What happens to your body when you use chamomile regularly

Chamomile is an herb that may have beneficial effects on anxiety and relieving stomach upset. It is most commonly prepared as a tea, but is sometimes made into oils and tinctures.

Long-term consumption of chamomile can significantly decrease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and improve overall mental well-being.

Chamomile can soothe an upset stomach. It can also resolve diarrhea in children and colic (frequent or excessive crying) in infants.

Chamomile can help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It can lower A1C (average blood sugar over the past three months), serum insulin levels, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Consuming chamomile may help fight and treat cancer, as well as prevent thyroid cancer and other thyroid conditions.

This may be due to the antioxidant properties of chamomile. Antioxidants are plant compounds that fight free radicals, unstable atoms that cause excessive damage to cells.

Chamomile is often used topically to soothe damaged skin. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it particularly useful against eczema.

Chamomile can help soothe and heal diaper rash, simple sores, bruises and burns, as well as sore nipples while breastfeeding.

The most popular way to use chamomile is to drink it as a tea. Some people eat chamomile flowers as food. You can find chamomile in essential oils or in capsule form.

Chamomile is also used in many cosmetic products, such as:

• Deodorant
• Detergents
• Lotions
• Mouthwash
• Perfumes
• Shampoos
• Soaps
• Sun creams
• Toothpaste

Dosage

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbs, so it does not set safe doses of chamomile.

Consume the amount of chamomile found in tea is generally considered safeincluding German chamomile.

Roman and German chamomile are on the FDA’s list of foods generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a spice, tea, seasoning or flavoring. Less is known about its safety in more potent forms, such as essential oil.

Pregnant people can avoid chamomile as this can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Chamomile may also cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to ragweed or other similar plants.

Potential drug interactions

There is limited information available on how chamomile may interact with other medications or drugs.

Some people have experienced negative effects using chamomile while taking blood thinnerslike warfarin (sold under brand names like Jantoven or Coumadin).

Others have reported negative effects with the organ transplant drug cyclosporine (sold under brands like Gengra and Neoral).

It is always best to consult a doctor before taking any new herbal supplement.

Most people who consume chamomile in tea form do not experience negative side effects.

Side effects are rare but may include:

• Diarrhea
• Allergic reaction
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Nausea