Chamomile Aroma Allergies: What's The Connection?

Chamomile is a herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family and is commonly used to make tea. It is generally considered safe for consumption, but some people may experience mild to severe allergic reactions to chamomile aroma or products containing chamomile. Allergic reactions can range from itching and burning sensations in the mouth, throat, and lips to more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis, which is characterised by tissue swelling, a drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. People with known allergies to plants such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums are more likely to experience an allergic reaction to chamomile.

Chamomile allergies are not uncommon

Mild allergic reactions to chamomile may include itching or burning sensations in the mouth, throat, and lips, as well as hives. More severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are rare but can be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include tissue swelling, a drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing.

If you experience any allergic symptoms after drinking chamomile tea or using chamomile-based products, it is recommended to take an antihistamine to relieve mild symptoms. For more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, seek immediate medical attention.

To reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, individuals with known allergies to ragweed, daisies, or other related plants should use chamomile with caution. Additionally, those with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be more susceptible to chamomile allergies and should also exercise caution.

While chamomile is generally considered safe, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming or using any new substance, especially if you have existing health conditions or allergies.

Allergic reactions to chamomile can be mild or severe

Chamomile is a herb from the Asteraceae (daisy or sunflower) plant family. It has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. Today, it is commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and gastrointestinal conditions. It is also used topically for skin conditions and mouth sores resulting from cancer treatment.

More severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are quite rare. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by tissue swelling, a drop in blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

You are more likely to experience an allergic reaction to chamomile if you are allergic to related plants, such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums. If you have a known sensitivity to any of these flowers, use chamomile with caution. It is also important to be cautious if you have asthma, as chamomile can trigger asthma symptoms.

To reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, it is recommended to do a patch test before using chamomile, especially if you plan to apply it to a wide area of the skin. If you experience allergic symptoms after consuming or coming into contact with chamomile, stop using it immediately and consider taking an antihistamine to relieve mild symptoms. If you have difficulty breathing or swelling, contact your doctor right away.

People with ragweed allergies are more susceptible to chamomile allergies

Chamomile is a herb that belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy or sunflower) family of plants. It is commonly used in herbal medicine to calm anxiety, aid digestion, and soothe stomach troubles. However, chamomile can also cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those who are allergic to related plants such as ragweed.

People with ragweed allergies may be more susceptible to chamomile allergies due to the plants' close botanical relationship. Ragweed is a common allergen, affecting approximately 22-23 million people in the United States alone. The ragweed season typically lasts from August to November, with pollen levels peaking around early September.

If you are allergic to ragweed, you may experience similar allergy symptoms when exposed to chamomile. This can include sneezing, a runny nose, headaches, and irritated eyes, as well as tingling of the lips, tongue, and palate, and itching and swelling of the mouth and throat. In rare cases, chamomile can also cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

To avoid potential allergies, people with ragweed allergies should be cautious when consuming chamomile tea or using products containing chamomile, such as lotions or skin creams. It is important to note that not everyone with a ragweed allergy will necessarily react to chamomile, and the severity of reactions can vary. However, due to the potential risks, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using chamomile if you have any concerns or existing health conditions.

Chamomile can be used in tea, capsules, tablets, oils, and skin creams

Chamomile is a herb that belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy or sunflower) plant family. It has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs.

Chamomile comes in many forms, including tea, capsules, tablets, oils, and skin creams and ointments.

Tea

Tea is the most common way to use chamomile. To make chamomile tea, steep a tea bag or dried flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Many people drink a cup after a meal to aid digestion and soothe stomach troubles. Some people drink one to four cups daily.

Capsules

Capsules are a convenient way to take chamomile, especially at bedtime for relaxation. Dosages vary, but they typically range from 250-1,100 milligrams per capsule.

Tablets

There is limited information on how chamomile tablets should be taken.

Oils

Chamomile oil is made by crushing and steaming the plant's flowers, creating a blue oil with a sweet, floral aroma. It can be used in aromatherapy, massage, or baths to promote relaxation and relieve sore muscles. When applied to the skin, it is thought to ease swelling and help stop germs from growing.

Skin Creams and Ointments

Some people use chamomile in ointment or liquid form to help with skin conditions. It may help repair sensitive skin and reduce skin dehydration due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and antimicrobial properties. However, it may also cause allergic eczema and eye irritation in some people. It is recommended to do a patch test on a small area first to check for sensitivities.

Always do a patch test before using any new product containing chamomile

Chamomile is generally considered safe and has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years to calm anxiety and settle stomachs. However, for some people, chamomile can cause side effects that range from mild to severe. Potential side effects include allergic eczema, eye irritation from skin creams, nausea, vomiting, and an allergic reaction, especially if you're allergic to related plants such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums.

Rare cases of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, have been reported in people who consumed or came into contact with chamomile products. Therefore, it is always recommended to do a patch test before using any new product containing chamomile.

A patch test is a simple way of checking whether your skin will react to a new product. It is a common method to check for a variety of allergies. The procedure involves applying a small amount of a substance or product to a clear patch of skin and leaving it on to observe whether a reaction develops.

• Choose a clear patch of skin: Select an accessible area of skin that you can comfortably leave untouched for up to 24 hours. The inside of your arm or the bend of your elbow are good locations.
• Clean the area: Wash and clean the chosen patch of skin to ensure that any reaction is solely due to the new product.
• Apply a small amount: Apply a small amount of the product to the chosen patch of skin. Cover the area with a band-aid.
• Wait: Ideally, leave the product on for about 24 hours. However, if you experience any discomfort, such as pain, burning, or itching, remove the band-aid and wash the area immediately.
• Observe: If you are allergic, you may notice redness, itching, or a rash. Mild allergies may manifest as pink or red discolouration, while severe allergies can cause the skin to become red, raised, itchy, or covered in a rash.

By performing a patch test, you can determine whether you are allergic to a product before fully incorporating it into your routine. This simple procedure can help you avoid the potential severity of an allergic reaction, ensuring a safer experience when trying new products containing chamomile.

Frequently asked questions