Chamomile safe during pregnancy

For Labor, Other Benefits, More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

People have been passing along home remedies for inducing labor for as long as people have been having babies. Once you get near, or even past, your due date, you will probably have everyone from your best friend to perfect strangers in the grocery store suggesting ways you can induce labor. While many methods are harmless, if ineffective, there are some that can actually be dangerous. Chamomile tea is often suggested as an easy way to get your labor started. However, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to support that, and some healthcare providers recommend that pregnant women not take chamomile.

In 2013, a study was done in Iran on the effects of chamomile for inducing labor. In this study, 80 post-term women who had low-risk pregnancies were divided into two groups. One group of 40 was given 1,000 milligrams of chamomile every 8 hours for 1 week. The other group was given a placebo. After a week, 92.5% of the women in the chamomile group started having symptoms of labor. Only 62.5% of women in the placebo group had symptoms of labor.

However, a systematic review of studies done in 2019 recommended that herbal medicines, including chamomile, be discouraged until more evidence of its safety is available. This review found that chamomile use in the third trimester was linked to increased incidents of babies being born early, being shorter, and having a lower birth weight, although a different study did not show an increase in babies born with a low birth weight.

Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a daisy-like plant whose flowers are used in herbal medicine and tea. There are two types of chamomile, German and Roman. People have been using both types for a long time. Chamomile was considered an important herbal medicine in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Today, people use it for a variety of conditions, including upset stomach, anxiety, insomnia, and skin problems.

Since chamomile is one of the most ancient herbs around, it has been used and studied extensively for properties that may help many health conditions, including:

Anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing properties
Anticancer activity
Common cold
Cardiovascular conditions
Colic and diarrhea in children
Eczema
Gastrointestinal problems
Hemorrhoids
Boosting the immune system
Inflammatory diseases such as esophageal reflux, diverticulitis, and inflammatory skin problems
Mouth ulcers
Osteoporosis
Insomnia
Anxiety
Seizures
Diabetes
Sore throat
Vaginitis
Wound healing
Quality of life in people with cancer

A review of these studies found that chamomile may offer some therapeutic effects because of its phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are chemicals found in plants that contribute to a plant's color, taste, and smell. We are just starting to learn about them, but they may help fight heart disease and cancer. Terpenoids like the ones present in chamomile may help slow cancer cell growth and fight viruses. Chamomile also contains flavonoids, another phytochemical that may fight inflammation and tumor growth.

Chamomile may also help stimulate the immune system, improve cardiovascular conditions, and provide some level of protection against cancer. However, more research is needed to discover if the proper use of chamomile is safe and helpful for these conditions. And improper use of chamomile can be harmful.

Is Chamomile Tea Safe During Pregnancy?

There is not enough information to determine if the amount of chamomile normally used in tea is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Some healthcare providers advise you to avoid taking chamomile internally but think it is okay to use topically on your skin.

Since it has been associated with both miscarriage and premature labor, chamomile definitely should not be used in large or medicinal amounts during pregnancy without first talking with your doctor about its use.

Chamomile can cause adverse reactions, particularly in people who are allergic to ragweed or other members of the Asteraceae family. These reactions depend on how the chamomile was taken and can include:

Anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that can be deadly
Skin irritation
Stomach upset
Sneezing
Vomiting
Allergic eye infections from chamomile eye drops
Asthma
Diarrhea

Chamomile may also be unsafe to take with other medicines you may be on, including:

Blood thinners
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Salicylates like aspirin
Thrombolytic agents, which are medicines used to treat blood clots

Is It Safe to Drink?

Chamomile Tea While Pregnant: Is It Safe to Drink?

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Diana Wells on November 6, 2018

Walk through any grocery store and you’ll find a variety of teas for sale. But if you’re pregnant, not all teas are safe to drink.

Chamomile is a type of herbal tea. You might like to enjoy a soothing cup of chamomile tea on occasion. But some doctors recommend limiting your herbal tea consumption during pregnancy. Here’s a look at the health benefits and risks.

There are two main types of tea: herbal and non-herbal. Non-herbal teas are made from the leaves of tea plants. They contain caffeine. Even the decaffeinated forms contain some caffeine.

It’s generally recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women stay away from, or at least limit, the amount of caffeine that they consume each day. This is because a developing baby can’t process caffeine in their system as well as an adult.

This recommendation includes any kind of caffeine, and not only the caffeine in tea. There’s caffeine in foods and drinks including chocolate, coffee, and soda. If you consume more than one source of caffeine per day during your pregnancy, you’re increasing the amount of caffeine in your system.

Therefore, it’s important to be aware of all sources of caffeine.

The following categories include teas that are non-herbal and contain high amounts of caffeine:

black
green
oolong

Green tea might be a good choice. Be aware of caffeine intake when pregnant and keep intake to a moderate amount.

What is herbal tea?

Herbal teas are made from various parts of plants. They are made from a plant’s roots, berries, and seeds. True herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. Read the label to find out about any teas you aren’t sure of.

Not all herbal teas are considered safe for pregnant women by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is mostly because of the types of herbs used and the amount of studies that the FDA has been able to conduct with pregnant women.

Chamomile tea looks similar to and is related to the daisy. There is German or Roman chamomile. It has been used since the time of ancient Egypt. The one used most often is German chamomile.

For most people, drinking chamomile tea has health benefits. These include a dose of antioxidants, help with sleep, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Chamomile tea is known to have a calming effect and help prevent colds and other illnesses. Plus, drinking tea of any kind can help keep your body hydrated.

Still, many doctors use caution in relation to pregnant women drinking herbal teas, including chamomile. This is simply because there haven’t been enough studies conducted to ensure their safety.

Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory agents. These may be dangerous during pregnancy. It depends on your medical history, how much you consume, and other factors.

It’s important to remember that not all herbal teas are the same, and there are those that doctors tell their pregnant patients to stay away from.

As with anything in your diet during pregnancy, discuss drinking chamomile tea with your doctor. Some doctors may suggest limiting the amount you drink, while others may prefer that you not drink it at all.

You also want to be sure to use commercially prepared chamomile tea if you choose to drink it during your pregnancy. Herbal teas that are commercially processed use herbs from safe sources.

You may have heard that chamomile tea can induce labor. But there isn’t currently any medical evidence to support this.

There are some herbal teas that doctors warn against in early pregnancy. These include blue cohosh and black cohosh teas.

Some herbal teas are considered safer than others for pregnant women. Nettle tea is used in many herbal teas and is generally considered to be pregnancy-safe. While some midwives may advise drinking red raspberry leaf tea, there is no strong evidence of its benefits for pregnant women, and a 2019 study suggested it may have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes.

During pregnancy, you should stay away from any herbal teas that are marketed for weight loss or dieting, or those that can be used as laxatives. Also, don’t drink those that contain any type of nutritional supplement. This is because the supplements can cause complications or interactions with other medications.

Keep in mind that even herbal teas labeled as “pregnancy teas” haven’t had enough studies done on them to be considered completely safe during pregnancy. Ask your doctor before trying out new types of tea.

To date, there haven’t been enough studies conducted on herbal teas and pregnancy. That means the jury is still out on whether drinking chamomile tea during pregnancy is safe.

Always use caution and ask your doctor about drinking herbal teas. Many common teas might be a poor choice when pregnant. Your doctor can recommend pregnancy-safe beverages for you to stay hydrated for the next nine months.

Last medically reviewed on November 6, 2018

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Pregnancy
Pregnancy Health

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Nov 6, 2018

Written By

Diana Wells

Edited By

Phil Riches

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Diana Wells on November 6, 2018

Chamomile during pregnancy: is it possible to drink chamomile in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester of pregnancy (in the early stages)? | Society

Summary:

Is it possible to drink chamomile during pregnancy
Chamomile tea during pregnancy - how it will help
Chamomile seeds - are they safe during pregnancy? What doses are safe for pregnant women? During this period, it is mainly used as a prophylaxis for the symptoms of toxicosis. It can be used as an infusion to soothe, for example, stomach pains or morning sickness, or as a bath additive to reduce leg swelling.

Is it safe to drink chamomile during pregnancy

According to the American Pregnancy Association, the use of chamomile during pregnancy is safe, but it should be remembered that studies have not yet been conducted that would unambiguously rule out the negative effects of taking herbal infusions. To date, it has been precisely found that it does not have a teratogenic effect on the fetus.

However, you should take care of your body, especially if you use herbs regularly. In case of occurrence of alarming symptoms, it is necessary to consult a doctor leading the pregnancy.

All herbs contain many different substances that, in addition to their medicinal properties, can cause serious harm. Individual elements in chamomile can provoke allergies, as well as uterine contractions. Sensitivity to certain substances during the period of bearing a baby may be higher, especially in women who did not have the habit of using herbal infusions and teas before pregnancy.

Plants that you take in the form of infusions and teas should not be considered as the basis of a pregnant diet, but only as a supplement to it. This means that herbal remedies should be used in very limited quantities and only with the permission of a doctor.

Chamomile tea during pregnancy - how it will help

An invaluable benefit of chamomile, which can be used by all pregnant women, especially at the beginning of the first trimester, is the relief of morning sickness. To enhance the effect, add ginger root to tea or infusion. In addition, it improves the functioning of the digestive system, helps eliminate flatulence, soothes heartburn, and also has a hypnotic and sedative effect, because it contains magnesium. All this makes it a good remedy in stressful situations, because chamomile helps to reduce muscle tension and calms.

It can be used as a substitute for painkillers, for example for migraines and headaches. In addition, it stimulates the activity of the body's immune system.

Chamomile ointments are an effective solution for sore and hypersensitive nipples that are swollen due to hormonal changes. Since chamomile contains calcium and magnesium, it also has a soothing effect on arthritis. In turn, its antihistamine properties make it an effective remedy for allergies of various origins. The plant not only prevents it, but also mitigates its consequences.

Not all herbs are recommended during pregnancy, but chamomile is among the herbs that are highly recommended. It has a high content of trace elements, vitamins and other active substances.

Chamomile seeds - are they safe during pregnancy?

Chamomile seeds are extremely safe for expectant mothers, especially as they help soothe ailments common to pregnant women: cystitis, uterine cramps (involuntary, excessive muscle contractions) and genital tract infections. Inflammation of the genital tract threatens not only the health of the mother, but also the unborn child.

Chamomile, used in seeds, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. An infusion of the seeds can be used as a mouthwash or as an addition to relaxing baths. It eliminates puffiness and soothes irritated conjunctiva of the eyes.

Pregnant women often experience excessive facial skin sensitivity, which means that they should not use creams that did not cause discomfort before pregnancy. The solution can be natural cosmetics based on chamomile extract, which improves skin condition.

Thanks to these products, the skin becomes smoother and more hydrated. Chamomile herb is a good solution for acne prone skin due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Moreover, conventional acne medications cannot be used by pregnant women due to the possibility of negative effects on the fetus.

Chamomile also has a nourishing effect on hair, especially on fair hair, restoring color and giving it a healthy shine. It also helps fight oily scalp and dandruff.

What doses are safe for pregnant women? How much to drink infusions and decoctions?

Chamomile infusions can be taken up to 3 times a day as a preventive measure. Means based on it should in no case harm the mother's body. As for the dosage of herbs, use ready-made filter bags for convenience or follow the rule - 1-2 teaspoons of chamomile per glass of water. It should be remembered that excessive consumption of chamomile can have negative consequences, so pregnant women should not use it on their own without consulting a doctor.

Summary
- Always handle herbs with care during pregnancy. Before taking an infusion or tea with chamomile, check with your doctor and ask if you can drink it during pregnancy.
- Some doctors recommend limiting chamomile tea to, for example, 1-2 cups a day, while others recommend not taking it at all.
- Despite the huge popularity of chamomile, you should drink it only if it is allowed by your doctor. It helps with the symptoms of toxicosis. At the same time, with excessive enthusiasm for chamomile, allergies and other adverse effects can be provoked.
Read also: Valerian during pregnancy in tablets: is it possible to drink valerian during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester of pregnancy?

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Chamomile during pregnancy. — 8 answers

I had a question, is it possible to drink chamomile tea if the package says contraindicated during pregnancy. But what about bloating, increased gas formation, which can bother all pregnant women? Here is what I found on the internet...

Even today, this healing flower is often used. Pharmacy chamomile has many medicinal properties, which makes it a very popular medicinal plant.

What to do? Does chamomile have a beneficial effect on pregnant women and the unborn child, or is it a serious threat to them? Today, Mamapedia.com.ua experts will help answer these and other questions.

Why is chamomile useful during pregnancy?

Indeed, chamomile is desirable and useful even at a difficult and crucial moment, like pregnancy. Also, when used correctly, it is very useful throughout the entire period of pregnancy. Therefore, if you are used to cosmetics based on this plant or drink chamomile tea, be calm. And if you were indifferent to chamomile before, we recommend making friends with it. After all, for a pregnant woman, she can do a favorable service.

Here is a list of what chamomile can do during pregnancy:
- It is a source of magnesium and calcium.
- Reduces joint inflammation.
- In case of inflammation and diseases of the genital organs, infusions and decoctions of chamomile can be used for baths, compresses, douching and washing.
- In case of respiratory diseases, inhale and gargle with chamomile.
- In diseases of the oral cavity and stomatitis, rinsing with chamomile decoction is recommended.
- It has a bactericidal, antiseptic, wound-healing effect, therefore it is recommended for washing the female genital organs, rinsing the mouth, for treating skin inflammations and wounds.
- May relieve signs of toxicosis.
- Helps with constipation, gas, bloating.
- Pain relief: headaches, stomach cramps.
- Calms the nervous system: a wonderful method to relieve anxiety, overexcitation, stress, overcome depression or apathy.
Warning for pregnant mothers

We see that the list of chamomile's actions is long, so we should not forget about it at the time of pregnancy.
Learn more