Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
T Traditional useA gentle herbal tea traditionally used for bloating and mild stomach cramps, common cold symptoms and mouth or throat irritation.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) classes chamomile flower as a traditional herbal medicine. It is drunk as a tea, inhaled as steam or used as a gargle and compress. Its use rests on long-standing experience rather than clinical trials.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve mild digestive complaints such as bloating and minor spasms. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as a steam inhalation to relieve symptoms of the common cold. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used as a gargle for minor ulcers and inflammation of the mouth and throat. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used on the skin for minor inflammation such as sunburn and small superficial wounds. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5–4 g of dried flowers.
Amount: 3–4 times daily
[1]Inhalation
Add 3–10 g of dried flowers to 100 ml of hot water and inhale the steam.
Amount: Several times daily
[1]Gargle
Infuse 1–5 g of dried flowers in 100 ml of water; gargle once lukewarm.
Amount: Several times daily
[1]Safety & interactions
- Do not use if you are allergic to chamomile or other plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae).
- Do not give the tea to babies under 6 months; children need lower, age-based doses.
- Avoid full chamomile baths with open wounds, fever, severe infection or serious heart and circulation problems.
- If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the stated time, see a doctor or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
| Medicine / substance | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Medicines taken after organ transplantation | Interactions via liver enzymes (CYP450) were reported with long-term, high-dose oral use. [1] | Moderate |
Side effects
- Allergic reactions after contact with the mouth, sometimes severe (frequency unknown)
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Chamomile is one of the few herbal teas whose safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding the EMA accepts. [1]
Frequently asked questions
How do I make chamomile tea?
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1.5–4 g (about 1–2 teaspoons) of dried flowers, strain and drink. Adults can have 3–4 cups a day.
Can I drink chamomile tea during pregnancy?
According to the EMA monograph, the safety of chamomile tea during pregnancy and breastfeeding has been established. Still, ask your doctor about any herbal product in pregnancy.
Can babies have chamomile tea?
The monograph does not recommend it for babies under 6 months. For 6 months to 2 years the dose is 0.5–1 g; ask a paediatrician first.
Who may be allergic to chamomile?
People allergic to plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae), such as mugwort or chrysanthemum, may react to chamomile.
Sources
Cite This Page
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chamomile/
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Dried Herb & Tea →
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