Chamomile is a popular herbal tea, valued for its mild, apple-like flavor and traditional use as a calming agent. Many nursing mothers turn to this tea to help with relaxation or to address minor digestive issues. Since the body processes and transfers substances into breast milk, mothers seek clear guidance on whether drinking chamomile tea is compatible with providing nourishment to their infants. This article explores the current understanding and expert consensus on consuming chamomile while breastfeeding.
Assessing the General Safety of Chamomile During Lactation
Chamomile is largely considered low-risk when consumed as a standard tea. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given chamomile the “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) designation for its use as a flavoring agent or spice in food products, which offers a level of assurance for moderate consumption. However, this classification applies to food use and does not specifically address the safety profile for medicinal use or for lactating women and their infants. The lack of extensive clinical trials focusing specifically on herbal remedies in breastfeeding populations is the primary reason for caution among healthcare providers.
Nursing mothers should be aware of potential interactions with certain medications. Chamomile contains compounds that might interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin, or enhance the effects of central nervous system depressants or sedatives. An allergic reaction is a risk, particularly for individuals who have a known allergy to plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. Reactions can manifest as skin rashes, wheezing, or, in rare cases, a severe hypersensitivity response.
The standard preparation of chamomile tea, using a tea bag or dried flowers steeped in hot water, results in a much lower concentration of active compounds than highly concentrated extracts, tinctures, or supplements. Tinctures, for example, may contain alcohol, which is generally advised against during lactation.
Potential Transfer and Effects on the Breastfed Infant
The active components in chamomile, such as the flavonoid apigenin, are fat-soluble and can pass from the mother’s bloodstream into the breast milk. The amount transferred is expected to be very small with typical tea intake. This transfer is generally not thought to pose a significant risk to the healthy, full-term infant.
The potential effects on the infant are usually limited to the mild sedative properties that chamomile is known for. Some mothers have traditionally used chamomile to indirectly help soothe an infant’s fussiness or colic. However, this traditional use is not supported by strong scientific evidence, and chamomile alone has not been proven to be helpful for colic.
The possibility of an allergic reaction in the infant is a rare concern. If an infant has an existing sensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae family, they may react to the chamomile compounds passed through the milk. Mothers should watch for any signs of adverse reaction, such as increased lethargy, a new rash, or unusual digestive upset.
Chamomile’s Role in Maternal Milk Production
Chamomile is not typically classified among the traditional galactagogues, which are substances consumed to actively increase the volume of breast milk. The herb’s primary established biological effects are centered on relaxation, reducing inflammation, and acting as a mild sedative. The effects on milk supply are generally considered neutral, meaning it is unlikely to either significantly boost or significantly decrease milk volume.
The primary benefit to lactation may be indirect, as chamomile’s anxiolytic properties can help reduce maternal stress and promote better sleep. Since stress and fatigue can interfere with the milk let-down reflex, the relaxing effect of the tea can support the hormonal environment necessary for efficient milk flow.
Practical Consumption Guidelines for Nursing Mothers
Limiting intake to one or two cups of brewed tea per day is often suggested as a reasonable measure. It is best to use commercially prepared, high-quality tea bags or loose-leaf tea, as some loose-leaf products have been found to contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which are dangerous to infants.
Mothers should avoid highly concentrated products, such as essential oils or extracts, as these contain much higher levels of the active ingredients than a simple tea infusion. A useful practice is to consume the tea immediately after a nursing session, which allows the mother’s body the longest possible time to metabolize the compounds before the next feeding. Any sign of increased sleepiness, fussiness, or a skin reaction warrants discontinuing the tea and consulting a healthcare provider. Ultimately, consulting with a physician or a certified lactation consultant before introducing any new herbal product into the diet is the most responsible course of action for a nursing mother.