What are the Most Common Chamomile Side Effects?

Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in use today. Often taken as a tea, chamomile is helpful with promoting relaxation, restful sleep and easing the effects of stress. Other chamomile benefits include easing an upset stomach or alleviating bronchial distress. While this dietary supplement is helpful for a number of ailments, some people have experienced a few chamomile sides effects that are worth noting.

One of the more common chamomile side effects is the potential for thinning the blood. The ingredient that can trigger this type of response is couramin, one of the two chamomile oil components that provide much of the nutritional value contained in fusions and teas made with the herb. Using chamomile in moderation will help minimize the possibility of causing a dangerous amount of blood thinning and the accompanying sense of weakness that comes along with unusually thin blood.

Many people use chamomile as a relaxant, either to ease stress during the day or to calm the nerves before bedtime. There are also some people that will drink chamomile tea or use chamomile supplements to help ease the distress of an anxiety attack. While the herb is very helpful in easing nervous distress, there is some anecdotal evidence that frequent use of chamomile can lead to a sense of lethargy, effectively dulling emotions to the point that apathy is present. For people who experience this as one of the chamomile side effects, it is imperative to refrain from consuming the supplement if there is a need to drive or operate machinery, since the senses and motor responses are dulled.

For people with certain allergies or bronchial disorders, chamomile may cause increased breathing difficulty. One example of chamomile side effects of this type taking place is with people suffering from hay fever, or an allergic reaction to ragweed. Consumption of chamomile in any forms seems to enhance the allergic reaction, increasing the sense of congestion in the chest, the watering of the eyes, and the feeling of being unable to draw in enough breath to be comfortable.

Anyone who is currently taking prescription medication for depression or any type of anxiety disorder would do well to understand how chamomile might interact with those drugs. The herb may interact with various medications that impact the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in a manner that enhances the sedative effect. The result of this type of chamomile side effects is that instead of regaining a balanced mood and becoming calm, the individual may be feel extremely sleepy and unable to perform day to day tasks.

It is important to note that not everyone experiences any of the more common chamomile side effects. For people who do not have allergies or are not taking medication for some type of emotional disorder, chamomile is likely to provide at least a brief sense of calm and well being. Anyone who is currently under a doctor’s care for anxiety, depression, or some type of ongoing allergy should speak with a physician before using chamomile in any form. Even if the physician feels that use of the herb is compatible with the medications taken, avoid driving or operating any type of machinery until knowing exactly how the herb does affect your concentration and ability to function.