Chamomile tea is a popular drink before bed. Many people have it in the evening because it feels calming and fits easily into a relaxing nighttime routine.
But is chamomile tea always safe to drink at night?
For most healthy adults, chamomile tea is generally considered safe when consumed in normal amounts. Still, it can cause side effects in some people. Allergies, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and potential interactions with certain medications are important considerations.
There are also some situations where you should be more careful, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to certain plants, or taking regular medication.
Let's look at the possible side effects and what you should know before making chamomile tea part of your nightly routine.
Is Chamomile Tea Safe to Drink at Night?
For most people, having a normal cup of chamomile tea at night is unlikely to cause problems. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) considers chamomile likely safe when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods and teas.
However, "natural" does not automatically mean that something is suitable for everyone.
Your body may react differently to chamomile than someone else's. The amount you drink, other ingredients in the tea, your allergies, and any medicines you take can all matter.
So if you feel unwell after drinking chamomile tea, don't simply assume that the symptoms are unrelated.
Possible Side Effects of Chamomile Tea at Night
1. Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction is one of the main things to be aware of with chamomile.
Chamomile belongs to the same plant family as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. If you are allergic to these plants, you may have a higher chance of reacting to chamomile.
A reaction could cause symptoms such as
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Skin irritation or itching
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Hives
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Swelling
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Sneezing or other allergy symptoms
In rare cases, a serious allergic reaction can occur.
If you have trouble breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help.
2. Nausea or Stomach Discomfort
Chamomile is often used as a soothing herbal tea, but it doesn't agree with everyone's stomach.
Some people may experience nausea or other digestive discomfort after consuming chamomile.
If you notice that you regularly feel sick after drinking it, try stopping it for a few days. If the problem goes away and returns when you drink chamomile again, speak with a healthcare professional before continuing.
3. Dizziness
Dizziness has also been reported with chamomile use.
If you feel light-headed or dizzy after drinking chamomile tea, don't assume that you simply need to get used to it. There can be many reasons for dizziness, including dehydration, medication, not eating enough, or another health problem.
If it happens repeatedly, it's worth getting it checked.
4. Chamomile May Interact With Some Medicines
This is especially important if you take medication regularly.
Chamomile has been reported to interact with warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots. There are also possible interactions with some medicines that are processed by the liver and with sedative drugs.
The research on herbal products and medicines is not complete, so it can be difficult to know exactly how every combination will affect a person.
If you take prescription medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using chamomile regularly, particularly in concentrated forms.
5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There isn't enough reliable information to say that chamomile is definitely safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
This doesn't mean that chamomile has been proven to be harmful. It means that there isn't enough evidence to establish its safety confidently.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before drinking chamomile regularly or taking chamomile supplements.
Can Chamomile Tea Make You Sleepy?
This is one of the biggest reasons people drink chamomile tea at night.
Chamomile has a long history as a relaxing bedtime drink. But that doesn't mean it works like a sleeping pill.
Research on chamomile and sleep is still developing.
A 2024 review looked at 10 studies involving 772 people and found that chamomile may improve some aspects of sleep quality and reduce nighttime awakenings. However, the researchers did not find consistent improvements in things such as total sleep time, sleep efficiency, or daytime functioning.
So, if you enjoy chamomile before bed, it's fine to think of it as part of your bedtime routine rather than a guaranteed treatment for sleep problems.
If you have ongoing insomnia, it's better to speak with a healthcare professional instead of relying only on herbal tea.
Who Should Be Careful With Chamomile Tea?
Chamomile may not be the right choice for everyone.
You should be particularly careful if you:
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Have allergies to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds
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Take warfarin or other regular medicines.
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Take medicines that make you sleepy.
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Take medicines that are processed by the liver.
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Are pregnant or breastfeeding
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Have experienced an allergic reaction to chamomile before
If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before making chamomile tea a regular part of your routine.
Chamomile Tea vs. Chamomile Supplements
A cup of chamomile tea and a concentrated chamomile supplement are not necessarily the same thing.
Tea generally contains chamomile in the amount normally used as a beverage. Supplements and extracts can be much more concentrated.
This is important because people sometimes assume that if one cup of chamomile tea is safe, every chamomile product must be equally safe.
That's not necessarily the case.
If you are taking a chamomile supplement, check the recommended serving size and look at the complete ingredient list. If it is a blend containing several herbs, those additional ingredients should also be considered.
How to Drink Chamomile Tea at Night
If you enjoy chamomile tea and it doesn't cause you any problems, there are a few simple things you can do.
Keep the serving reasonable.
You don't need to drink large amounts of chamomile just because you want to relax before bed.
Check what's actually in the tea.
Some products contain chamomile along with other herbs. Read the label, especially if you take medication.
Pay attention to how you feel.
Your own response matters.
If you develop itching, swelling, nausea, dizziness, or another unusual symptom after drinking chamomile, stop using it and speak with a healthcare professional if the symptoms continue or are severe.
Be careful if you take medication.
If you take prescription medicines every day, don't assume that an herbal tea cannot interact with them. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure.
So, Should You Drink Chamomile Tea at Night?
For most healthy adults, a normal cup of chamomile tea at night is generally considered safe.
The main things to watch for are allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and possible interactions with medicines. There is also not enough information to establish its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
As for sleep, chamomile may help some people feel more relaxed, and recent research suggests it may improve certain aspects of sleep quality. But the evidence is not strong enough to call it a proven treatment for insomnia.
If you enjoy the taste and feel good after drinking it, chamomile can be a simple addition to your evening routine. Just don't assume that because it is an herbal tea, there are no possible risks.
And if you take medication, have allergies, are pregnant, or have a health condition, it's a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before drinking it regularly.
FAQ
Is it okay to drink chamomile tea every night?
For most healthy adults, chamomile tea in normal beverage amounts is generally considered safe. However, people taking medicines or those with certain allergies should check with a healthcare professional first.
What are the side effects of chamomile tea at night?
Possible side effects include nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Chamomile can also interact with some medicines.
Can chamomile tea cause an allergic reaction?
Yes. People allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, or related plants may have a higher risk of reacting to chamomile.
Can chamomile tea make you sleepy?
Chamomile is commonly used as a bedtime drink and may help some people feel relaxed. Research suggests it may improve certain aspects of sleep, but it has not been proven to treat insomnia.
Can I drink chamomile tea while pregnant?
There isn't enough reliable evidence to establish the safety of chamomile during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before drinking it regularly.
Does chamomile tea interact with medicines?
It can. Interactions have been reported with medicines such as warfarin, and there may be interactions with some sedatives and medicines processed by the liver.
Can chamomile tea cause dizziness?
Dizziness has been reported as a possible side effect. If you repeatedly feel dizzy after drinking chamomile tea, stop using it and discuss the problem with a healthcare professional.