Chamomile Tea for Seizure Control in Epilepsy
Chamomile tea is not effective for seizure control in patients with epilepsy and should not be used as a treatment for epilepsy. There is no clinical evidence supporting antiseizure effects of chamomile in humans, and it may potentially worsen seizure control through sedative effects and drug interactions.
Evidence Against Chamomile for Epilepsy
Lack of Clinical Efficacy
No clinical trials demonstrate antiseizure efficacy of chamomile in humans with epilepsy. 1, 2
Despite some theoretical antiseizure effects observed in animal models, chamomile should not be used in place of standard seizure medications because efficacy has not been established in human epilepsy. 1
The Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO guideline explicitly states there is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the clinical use of chamomile for any therapeutic indication requiring rigorous evidence. 3
Potential Risks in Epilepsy Patients
Chamomile may potentiate the sedative and cognitive effects of antiepileptic medications when used as an herbal sedative, potentially interfering with seizure control. 1
The sedative properties of chamomile could mask breakthrough seizure activity or alter the therapeutic window of antiepileptic drugs through pharmacodynamic interactions. 1
Herbal remedies and dietary supplements may predispose to seizures in individuals without epilepsy and worsen seizure control in those with established epilepsy. 2
Established Evidence-Based Epilepsy Treatment
First-Line Antiepileptic Drugs
Healthcare providers should continue to recommend evidence-based antiepileptic drugs as first-line treatments for epilepsy, as suggested by the American Academy of Neurology. 4
For status epilepticus, benzodiazepines are the first-line treatment, followed by second-line anticonvulsants such as valproate, phenytoin, or levetiracetam. 4, 5
Second-Line Options for Refractory Seizures
Valproate 20-30 mg/kg IV demonstrates 88% efficacy with 0% hypotension risk in status epilepticus. 5
Levetiracetam 30 mg/kg IV shows 68-73% efficacy with minimal adverse effects. 5
Fosphenytoin 20 mg PE/kg IV has 84% efficacy but carries a 12% hypotension risk. 5
Clinical Recommendations
What to Tell Patients
Patients with epilepsy should avoid chamomile tea and other herbal sedatives (kava, valerian, passionflower) due to potential interactions with antiepileptic medications and lack of proven benefit. 1
Daily coffee and tea intake can be part of a healthy balanced diet at levels of 200 mg caffeine per sitting (about 2½ cups) or 400 mg daily (about five cups), but chamomile specifically lacks safety data in epilepsy. 6
Essential Clinical Practice
Inquiry about herbal medicine and dietary supplement intake should be part of routine clinical history taking for all patients with epilepsy, as patients may not volunteer this information unless specifically asked. 2
Education of both healthcare providers and patients is the best way to avoid unintentional and unnecessary adverse reactions to herbal medicines in the epilepsy population. 1
Important Caveats
The perioperative guideline notes that chamomile has "no data to suggest any CNS effects that would interfere with anesthesia," but this applies only to the perioperative context, not chronic epilepsy management. 3
Chamomile's use for insomnia was not supported by evidence in the VA/DoD chronic insomnia disorder guideline, showing no between-group differences in critical outcomes compared to placebo. 3
While chamomile is generally recognized as safe by the FDA for general use, this safety designation does not extend to therapeutic claims for epilepsy treatment. 3