With its apple-like fragrance and pretty, daisy-like flowers, chamomile is a delightful herb. Derived from the Asteraceae plant family, chamomile varieties like German chamomile and Roman chamomile have long been used for their medicinal and wellness properties But can you eat chamomile leaves and flowers or use them in recipes? Let’s take a closer look at the safety, benefits, and precautions around consuming this calming herb
Yes, Chamomile Leaves and Flowers Are Edible
The good news is that all parts of the chamomile plant, including the fresh or dried leaves, flowers, and stems, are edible for most people So feel free to add a few delicate chamomile blooms to a salad, use the leaves in a soothing tea, or get creative and use chamomile in baked goods, jam, or ice cream. When using fresh chamomile, focus on the leaves and flowers. The stems tend to be quite fibrous and woody
Potential Health Benefits of Eating Chamomile
Beyond simply enjoying the mild, herbaceous taste of chamomile, eating small amounts may also come with wellness perks. Chamomile contains antioxidant compounds called flavonoids that reduce inflammation in the body. This is likely why chamomile consumption is linked to benefits like:
- Alleviating anxiety and promoting restful sleep
- Easing upset stomach and indigestion
- Providing immune support with anti-microbial properties
- Supporting skin health and accelerating wound healing
- Lowering blood sugar levels
So experiment with getting some of your chamomile intake through the diet versus just drinking tea. Every little bit helps!
Use Fresh or Dried Chamomile
Chamomile leaves and flowers can be used either fresh or dried in recipes, beverages, and more. Harvest fresh chamomile just as the flowers reach full bloom for optimal flavor and scent. You can pluck whole flowers right off the stems or remove the tiny florets. Air dry chamomile bundles out of sunlight before storing in airtight containers. Dried chamomile keeps its benefits for up to a year.
Limit Portion Sizes Due to Coumarin Content
A compound called coumarin occurs naturally in chamomile at low levels, especially in the flowers. High intake of coumarin may pose certain health risks for some individuals. While chamomile is safe in smaller culinary amounts, limit daily portions of the dried herb to about one tablespoon and be cautious combining it with other coumarin-containing plants regularly.
Avoid Chamomile if You Have Ragweed Allergies
Up to 50% of people with ragweed allergies may also react negatively to chamomile due to similar proteins in the plants. If you have known ragweed allergies or seasonal allergies of unknown origin, use chamomile with caution. Discontinue use if you develop symptoms like itching, swelling, or throat irritation after consuming chamomile. See an allergist if needed.
Ensure Chamomile Hasn’t Been Sprayed With Pesticides
As with any edible plant, it’s vital to use only chamomile you know is 100% chemical-free. Chamomile grown for commercial production may be treated with pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals you don’t want to ingest. Either grow your own organically or purchase from trusted growers who don’t spray. This minimizes health risks from contamination.
Introduce Chamomile Slowly if It’s New to You
While many people can enjoy chamomile without issues, some may discover they have a personal sensitivity or allergy to the plant. When trying chamomile for the first time, start slowly with a small taste and gradually increase your intake while monitoring for any adverse reactions. This minimizes the chance of unpleasant symptoms developing.
A Little Goes a Long Way When Cooking With Chamomile
A light hand is recommended when adding chamomile to recipes. Too much can impart a bitter, soapy flavor. Use just a few fresh leaves or pinches of dried flowers to gently infuse foods and drinks with aromatic chamomile essence. Taste as you go until the flavor is appealing but not overpowering. Flowery simple syrup is one yummy way to enjoy chamomile’s flavor in drinks and desserts.
Kid-Friendly Chamomile Recipes to Try
Chamomile’s mellow flavor pairs wonderfully with many children’s favorite foods. Whip up chamomile lemonade, blend it into homemade fruit popsicles, bake chamomile-infused cake or cookies, stir some into honey, or sprinkle dried flowers onto oatmeal. Kids will love the natural sweetness and you’ll love the calming benefits. It’s a win-win!
Side Effects of Chamomile
For some people, chamomile can cause side effects that range from mild to severe.
 Potential side effects include:
- Allergic eczema and eye irritation from skin creams with chamomile
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting when taking chamomile in large doses
- An allergic reaction, especially if you are allergic to plants that are close to this one, like ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.
If you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), stop using chamomile right away and see a doctor.
- Trouble breathing (asthma)Â
- A red, itchy rash (contact dermatitis)
- Swelling of your throat or lips (angioedema)
The effects of long-term chamomile use arent known.
Risks
If you have any health problems, check with your doctor before using chamomile.
Its risks include:
Mild blood-thinning effects, which may increase the risk of bleeding if you take blood thinners such as warfarin. This usually only happens when you take chamomile in high doses for a long time.
If youre having surgery, stop taking chamomile 2 weeks before the procedure. This precaution can reduce the risk of bleeding and prevent possible interactions with anesthetic drugs.
Dont use chamomile if youre pregnant or nursing, as we dont know if its safe in these conditions.
Talk to a pediatrician before giving chamomile to babies or children.
Medication interactions
If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before using chamomile supplements.
In addition to blood thinners, chamomile may interact with:
- Sedatives
- Antiplatelet drugs
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
- Aspirin
- Benzodiazepines
- Cyclosporine (to prevent organ transplant rejection)
- Drugs used to treat insomnia
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen
Also, be careful when using chamomile with other supplements such as:
- Garlic
- Ginkgo biloba
- Saw palmetto
- St. Johns wort
- Valerian
Chamomile is a flowering plant used as a medicinal herb for centuries. We need more research into its effectiveness and long-term safety. But its potential benefits include improved sleep, reduced anxiety, relief from stomach ailments, and treatment of skin conditions. Talk to your doctor before you use it to avoid side effects.
How does chamomile help you sleep?
Scientists arent sure which compound in chamomile may be responsible for its reported ability to help you relax. It may be apigenin, which is thought to have anti-anxiety properties. It could also be that the act of drinking warm tea promotes relaxation.
Who cant take chamomile?
Avoid chamomile if you:
- Are sensitive to chamomile or plants that are related to it, like ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and chrysanthemums
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have asthma
- Plan to drive, as it may make you sleepy
- Have surgery scheduled in the next couple of weeks
Talk to a doctor first if you:
- Have other health conditions, such as cancer or digestive disorders
- Regularly take any medications, including blood thinners
- Are considering giving it to a baby or child
Can you drink chamomile tea every day?
We dont know how safe it is to use chamomile long-term. Drinking too much tea could cause side effects. Talk to your doctor if you plan to drink more than a cup or two a day.
Does chamomile tea have caffeine?
Chamomile tea has no caffeine.
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FAQ
Are chamomile leaves good for you?
Is any part of chamomile toxic?
Can you use chamomile leaves for anything?
Are all parts of chamomile edible?
Can you eat chamomile?
Do eat chamomile (yes, it’s ok). Most people know chamomile as a tea herb, but did you know that you can eat it like any other culinary herb as well? Ways to use chamomile flowers include mixing them into oatmeal and other cereals. Fresh chamomile blossoms and leaves are also enjoyable in salads. The leaves are bitter, so use them sparingly.
Does Chamomile tea cause excessive gas?
No, on the contrary. Chamomile is rich in phenolic compounds such as apigenin, quercetin and patuletin, with anti-inflammatory, calming, digestive and antispasmodic properties, which reduce the stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract, which help to relieve excess gas, intestinal colic and poor digestion.
How do you eat chamomile flowers?
Most people use the blooms, as the bright yellow centers have a mild, apple-like flavor. Brown a few crushed or dried chamomile flowers in hot butter, then stir them into oatmeal or other hot cereal. Make chamomile cordial with apple brandy, a small amount of honey, and a few fresh or dried chamomile flowers.
What to eat with chamomile?
Roast chicken in a white wine and chamomile infusion for a succulent supper. Serve with chamomile tea rice to complete the meal or try chamomile potatoes. For lovers of seafood, chamomile can also be used to cure salmon in a gravlax or poach scallops.
Can you eat leftover chamomile tea?
It is possible to store chamomile that you have already steeped as well. Store your leftover chamomile tea in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week in a closed pitcher. Do eat chamomile (yes, it’s ok). Most people know chamomile as a tea herb, but did you know that you can eat it like any other culinary herb as well?
Can chamomile leaves be dried?
Absolutely! If you have an abundance of fresh chamomile leaves, you can dry them for later use. To do this, spread the leaves out on a clean, dry surface and allow them to air dry for several days. Once the leaves are completely dry, store them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight.