Can You Have Chamomile Tea Before a Colonoscopy?
Yes, you can have chamomile tea before your colonoscopy, as long as it is consumed as a clear liquid without milk or cream, and you finish drinking it at least 2 hours before your procedure time. 1
Clear Liquid Guidelines
Chamomile tea qualifies as a clear liquid when prepared without additives:
Clear liquids are permitted until 2 hours before colonoscopy according to evidence-based guidelines from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, which demonstrate that ingestion of clear liquids until 2 hours before sedation does not affect residual gastric volume or increase aspiration risk. 1
The tea must be strained and contain no milk, cream, or solid particles to qualify as a clear liquid appropriate for colonoscopy preparation. 1
Preoperative dehydration may actually pose a greater safety concern than drinking clear liquids before anesthesia, making adequate fluid intake with clear liquids like chamomile tea beneficial. 1
Timing Considerations for Your Bowel Preparation
The timing of when you drink chamomile tea matters based on your colonoscopy schedule:
If using a split-dose bowel preparation regimen, the second dose should begin 4-6 hours before your colonoscopy time and be completed at least 2 hours before the procedure. 1
Clear liquids including chamomile tea can be consumed between doses and up until 2 hours before your procedure start time. 1
For afternoon colonoscopies, same-day preparation regimens are acceptable alternatives to split dosing, and clear liquids remain permitted until 2 hours before the procedure. 1
Dietary Restrictions the Day Before
Your diet the day before colonoscopy should follow these evidence-based recommendations:
Follow a low-residue/low-fiber diet for early and midday meals on the day before colonoscopy, avoiding high-fiber foods such as cereals, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and raw or dried fruits and vegetables. 2
Switch to clear liquids only for the evening meal the day before your procedure. 2
No dietary restrictions are necessary more than one day before colonoscopy when using split-dose bowel preparation regimens. 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not add milk, cream, honey, or other non-clear substances to your chamomile tea, as this would disqualify it as a clear liquid. 1
Do not consume any liquids, including chamomile tea, within 2 hours of your scheduled procedure time to minimize aspiration risk during sedation. 1
Avoid unnecessarily restricting clear liquids earlier than 2 hours before the procedure, as this can lead to dehydration without improving safety outcomes. 1