Chamomile Tea Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety + Benefits

Chamomile is among the most commonly used herbs in pregnancy. Women take chamomile to relax and soothe gut discomfort. It’s also added to herbal mixtures for breastfeeding support. Loved by herbalists and midwives and warned against by some doctors, is chamomile safe? Read on to understand the bigger picture.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. None of the information here should be taken as medical advice. Even if a remedy is classified as safe in Herbal Doula blog posts based on the existing evidence, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you. The classifications in the database are just a general reference point. Follow your body, keep track of your response, and consult an herbalist, holistic practitioner, traditional midwife, or anyone else you feel may help you if you need expert advice. 

Chamomile Tea & Essential Oil in Birth Work

An Unavoidable or Undesirable Herb?

Let’s cut straight to the point: you can drink chamomile tea while you’re pregnant and breastfeeding, right? Many midwives and traditional herbalists would agree. 

Yet, the evidence is mixed and it’s not that easy to say. 

Chamomile is traditionally viewed as a gentle and soothing herb that pregnant and breastfeeding women can safely benefit from. Aromatherapists swear by chamomile essential oil in birth work. 

In fact, chamomile is among the most commonly used herbs during pregnancy, along with raspberry leaf, fennel, peppermint, ginger, thyme, sage, and green tea (Bebitoglu, 2020). 

Many herbal teas aimed at boosting milk supply also contain chamomile, often in a mixture with cumin, fennel, alfalfa, and lemon balm. 

On the other hand, official medical sources caution against the use of chamomile in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of data. 

Some sources warn it can be dangerous. A couple of scientific studies mention scary side effects like stimulating the uterus in pregnancy and causing breast engorgement while breastfeeding.  

There’s a reason for the confusion. It comes down to: 

• Different types of chamomile
• Varied and non-standardized formulations
• Dosage
• Oral use vs. aromatherapy
• Drug and herb interactions, and 
• Individual response and health status 

Assessing the safety of chamomile tea involves examining the data on chamomile as a whole. That’s why I won’t limit myself just to chamomile tea in this post, but I’ll also cover chamomile essential oil, extract, and creams and ointments.  

I’ll teach you how to understand the science and identify if, how, and which chamomile might be safe and beneficial for you. Be sure to get the go-ahead from your care provider before using it, though. 

Chamomile Safety Categorization

Learn about Herbal Doula’s transparent research process for categorizing the safety of natural remedies here.  

German Chamomile Tea:

Pregnancy Safety:

Safe 

Labor Safety:

Caution

Breastfeeding Safety:

Safe

Although German chamomile tea is likely safe to drink occasionally during pregnancy based on the available data, caution is advised with regular use and in women who are on certain medications. Talk to your care provider before using it to make sure there aren’t any safety concerns in your case. 

Chamomile Essential Oils (Roman & German, external):

Pregnancy Safety:

Safe

Labor Safety:

Safe

Breastfeeding Safety:

Safe 

This safety categorization is based on limited studies and occasional aromatherapy use.

Although likely safe when properly diluted and used in moderation during pregnancy, some experts advise against using any essential oils before the second trimester just in case.  

German Chamomile Extract & Oil, Roman Chamomile Tea & Extract:

Pregnancy Safety:

Caution

Labor Safety:

Unknown

Breastfeeding Safety:

Caution

Due to a lack of safety data, German Chamomile extract and oil and Roman Chamomile tea and extract should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Their safety in labor is currently unknown. 

What Is Chamomile?

Types of Chamomile 

Two types of chamomile exist: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile/Anthemis nobilis L.). 

Most people are referring to German chamomile when they talk about chamomile in general. The German variety is far more common and considered to be safer. It’s native to southern and eastern Europe but is now grown in many parts of the world (Singh et al., 2011). 

Roman chamomile is barely researched and its use is largely limited to the Middle East. It’s somewhat popular as a garden plant in the UK and North America. Some even refer to it as English chamomile. However, it’s not widely cultivated (Kandelous et al., 2016).   

There are also many varieties to these two main types. For example, the botanical name for Egyptian chamomile is Chamomilla recutita (or Matricaria suaveolens)–and it’s actually a variety of German chamomile that grows only in the Nile valley. It’s considered to be precious and intensely flavorful (Ghonime et al., 2011). 

Then there’s Moroccan chamomile (Cladanthus mixtus), an entirely different plant native to the Mediterranean. It belongs to the same plant family as other chamomiles (Asteraceae) but there’s barely any research on it. Its essential oil is mostly used in perfumes and cosmetics (Elouaddari et al., 2014). 

Other types of wild and cultivated chamomile also exist (like golden Cota tinctoria and wild Matricaria discoidea chamomile), but you probably won’t find them in your tea or in commercially available products. Make sure to always check the botanical name of the chamomile you plan to purchase. 

To avoid any confusion, I’ll specify the type of chamomile I’m referring to throughout the post. 

Parts of the Plant Used & Actives

The medicinal part of chamomile is the flowerhead. 

German chamomile is rich in antioxidants like quercetin and apigenin, antimicrobial coumarins, anti-inflammatory compounds like alpha-bisabolol, matricin, chamazulene. The latter three are volatile oils and the main actives in the essential oil (Srivastava et al., 2011). 

Roman chamomile contains antioxidant flavonoids like rutin and apigenin, volatile oils, anti-inflammatory and bitter sesquiterpenoids, and digestion-supportive organic acids. (Guimarães et al., 2016; Chadwick et al, 2013; Suiryanrayna & Ramana, 2015; Kandelous et al., 2016).

Interestingly, Roman chamomile also contains a scopoletin, a coumarin that was researched for increasing the cognition-boosting neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Scopoletin blocks an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine (Srivastava et al., 2011; Rollinger et al., 2004). 

As you can see, Roman and German chamomile contain similar but not identical active compounds. Still, they’re often used for the same ailments. 

As a side note, homeopathic chamomile is also a relatively popular remedy. However, its use relies on different principles than herbal preparations (like potentiation, the law of similars, and the vital force). I won’t talk about homeopathic chamomile much in this post. 

Chamomile Traditional Use While Pregnant and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy 

Chamomile often comes up in the medical literature as a commonly used herbal remedy in pregnancy. Although it hasn’t been clinically researched in pregnancy, herbalists usually consider it safe in moderation due to a history of traditional use. 

It’s no wonder that many turn to chamomile, since it’s traditionally used to soothe gut discomfort, sluggish digestion, anxiety, and trouble falling asleep. These are among the most common complaints women look to get relief from with herbs in pregnancy (Romm, 2017). 

Chamomile is also taken to promote overall relaxation, reduce bloating and gas, combat joint swelling, and ease morning sickness in pregnancy. For morning sickness, it’s usually combined with ginger. 

For getting a good night’s sleep, chamomile is typically combined with other relaxing herbs like lavender, hops, and lemon balm. 

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, chamomile is a popular natural skincare ingredient. 

Herbalists traditionally use both German and Roman chamomile for pregnancy rash–an itchy, bumpy, annoying belly rash in late pregnancy called PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy). For PUPPP, chamomile is made into creams, lotions, and compresses, or added to baths. 

Chamomile is a herb rich in volatile oils, which explains its widespread use in aromatherapy (Romm, 2017). 

Emmenagogue or Uterine Tonic?

One issue that comes up in the literature is whether chamomile should be avoided in pregnancy because of its effects on the menstrual cycle. 

According to some, chamomile is mistakenly categorized as an emmenagogue: an herb that stimulates menstrual flow in non-pregnant women who experience delayed periods. Many herbs that have this effect have been used to abort unwanted pregnancies (Romm, 2017; Srivastava et al., 2011). 

Limited research reveals that chamomile is rather a uterine tonic (similar to red raspberry leaf). Uterine tonics are herbs that help the uterus get in shape for birth, start effectively contracting in labor, and return to its original size postpartum (Gholami et al., 2016). 

Have in mind that some herbs can be both emmenagogues and uterine tonics. These classifications are rarely set in stone with complex botanicals, which can make many conventionally trained healthcare practitioners want to pull their hair out. 

For now, let’s settle on the fact that most scientists think chamomile is more of a uterine tonic than an emmenagogue. 

Postpartum & Breastfeeding

Herbalists traditionally combine chamomile with catnip for afterpains, to help the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and ease the discomfort that these contractions can cause. 

A combination of chamomile tea and fennel is traditionally taken to support milk supply (i.e. as a galactagogue). Chamomile is purported to promote letdown by helping the mother relax. 

Feeling relaxed and peaceful while breastfeeding triggers a gush of oxytocin, which stimulates the letdown reflex (World Health Organization, 2009; Shukri et al., 2018). 

Also, ointments with chamomile are used for nipple soreness and compresses for breast engorgement. 

Chamomile tea is sometimes recommended by folk healers to relieve muscle aches in mastitis. Homeopathic chamomile has also been used for mastitis and cracked, bleeding nipples. 

Is Chamomile Safe In Pregnancy and Breastfeeding? 

Overview

According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), safety during pregnancy and lactation has been established only for German chamomile tea by mouth and for inhalation, based on a history of over 30 years of traditional use. 

EMA states that the safety of German chamomile extracts and essential oil and Roman chamomile in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. 

They also recommend cleaning the nipples before nursing if using skincare products with chamomile to prevent the baby from becoming sensitive to its compounds. 

One scientific review classified German chamomile as safe during pregnancy as tea in limited amounts (Kennedy et al., 2016). 

The American Pregnancy Association (APA) says that there is “Insufficient Reliable Information” to conclude whether chamomile tea is safe or not. 

However, on another page, APA says that German chamomile helps with sleeplessness and joint inflammation. They say that it’s commonly recommended by herbalists, midwives, and others who work with pregnant women, despite its classification.

Also, APA specifically advises avoiding Roman chamomile by mouth in medicinal amounts in pregnancy. 

According to the Botanical Safety Handbook (2013), the use of Roman chamomile during pregnancy is not recommended except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Health Direct Australia (an initiative funded by the Australian Government) mentions that small amounts of chamomile are ok during pregnancy. They mention that large amounts should be avoided since chamomile might stimulate the uterus or cause the baby circulation problems.

Chamomile flower is listed as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the US Federal Drugs Administration (FDA) as a spice, seasoning, or flavoring agent. However, the FDA doesn’t specify whether they consider it safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding (LactMed). 

Mill and Bone in their “Essential Guide to Herbal Safety” classify German chamomile as “A: compounds that have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.”

When it comes to essential oils, both German and Roman chamomile appear to be safe during pregnancy when properly diluted, according to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).

Pregnancy Data

Roman chamomile is believed to be an abortifacient, but this hasn’t been confirmed. 

Drinking German chamomile throughout pregnancy has been linked with–but no data suggest it’s the cause of–slightly earlier labor and lower birth weight babies. 

To learn about the safety of chamomile tea in babies and children, head over to this article. 

Controversial Italian Survey Study

One Italian study that interviewed women after they have birth suggested a possible link between the use of chamomile in pregnancy and more babies being born preterm, with a lower birth weight, or shorter length (Trabace et al., 2015).

This and two other similar studies did not specify the type of chamomile (the interviewers probably didn’t ask and we don’t know if the women were aware of the differences between different types of chamomile). Roman chamomile is more likely to grow in the South of Italy, but we can’t know what type of chamomile participants drank (Trabace et al., 2015; Facchinetti et al., 2012; Cuzzolin et al., 2010).

Let’s take a look at the actual numbers. 

Out of 630 interviewed mothers, 37% say they used chamomile at some point during pregnancy. They didn’t report any side effects. 

A statistical test suggested that women who consumed chamomile every day throughout the whole pregnancy were more likely to go into labor at 38.9 weeks versus 39.3 weeks in non-users. That comes to less than 3 days of a difference, and going into labor at 38.9 weeks doesn’t fit the definition of preterm (preterm is usually under 37 weeks). 

Next, women who used chamomile had babies weighing 3230 g on average versus 3322 g in non-users. That’s about 92 g of a difference, which is significant, but 3200 g is still pretty normal. 

Last, the babies of chamomile-drinking women were about 49.7 cm long versus 50 cm. Again, both are normal baby lengths at birth. 

I hope that you now see how breaking down statistics to understand the actual numbers helps. Midwife Sara Wickham, a huge inspiration of mine, explains this well in her post about coffee in pregnancy titled “Another study, another dodgy headline! Please don’t steal our coffee!” 

Also, correlation is not causation. 

I can’t stress this enough. Two things can be linked, but that doesn’t mean that one causes the other.   

Sara has a great explanation in the article about coffee that applies to this chamomile study 100%: 

“Just because something is increased in one group over another, doesn’t mean that thing causes anything. It just means there is an increase that would be interesting to look at further. It might have an effect. It might actually be linked to something else that has an effect. Or it might have no real effect at all.” 

Tyler Vigen has a website dedicated to spurious correlations if you’re curious! (hint: there’s an association between the number of people who drowned in a pool and the films Nicolas Cage appeared in, so you go figure…)

Earlier Study On Threatening Miscarriages 

Another similar Italian study of 700 women from a couple of years before the one discussed above didn’t find associations between chamomile drinking in pregnancy and these parameters (Facchinetti et al., 2012)

An even earlier and smaller Italian study suggested other negative health associations (Cuzzolin et al., 2010).

Out of 392 women included, 37 regularly took chamomile in pregnancy. The baby of one user had an unspecified heart problem due to Down syndrome. Another had an enlarged kidney of unknown cause. Both of these were judged to be unrelated to chamomile use. 

They also report a higher frequency of threatening miscarriages (21.6%) and preterm labors (21.6%) in chamomile users compared to non-users. They didn’t define preterm labor, though, so we don’t know what week they’re referring to (Cuzzolin et al., 2010).

However, the women who used herbal products like chamomile were more likely to have health problems to start with. Herbal remedy users already had more problems related to pregnancy such as threatening miscarriage, as well as hyperemesis, high blood pressure, and others. 

Again, there is no evidence to claim that chamomile caused a higher incidence of threatening miscarriages or preterm labor. 

Canadian Prematurity Study Finds No Association

An earlier Canadian study of 3191 participants found that 3% of women who experienced premature delivery (defined as before 37 weeks) drank chamomile tea regularly. That’s correlation again (Moussally & Bérard, 2010). 

Also, 3.5% of women who delivered at term drank chamomile tea. After they adjusted confounders, there was no link between chamomile use and prematurity. 

Case Reports on a Rare Fetal Heart Condition

Two case reports associated consistent use of chamomile tea in pregnancy with a potentially serious heart condition in the baby called premature constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus (Sridharan, 2009).  

Babies in the womb have an extra blood vessel that detours blood away from the lungs before birth. This blood vessel normally starts closing soon after the baby is born and starts to use its lungs for the first time. 

The condition mentioned in the case reports happens when this blood vessel starts closing while baby is still in the womb, which can be dangerous. It’s rare and can be picked up on an ultrasound (Enzensberger et al., 2012).

This condition has also been associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like aspirin) in pregnancy (Enzensberger et al., 2012). 

However, the cause often remains unknown. 

Chamomile might have anti-inflammatory mechanisms that are similar to NSAIDs, but it’s usually viewed as much milder. The authors suggest that women who take NSAID painkillers should be especially cautious with chamomile tea, as it may add to the effect (Sridharan, 2009).   

It remains uncertain whether chamomile contributed to this heart issue in the case reports. More data are needed since it’s impossible to draw conclusions from two cases. 

Breastfeeding

German Chamomile is likely safe during breastfeeding. It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in babies for colic, diarrhea, and other conditions. Based on it, some consider that the smaller amounts expected to pass into breast milk are unlikely to be harmful to the baby if the mother drinks chamomile tea in moderation (LactMed). 

No information on the safety of Roman chamomile during breastfeeding was identified. No nursing concerns have been brought up, but its safety hasn’t been determined either. Caution is advised. 

Palestinian Study

One Palestinian study found that 120 out of 300 women used herbs during pregnancy. About half used German chamomile. No adverse associations were reported (Al Ramahi & Adawi, 2013).

Animal & Other Research

Animal studies didn’t report any toxicity or harm during pregnancy (teratogenicity) of bisabolol, the main active ingredient in German chamomile (Habersang et al., 1979).

Similarly, studies on rats given a commercial German chamomile extract long-term didn’t report adverse effects on prenatal development or signs of pregnancy harm (Botanical Safety Handbook, 2013). 

With Roman chamomile, the situation is again much less clear. 

References from the 1930s indicate that Roman chamomile was an ingredient in abortifacient formulas sold in Germany at that time. Reports from the 60s mention it was used for late periods. Animal studies are lacking (Botanical Safety Handbook, 2013).  

11 Potential Benefits of Chamomile in Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Postpartum 

1) Boosting Milk Supply

Important note: the number one factor affecting your breast milk production is the rule of supply and demand. The more frequently your baby breastfeeds, the more milk you’ll make. This is key in the first 6-12 weeks, while breastfeeding and your milk supply is being established. Be sure to talk to a lactation consultant about any concerns. 

Limited evidence suggests that chamomile might increase milk production. 

This can be desirable for women who need a milk supply boost and a problem for women who have oversupply. If you are struggling with either, it’s a good idea to consult a lactation counselor first. 

One report describes a woman who inadvertently experienced high milk supply and breast tension a few hours after taking chamomile (Silva et al., 2018). 

Some scientists think chamomile might work by promoting relaxation, which may help with milk letdown. 

In another review, “breast engorgement and tenderness” is mentioned as a side effect of both German and Roman chamomile tea (Hajj & Holst, 2020):  

2) Balancing Mood & Sleep Postpartum

Many women struggle to get good quality sleep after birth. This can result in fatigue, “baby blues,” and even postpartum depression. On the other hand, depression increases the risk of sleep problems (Okun, 2015).

Can chamomile help?

In a study of 80 Taiwanese postnatal women with poor sleep quality, drinking chamomile tea improved fatigue due to lack of sleep and depressed mood compared to the placebo. However,  The beneficial effect got lost 4 weeks later (Chang & Chen, 2016). 

The authors concluded that chamomile tea can be recommended as a complementary approach to postpartum depression and sleep quality problems. Since it seems to be short to immediate acting, it should be taken on a regular basis. 

In another small study of 34 people, German chamomile (270 mg twice daily) for 28 days did not affect insomnia and sleep quality. Chamomile seemed to help a bit with sleep latency, night time awakenings, and fatigue–but the effect wasn’t statistically significant. It also modestly improved daytime functioning. The study might’ve been too small to detect health effects, though (Zick et al., 2011). 

According to small studies, chamomile tea might be a beneficial add-on to the overall care of postpartum sleep problems and depression. 

3) Aromatherapy for Natural Pain Relief in Labor

Meta-analysis

According to a 2019 meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials, aromatherapy helps reduce labor pain and duration and is generally considered to be safe to the mothers. The analysis revealed that aromatherapy (Chen et al., 2019):

• Reduced pain in the transition phase 
• Shortened the active phase (when your cervix dilates from 6 to 10 cm)
• Shortened the third stage (when you birth the placenta)
• Showed a trend toward shortening the second stage of labor (from when your cervix is fully dilated until your baby is born)

Aromatherapy had no influences on emergency C-section, water breaking, and spontaneous labor onset.

However, larger and better controlled trials are needed to see exactly which essential oils are most effective and how they can be best used.

Anecdotal Support

Anecdotally, many midwives and mothers say that the scents of essential oils help bring on relaxation and a sense of comfort during labor. Essential oils can be diffused, mixed into massage oil, rubbed into acupressure points, added to a bath, or placed onto a washcloth. 

Similar to lavender, both German and Roman chamomile essential oils are purported to be physically, emotionally, and mentally calming. German chamomile is used more to relieve joint and muscle pain, while Roman chamomile is said to create a tranquil atmosphere during times of worry and anxiousness. This isn’t mentioned in the scientific literature. 

Largest Study of Aromatherapy in Labor

The largest study on aromatherapy in labor to date was observational and included 8058 mothers in childbirth over 8 years in a health care setting (Burns et al., 2000).

It involved a mix of low-risk and high-risk labors, spontaneous and induced, vaginal and C-section. A total of 10 essential oils were used (plus a carrier oil) by being rubbed onto the skin and inhaled.

The key finding was that two essential oils, clary sage and chamomile, were effective in alleviating labor pain. 

According to the evidence from this study, aromatherapy may also reduce maternal anxiety, fear, and/or pain during labor. 

Plus, aromatherapy seemed to help reduce the use of opioids from 6% at the beginning of the study to 0.4% at its end. 

They conclude that aromatherapy is an inexpensive care option with minimal side effects. Out of 8058 mothers, 1% reported some side effects, all of which were mild.

A follow-up study of over 500 women confirmed that it’s doable to run randomized controlled studies on essential oils in labor in a hospital setting. The study wasn’t large enough to pick up health effects, but they women who got aromatherapy reported feeling less pain (Burns et al., 2007)

Can essential oils boost oxytocin in labor?

Oxytocin is the most important hormone in childbirth. It produces waves of contractions that naturally move labor along, help birth the baby, and prevent excessive bleeding after. It also provides a sense of connection, eases pain, helps initiate breastfeeding, and peaks when women feel safe and relaxed (Buckley, 2015). 

A study on postmenopausal women revealed that Roman chamomile and other essential oils (lavender, neroli, jasmine, clary sage, and Indian sandalwood) can increase salivatory oxytocin levels (Tarumi, 2020).

Whether or not essential oils can support natural oxytocin production in labor has yet to be investigated. 

4) Tea During Labor

Unlike with aromatherapy, there is little information on chamomile tea use during labor. 

German chamomile has been mentioned in some traditionally used labor infusions with a calming action, but scientific studies are lacking. 

One review mentions that German chamomile is among plants that have been used in pregnancy and birth work from early times in the traditional medicine of European countries like Austria and Bosnia (Gruber & O’Brian, 2011). 

There is one mention of a herbal mixture for easing the birthing process that contains German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.), small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata Mill.), large-leaved linden (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.), aerial parts of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), and fruits of caraway (Carum carvi L.) (Gruber & O’Brian, 2011). 

More research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of Chamomile and herbal mixtures containing it. 

5) Sitz Baths After Labor

Sitz baths have a long-standing tradition in midwifery and herbalism. A sitz bath is basically a herbal infusion you make in a small tub. You sit in this tub, relax, and let the infusion soothe your perineal tissues after childbirth. You can also make a whole bath with these herbs or soak pads with the infusion.

Chamomile is often added to sitz baths. It’s usually used along with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing plants like witch hazel, comfrey, yarrow, plantain, calendula, lavender, and others.  

Studies haven’t tested chamomile in sitz baths specifically, but we know that both German and Roman chamomile can help speed up wound healing. They have soothing, anti-inflammatory effects, and antibacterial effects and are widely used in skin care (more on that under benefit #6) (Srivastava, 2011; Miraj & Alesaeidi, 2016; Glowania & Swoboda, 1987; Kazemian, 2018). 

Cold sitz baths or pads may be better at reducing perineal pain after an episiotomy, according to some studies (Steen, 2006; Ramler & Roberts, 1986). 

However, women usually prefer the relaxing effects of a warm sitz bath. Suit yourself! 

6) Oil for Preventing & Reducing Stretch Marks 

German chamomile can be used with a carrier oil during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks. It can also be used after giving birth to help repair the skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks (Rügge et al., 2010).

It might also reduce skin itching, which partially explains its use for pregnancy itch or PUPPP. More research is needed, though (Rügge et al., 2010).

Some active compounds can be absorbed via the skin. In one study in human volunteers chamomile flavonoids and essential oils penetrated below the skin surface into the deeper skin layers (Merfort & al., 1994). 

This might explain why chamomile oil is also used as a natural painkiller in people with knee osteoarthritis (Shoara et al., 2015). 

Since chamomile can be safely used postpartum, applying its oil after birth shouldn’t be an issue. 

There are no studies on the safety of chamomile oil in pregnancy, so it should be used sparingly and with caution.  

7) Aromatherapy During Pregnancy

Some sources recommend Roman chamomile essential oil in the second trimester without any safety concerns. It’s thought to help mamas-to-be wind down, relax, and get better sleep. 

Roman chamomile essential oil may help encourage relaxation and reduce severe migraine attacks, according to a scientific review. In Iran, chamomile oil is traditionally prepared by adding essential oil to sesame oil. It’s used to relieve headaches and is thought to be anti-inflammatory (Zargaran, 2014). 

More safety data are needed, but no adverse effects have been associated with Roman or German chamomile aromatherapy use in pregnancy yet. 

8) Gel for Migraines

Pregnancy and postpartum migraines are relatively common. 

A gel with German chamomile essential oil helped reduce migraine pain compared to the placebo in one Iranian clinical trial of 100 people (Zargaran et al., 2018).

It hasn’t been tested in pregnant or breastfeeding women yet. Based on the available data, it should be safe to use while breastfeeding. Some caution is advised in pregnancy. 

9) Capsules for Morning Sickness

In one Iranian study, 105 pregnant women were randomized to receive capsules of either chamomile, ginger, or vitamin B6. All three remedies reduced nausea and vomiting to a similar extent. They were taken 3 times per day for 4 days (Pakniat et al, 2018). 

Since the study lasted only for 4 days, the long-term safety and effectiveness of chamomile capsules for morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting in pregnancy isn’t known. 

10) Capsules for Labor Induction Post-Term

In one clinical trial on postterm 80 women (over 40 weeks pregnant), chamomile helped stimulate labor compared to the placebo (Gholami et al., 2016). 

Each woman took 2 capsules (500 mg chamomile each) every 8 hours. After a week, 92.5% of the chamomile group and 62.5% in the placebo group experienced labor symptoms. Labor started 63 hours after taking the first chamomile dose vs. 106 hours after the placebo pill. All were low-risk pregnancies. No side effects were reported (Gholami et al., 2016). 

The authors conclude that it might turn out to be a good herb for natural labor induction after term, when indicated, and with more research. 

Herbs such as chamomile and blue and black Cohosh might act by reducing stress and increasing oxytocin, which is known to start and stimulate labor. This has yet to be confirmed in large studies, though  (Gholami et al., 2016). 

Unfortunately, the authors of this study didn’t specify which type of chamomile they used or how they prepared the herbal capsules. 

Also, studies suggest potential risks of going postterm to the mother and baby only after passing the 42 weeks mark (Dekker, 2016)

It’s questionable whether women should be encouraged to use any labor induction techniques before. Some midwives will attend natural births even after 42 weeks. On the other hand, many women turn to natural methods only to avoid mandatory inductions in the hospital (Gholami et al., 2016). 

To stay on the safe side, be sure to talk to your provider before trying to induce labor at home.

11) Digestive Aid

German chamomile tea is traditionally used as a digestive relaxant. People take it for flatulence, indigestion, and diarrhea (Srivastava et al., 2011).

The best researched herbal digestive aid with German chamomile is Iberogast, which also contains a mixture of bitter herbs. Iberogast improved indigestion in 12 clinical trials in the general population, but no research has been carried out in pregnant or breastfeeding women (Ottillinger et al., 2013). 

It’s also unclear if the digestive benefits are due to German chamomile, the other ingredients, or the combination. 

Chamomile Tea, Extract & Essential Oil Side Effects & Precautions

Many chamomile products are on the market and they can differ in active compounds. Have in mind that clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to others. 

Allergic Skin Reactions & Sensitivity

Drinking German chamomile tea and applying chamomile to the skin can worsen skin rashes in some people. It can also cause a life-threatening reaction in people who are allergic to it. Although this is very rare, it’s important to check for (LactMed).

Roman chamomile may trigger the same reactions.

Two women developed contact dermatitis of the nipples and areolas after applying an ointment with chamomile for cracked nipples (Kamillosan ointment). The product was purchased in England and contained 10.5% Roman chamomile extracts and oil. Reactions were confirmed to be caused by Roman chamomile by patch testing in both cases (LactMed). 

All chamomile products can also be irritating if used near the eyes. Even homeopathic chamomile might cause skin reactions in some people (LactMed).  

Lastly, people who are exposed to German chamomile dust at work and accidentally inhale it may experience hayfever and eye irritation (90542).

Allergies to Similar Plants (Cross-allergenicity)

People who are allergic to German and Roman chamomile usually react to all members of this plant family. The Aster (Asteraceae/Compositae) family also includes herbs like echinacea, feverfew, milk thistle, marigolds, daisies, ragweed, and others (LactMed).

Iron Absorption

Giving chamomile tea along with iron-fortified bread reduced absorption of non-heme iron by 47% in one small study (Hurrell et al., 1999).  

Chamomile reduced absorption less than black tea, cocoa, and peppermint tea. The authors think antioxidant flavonoids in chamomile might be responsible for this effect. 

We don’t know if chamomile might have a similar effect on the absorption of heme iron from animal foods or non-heme iron from natural food sources. Heme iron is generally easier to absorb than its non-heme counterpart. 

Another study concluded that even large amounts of tea don’t affect iron absorption much in people who take in enough vitamin C, meat, and fish (Zijp et al., 2000). 

Still, this is something to be mindful about during pregnancy–especially if you are prone to iron-deficiency anemia. 

Drinking tea between meals instead of with meals is also a good idea to mitigate this effect (Zijp et al., 2000).  

Women with Blood Clotting Disorders

Both German and Roman chamomile contain coumarins, which are known to reduce blood clotting (Singh et al., 2011).  

In theory, this might be problematic in people who have a blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia. However, there are no reports of German or Roman chamomile causing complications related to blood clotting.

Still, avoiding chamomile prior to surgery–for example, if you know you’ll be having a C-section–might be advised to rule out any potential effects on blood clotting. Check this with your provider. (Singh et al., 2011).

Dangerous Enema

There is one report of a hospital-administered chamomile lipid extract enema during labor causing a life-threatening reaction in the mother and the death of a newborn. The complication was likely due to an extremely rare and severe allergic reaction, but other factors may have been involved (Jensen-Jarolim, 1998).

In any case, there is no safety info on enemas with chamomile extract. They should be avoided until more data come out. 

Purity

Clostridium botulinum (botulism) spores have been found in some loose-leaf chamomile teas sold in health food stores (LactMed).

Be sure to buy chamomile from a trusted source. 

Potential Drug and Herb Interactions

Here’s a list of possible interactions mentioned in the literature (Balbontín et al., 2019):

Via Sedative Effects

Since chamomile is a mild sedative, it might theoretically increase the effects of other sedative supplements and drugs, including:

• Sedative herbs and supplements like 5-HTP, valerian, skullcap, St. John’s wort, California poppy, catnip, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, yerba mansa, and others 
• Sedative and painkiller drugs like benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and others), pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), fentanyl (Duragesic, Sublimaze), morphine, zolpidem (Ambien), and others

Via Hormonal Effects

Since chamomile seems to bind to estrogen receptors in test tubes, large amounts of it might theoretically interact with hormonal drugs like (Powers & Setzer, 2015; Kassi et al., 2004):

• Birth control pills
• Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT)/Estrogen
• Breast Cancer Chemotherapy (tamoxifen)

Via Blood Clotting Effects

Due to its potential to reduce blood clotting, chamomile might theoretically increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of excessive bleeding.

In one case, a 70-year-old woman taking warfarin developed a complication of bleeding after drinking German chamomile tea 4-5 cups/day and using a lotion with chamomile 4-5 times daily (Segal & Pilote, 2006)

Via Liver Enzymes

Both German and Roman chamomile taken by mouth might theoretically interact with many medications since they can affect the activity of liver enzymes that metabolize drugs. This relies on animal and cellular data and hasn’t been proven in humans. 

German chamomile might block CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4. In turn, in might increase the levels of drugs that are broken down by these enzymes, including (Maliakal & Wanwimolruk, 2001; Ganzera et al., 2006). 

• CYP1A2: antidepressant amitriptyline, antipsychotic haloperidol, anti-nausea ondansetron, heart medications propranolol and verapamil, and others 
• CYP2C9: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam, piroxicam, as well as celecoxib, the antidiabetic drug glipizide, heart medication losartan, and others 
• CYP2D6: antidepressants imipramine and amitriptyline, antipsychotics haloperidol and risperidone and chlorpromazine, heart medications propranolol and metoprolol and carvedilol, aromatase blocker tamoxifen, and others
• CYP3A4: cholesterol-lowering lovastatin, antifungal ketoconazole and itraconazole, anti-allergy fexofenadine, the insomnia medication triazolam, and many others. 

Roman chamomile might theoretically have the same interactions, but this hasn’t been yet researched.

Chamomile Tea Dosage

Herbalists traditionally recommend one cup of tea made from 1-5 g of dried chamomile flowers per day in pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

What Is the Bottom Line?

• German chamomile tea has a long history of traditional use during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Studies also suggest it’s likely safe. 
• According to limited evidence, German chamomile might help with pregnancy nausea, labor induction postterm, postpartum sleep and mood, milk supply, and perineal healing.
• Roman and German chamomile essential oils are likely safe during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding when used properly and externally. Aromatherapy with these oils during labor may aid relaxation and reduce pain. 
• Regular chamomile tea use in pregnancy has been weakly linked with some adverse effects, but there’s no evidence it caused them.
• Some people are allergic to chamomile; it can also interact with drugs and supplements.  
• The quality of chamomile on the market can vary a lot. Be sure to buy from a trusted source. 

>>>>>     Check out this post to find out whether it’s safe to give your baby chamomile tea 

Did you use chamomile tea or essential oil? Do you prefer Roman or German chamomile?

And.. did you already know that aromatherapy can ease pain and discomfort during labor?

I would love to hear your experience in the comments. 

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