Chamomile Side Effects

Chamomile is a flowering plant which is found most commonly in Germany and Hungary. The flowers and the leaves of the chamomile have been extensively used to make herbal tea, by Europeans and others, all over the world.

Known Side Effects
Chamomile has been a favorite tea brewing substance used by Europeans and as it comes from nature, it is generally assumed that it is a safe substance. We are aware of the health benefits of chamomile tea. One of the benefits is that it provides relief, in cases of minor illnesses and stomach upsets. But, is it really as safe as we think it is?

The problems with chamomile are rare, but they are quite real. Most of the side effects are allergic reactions. As chamomile is a flowering plant, people who get allergic reactions will also face allergies as one of the most predominant problems. Hence, the side effects of chamomile are not universal, but are largely restricted only to those who are prone to allergies. It wouldn't be right to assume that the chamomile is a perfectly harmless substance. Those who have allergy issues, will face a problem when they want to consume this herbal substance.

The problem with allergies is that you never know you're allergic to something, until you actually get a very telling reaction. Similarly, if you are allergic to chamomile, you probably will not know about, till you actually consume it and experience these side effects firsthand. If you do experience these side effects after consuming a chamomile based substance, it might be one of these. While rashes and itching are the most common symptoms of an allergy; in more serious cases, you might also suffer from anaphylaxis. Throat swelling and shortness of breath are also some of the side effects. Eye inflammation has been reported quite often, when people have come in contact with chamomile.

Care must always be taken when you consume a substance with medicinal properties. Same is the case with chamomile. If you consume too much of chamomile, you might end up feeling slightly sedated and it is not recommended that you drive or operate heavy machinery in this inebriated condition. An excess dosage of chamomile tea or supplements may also induce vomiting and dizziness. These problems can also be seen in young infants and newborns who may face a problem of botulism. A chamomile dosage might be too strong, especially for a child and hence, may cause sedation as well. So it is essential that you do not consume chamomile herbal medicine supplements or tea in excess.

One more thing to keep in mind is that if you are on any medication, their effects may be hampered or diluted on consuming chamomile. Consuming chamomile is especially risky, if you are on a blood thinner medication like coumadin. This is because one of the active ingredients in the chamomile, coumarin may have negative effects on those who are on blood thinner medication. Chamomile has also shown effects on blood sugar levels and blood pressure in those who are suffering from these problems. Pregnant women should also avoid chamomile as it may cause miscarriage. It is also advised that breastfeeding mothers refrain from consuming chamomile.

To summarize this article, I want to say that chamomile is in fact a great substance which helps ease a lot of problems related to stomach upsets, minor illnesses and menstrual cramps, but like any other medication caution must be exercised when it is consumed. Being herbal supplements, its side effects are quite rare, but that does not mean that you are allowed to be a little irrational while consuming it. Like any herbal medicine, it is essential that you ensure what dosage is safe for you.