At what age can chamomile tea be safely administered to a pediatric patient?

From the Guidelines

Chamomile tea can be safely introduced to children after 6 months of age, but it is recommended to wait until 12 months due to the potential risk of allergic reactions. When considering the introduction of chamomile tea to children, it is essential to prioritize their safety and potential allergic reactions, as noted in a study published in 2020 1. Some key points to consider when giving chamomile tea to children include:

• For infants 6-12 months old, offer only very diluted, cooled chamomile tea in small amounts (1-2 ounces) and only occasionally.
• For toddlers over 12 months, you can give up to 4 ounces of chamomile tea, but limit it to once daily.
• Always brew the tea weak, let it cool completely before serving, and avoid adding honey for children under 12 months due to botulism risk.
• Chamomile has mild calming and anti-inflammatory properties that may help with teething discomfort, mild digestive issues, or sleep, but these benefits aren't strongly proven in children.
• If your child has allergies to plants in the daisy family (like ragweed), avoid chamomile as it may trigger reactions, as it is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug administration, but a low percentage of people seem to be sensitive to chamomile and develop allergic reactions 1. It is crucial to consult your pediatrician before introducing herbal teas, especially if your child has existing health conditions or takes medications.

From the Research

Age Restrictions for Chamomile Tea Consumption in Children

There is no specific information in the provided studies regarding the age at which chamomile tea can be given to a child.

Key Findings

• The studies focus on the therapeutic applications, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and quality control of chamomile 2, 3, 4.
• Chamomile has been used for various medicinal purposes, including as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anticancer, and anti-hypertensive agent 2, 3, 4.
• The herb has been traditionally used to treat stomach problems, cramps, dermatitis, and minor infections 3.
• Some studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of chamomile for anxiety, insomnia, and sleep quality in adults 5.
• Chamomile may have a significant effect on metabolic risk markers and complications of diabetes mellitus 6.

Limitations

• None of the provided studies specifically address the age at which chamomile tea can be safely consumed by children.
• More research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of chamomile tea for children 3, 4.