCCIH states that there are theoretical reasons to suspect an interaction.
• If you are taking any medications, consult a doctor or pharmacist before regularly consuming the infusion. Do not change or stop medications on your own.

When to See a Doctor

• Symptoms persist for more than a week despite using chamomile (European Medicines Agency).
• Symptoms worsen (European Medicines Agency).
• Other concerning adverse effects occur (European Medicines Agency).
• Call emergency services immediately if, after drinking the infusion, your mouth, tongue, or throat suddenly swell, you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, your skin or lips turn blue or pale, you experience sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness, or someone loses consciousness. The NHS describes this as symptoms of anaphylactic shock.

Sources

Compiled by the editorial team of informacja.com based on sources. Status as of October 24, 2026. This is not medical advice.