Chamomile tea is an herbal infusion derived from the dried flowers of the Matricaria recutita plant, commonly called German chamomile. Many parents consider this popular beverage as a natural remedy for their children. While children can generally have chamomile tea, the practice requires significant caution and strict adherence to safety protocols. Professional medical guidance from a pediatrician is always recommended before introducing any herbal product into a child’s diet.
Age Minimums and Safe Preparation
Health professionals agree that chamomile tea should not be given to infants younger than six months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first six months, making introducing other fluids unnecessary. It is safer to wait until a child is at least one year old, when the digestive system is more developed and the risk of complications is reduced.
Proper dilution is paramount when preparing the tea to ensure a safe experience for a child. Begin with a very weak infusion, using a small amount of dried flowers or a single tea bag steeped briefly, perhaps for only one or two minutes. The resulting liquid should be significantly lighter in color than a standard adult cup of tea.
The tea must be cooled completely to room temperature before administration to prevent scalding. For infants over six months, the highly diluted, cooled tea should be offered in very small quantities, such as a few teaspoons given by a syringe, spoon, or sippy cup. Parents should select pure chamomile tea bags without added ingredients. Never use loose-leaf chamomile, as it poses an increased risk of contamination.
Common Reasons Parents Use Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is often given to children for its mild, soothing properties. A primary reason for its use is to help calm a fussy child or promote relaxation before bedtime. This effect is attributed to the flavonoid apigenin, an active compound found in the plant.
Apigenin binds to certain receptors in the brain, contributing to a mild sedative effect. Parents also commonly use the tea as a gentle digestive aid to alleviate discomfort from gas, mild stomach upset, or symptoms of infantile colic. Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract.
The tea is viewed as a natural, non-medicinal option to address mild issues like restlessness or minor digestive irritation. Its application is typically a short-term intervention aimed at general comfort rather than the treatment of a specific medical condition. Studies have shown that herbal mixtures containing chamomile may help reduce crying time in colicky infants.
Important Safety Warnings and Contraindications
A significant risk associated with chamomile tea is the potential for allergic reactions, especially in children sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. This group includes common species like ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and daisies; an allergy to one may cause a cross-reaction with chamomile. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from hives and itching to severe issues like swelling or difficulty breathing.
Another serious concern, especially for infants under 12 months, is the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum spores, which can lead to infant botulism. These spores have been found in some samples of loose-leaf chamomile. Boiling water may not destroy the spores, and the immature gut flora of a young infant cannot effectively neutralize the toxin they produce. This is why honey is also avoided in children under one year.
Herbal teas are also susceptible to contamination from environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals like lead and cadmium, which plants absorb from the soil. Choosing high-quality, certified organic, or branded tea bags can help mitigate this risk, but contamination remains a general concern with herbal products. Chamomile may also interact with certain medications, including sedatives and blood thinners, due to its mild calming and anti-coagulant properties. Always discuss any herbal supplement with a pediatrician before giving it to a child to ensure safety and prevent interference with existing health conditions or treatments.