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Chamomile is a popular herb used for relaxation, sleep, and stress relief, but it can cause side effects such as blood thinning, lethargy, shortness of breath, and interactions with certain medications. People with allergies or emotional disorders should consult a physician before using chamomile.
Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in use today. Often taken as a tea, chamomile is helpful in promoting relaxation, restful sleep, and relieving the effects of stress. Other chamomile benefits include relieving an upset stomach or relieving bronchial distress. While this dietary supplement is helpful for a number of ailments, some people have experienced some chamomile side effects that are worth noting.
One of the most common side effects of chamomile is the potential for blood thinning. The ingredient that can trigger this type of response is couramine, one of the two components of chamomile oil that provides much of the nutritional value contained in blends and teas made from the herb. Using chamomile sparingly will help minimize the chance of causing a dangerous amount of blood thinning and the feeling of weakness that accompanies unusually thin blood.
Many people use chamomile as a relaxant, either to relieve stress during the day or to calm the nerves before bed. There are also some people who will drink chamomile tea or use chamomile supplements to help ease the distress of an anxiety attack. While the herb is very helpful in relieving nervous distress, there is some anecdotal evidence that frequent use of chamomile can lead to a feeling of lethargy, effectively dampening emotions to the point that apathy sets in. For people who experience this as one of the side effects of chamomile, it is imperative to refrain from consuming the supplement if driving or operating machinery is necessary, as the senses and motor responses are dulled.
For people with certain allergies or bronchial disorders, chamomile can cause increased shortness of breath. An example of chamomile side effects of this type is with people suffering from hay fever or an allergic reaction to ragweed. Consuming chamomile in any form seems to improve the allergic reaction, increasing feelings of chest congestion, watering of the eyes, and the feeling of not being able to breathe long enough to feel comfortable.
Anyone taking prescription medications for depression or any type of anxiety disorder would do well to understand how chamomile might interact with those medications. The herb can interact with various medications that affect the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in a way that enhances the sedative effect. The result of these types of chamomile side effects is that instead of regaining a balanced mood and calming down, the person may feel extremely sleepy and unable to perform daily tasks.
It is important to note that not everyone experiences any of the more common side effects of chamomile. 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 currently under the care of a physician for anxiety, depression, or any type of ongoing allergy should speak with a physician before using chamomile in any form. Even if your doctor deems that the use of the herb is compatible with the medications you are taking, avoid driving or operating any type of machinery until you know exactly how the herb affects your concentration and ability to function.
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