Side Effects of High Daily Doses of Chamomile

For thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egyptian civilizations, people have used Chamomile for its health benefits and medicinal effects. The German and Roman Chamomile plant is used in teas, creams, ointments, extracts and capsules to calm anxiety, act as a sedative, relieve nausea and treat insomnia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Chamomile is also used to alleviate menstrual cramps, digestive problems, muscular spasms, skin irritations and slight infections. While herbs are a natural remedy for various ailments, over consumption can produce a number of side effects.

Digestive Upset

• According to Botanical Online, consuming large amounts of Chamomile is known to cause digestive or gastrointestinal irritation. Taking more than the recommended dosage of Chamomile, which is limited to 3 to 4 times daily, can cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that children under 18 consume no more than half the adult dose each day. Children 5 and under should not consume more than half a cup of tea per day or vomiting may occur. Chamomile accumulates in the body, so side effects may appear with one large dose or after several days. The Nutritional Supplement Educational Centre suggests that if digestive upset occurs, stop or reduce consumption and consult a doctor.

Medication Interference

• Those taking blood thinners, prescription sleep aids, oral antifungal medications, birth control pills and allergy medications should seek the advice of a doctor before using Chamomile to treat ailments. According to Webmd, doses of Chamomile that exceed the recommended amount may interact with these drugs and lessen the effectiveness or interfere with the normal function of medications. Taking estrogen along with large or concentrated amounts (improper ratio of dilution) of Chamomile may diminish the effects of the pills. Because Chamomile has a cumulative effect, taking high daily doses could drastically inhibit the proper function of medications.

Miscarriage

• Pregnant women may use Chamomile to alleviate morning sickness, nausea and vomiting but if consumed in large concentrated amounts, Chamomile may be detrimental to the pregnancy. According to Herbal Safety, though the FDA has labeled Chamomile “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS), pregnant women should follow dosage recommendations exactly or consult their doctors before consuming Chamomile as they are at risk for early uterine contractions that can result in miscarriage.