Quick answer

NCCIH says side effects of chamomile are uncommon, with allergic reactions the main risk, and grades short-term medicinal use in children below its grade for tea amounts. NIH's lactation database and a 2008 study warn that loose-leaf chamomile tea can carry botulism spores, a risk for infants. Ask your pediatrician before giving chamomile to a child.^1,2,3

Key facts

NCCIH grades chamomile 'likely safe' in the amounts found in teas and foods and 'possibly safe' for short-term medicinal use by mouth in adults and children.¹
NCCIH lists nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, as the uncommon side effects, more likely in people allergic to ragweed and related plants.¹
A study of 200 chamomile samples found botulism spores in 7.5%, more often in loose chamomile sold by weight than in tea bags.³
NIH's lactation database also notes botulism spores in some loose-leaf chamomile teas, and that chamomile has been given to infants alone and with other herbs.²
NCCIH says preliminary studies suggest chamomile might make birth control pills less effective.¹

What does NCCIH say about children and chamomile?

NCCIH uses careful grades. It says chamomile is likely safe when taken by mouth in the amounts found in teas and other foods, which is a statement about people in general. For medicinal purposes, it says chamomile is possibly safe in adults and children over the short term. It rates use on the skin, or as an oral rinse, as possibly safe at certain doses and over the short term in both groups.¹

The page gives no age limits and no amounts for children, and it does not say which products or conditions the children were treated for. It also does not say how long short term means.¹

Side effects are uncommon. Nausea and dizziness have been reported.¹

What do the sources say about babies?

NIH's lactation database mentions that chamomile has been given to infants, alone and with other herbs, for colic, diarrhea and other conditions, and uses that experience to reason about breast milk. It does not make a recommendation for infants.²

The more concrete warning concerns the tea itself. The database notes that botulism spores have been found in some loose-leaf chamomile teas sold in health food stores. A 2008 study tested 200 samples and found spores in 7.5 percent, more often in chamomile sold loose by weight than in tea bags, at a low load of 0.3 to 0.4 spores per gram. The authors noted that in some countries chamomile tea is given to infants for colic, and that infants younger than 52 weeks can develop botulism from ingested spores.^2,3

The study's authors are based in Argentina, and its abstract does not say where the samples were bought, so it cannot say how common spores are in products sold elsewhere. It does show why a pediatrician may have a view on chamomile tea for a baby.³

How important is allergy for children?

Allergy is the main risk NCCIH describes, and the lactation database adds that drinking chamomile tea has caused anaphylaxis in sensitized people. Children and teens with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies are the ones more likely to react, according to NCCIH.^1,2

Is there anything specific to teens?

The sources do not single teens out. One caution may reach them, though: NCCIH says preliminary studies suggest taking chamomile along with birth control pills might decrease the effects of the pills, which is a question for any teen on a hormonal contraceptive.¹

Ask your pharmacist or doctor first

Chamomile might have some of the same effects as estrogen. NCCIH says preliminary studies suggest that taking chamomile with birth control pills might make the pills less effective.¹

Reported in studies

Who should ask a doctor?

A parent considering chamomile for a child or teen should ask the pediatrician first, and should ask before giving a baby any chamomile tea.
A teen with allergies to ragweed, daisies or related plants should ask before using chamomile in any form.¹
A teen who takes birth control pills should ask a doctor or pharmacist, because NCCIH describes a possible effect on the pills.¹
A parent who buys loose-leaf chamomile instead of tea bags may wish to ask a pharmacist about the botulism findings.

Questions people ask

Is chamomile tea safe for teens?

NCCIH says chamomile is likely safe in the amounts found in teas and foods, and possibly safe for short-term medicinal use in children. Allergic reactions are the main risk it describes. Ask your doctor.¹

Is chamomile good for teens?

This page covers safety. NCCIH says studies of chamomile have not produced enough reliable evidence to rate its usefulness, and describes uncommon side effects. Ask your doctor about any health goal.¹

Is chamomile safe for kids?

NCCIH says chamomile is possibly safe for short-term medicinal use in children, with uncommon side effects, but loose-leaf tea may carry botulism spores, a risk for infants. Ask your pediatrician.^1,3

Is chamomile tea good for teens?

NCCIH says chamomile is likely safe in the amounts found in teas, and that allergic reactions are possible, mainly in people allergic to ragweed and related plants. Ask your doctor.¹

See what we make

Every product shows its whole label and what its lab report covers. The store opens soon.

See the Full Measure line

Sources

This page is information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.