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Navigating the world of safe food and beverages during pregnancy can feel like a full-time job. One minute you're reaching for your favourite herbal tea, and the next, you're frantically Googling whether it's on the pregnancy-approved list.
At Myrtle & Maude, we understand this journey all too well, which is why we've created this comprehensive guide to one of pregnancies most questioned beverages: chamomile tea.
Chamomile tea has been cherished for centuries as a gentle, aromatic brew known for its calming properties. Made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant (primarily Roman chamomile or German chamomile), this herbal infusion offers a subtly sweet, apple-like flavour that makes it a beloved bedtime ritual for many.
But when pregnancy enters the picture, suddenly even the most innocent cup of tea deserves a second look. And rightfully so—pregnancy is a time when what you consume directly impacts not just your health but your baby's development too. This is precisely why we at Myrtle & Maude are dedicated to creating organic, natural products specifically formulated for each stage of the pregnancy journey.
When pregnancy brings its unique set of challenges, chamomile tea offers several potential benefits that might help ease the journey:
1. Sleep Aid and Relaxation
If there's one thing pregnancy can disrupt, it's your sleep schedule. Between bathroom trips, discomfort, and pregnancy-related anxiety, quality sleep often becomes elusive. Chamomile contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in your brain that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia.
2. Digestive Comfort
Pregnancy often comes with digestive discomforts like gas, bloating, and occasional constipation. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that may help soothe the digestive tract and relieve these uncomfortable symptoms.
3. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
The hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes trigger mood swings and heightened anxiety. The gentle, calming effects of chamomile can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of wellbeing—something every expectant mother could use a little more of!
4. Immune Support
Chamomile contains compounds that may help boost the immune system, which is especially important during pregnancy when your body is working overtime.
Now for the question on everyone's mind: Is chamomile tea actually safe during pregnancy?
The answer isn't as straightforward as we might like. While chamomile has been used safely by many pregnant women throughout history, modern medical research takes a more cautious approach.
Current Research and Findings
Scientific studies specifically on chamomile tea during pregnancy are limited, which is why medical professionals often err on the side of caution. Some of the compounds in chamomile, particularly those that help with relaxation and reducing inflammation, have been theorised to potentially affect hormonal activity.
A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Maternal-Foetal & Neonatal Medicine suggests that while occasional consumption of chamomile tea is unlikely to cause problems, there isn't enough research to definitively declare it completely risk-free in large amounts during pregnancy. [1]
Expert Opinions on Chamomile Tea Consumption
Most healthcare providers and herbalists take a moderate stance: chamomile tea in moderation (1-2 cups per day) is generally considered safe for most pregnant women, particularly after the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage naturally decreases.
The American Pregnancy Association includes chamomile on their list of herbal teas that should be consumed with caution during pregnancy, recommending that women consult with their healthcare provider before adding it to their regular routine. [2]
Precautions and Recommendations
At Myrtle & Maude, we believe in empowering women with information to make the best choices for their unique pregnancy journey. Here are our guidelines for enjoying chamomile tea safely during pregnancy:
Moderation is key: Limit consumption to 1-2 cups per day.
Quality matters: Choose organic, high-quality chamomile tea (like those found in Myrtle & Maude products) to avoid pesticides and contaminants.
Timing considerations: Many experts suggest waiting until after the first trimester to introduce chamomile tea.
Listen to your body: If you notice any unusual reactions, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider.
Despite its gentle nature, chamomile tea isn't right for every pregnant woman. You should avoid chamomile tea if:
You have a known allergy to plants in the daisy family (which includes chamomile, ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds)
You're taking blood-thinning medications
You have a history of hormone-sensitive conditions
You're in the early stages of pregnancy and have a history of miscarriage
Your healthcare provider has specifically advised against it
If you're looking for pregnancy-safe alternatives to chamomile or want to create a rotation of beneficial herbal teas, here are some excellent options:
Pregnancy-Safe Herbal Teas
Ginger Tea: Particularly helpful for morning sickness and nausea, ginger is generally recognised as safe during pregnancy and is a key ingredient in our Queasy Days Tea.
Rooibos Tea: Rich in antioxidants but naturally caffeine-free, rooibos is considered safe throughout pregnancy.
Peppermint Tea: Helpful for digestion and nausea, peppermint is generally safe in moderate amounts, which is why we've included it as a primary ingredient in our Queasy Days Tea.
Raspberry Leaf Tea: While best reserved for the third trimester, raspberry leaf tea has been traditionally used to tone the uterine muscles in preparation for labour. Our specially formulated Raspberry Leaf Tea is perfect for this stage of pregnancy.
Nettle Leaf Tea: Rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly iron, nettle leaf can be beneficial during pregnancy and is included in our Lactation Tea for postpartum nourishment.
Rotate your teas: Instead of drinking the same herbal tea daily, enjoy a variety to limit excessive consumption of any single herb.
Temperature matters: Very hot beverages have been associated with potential risks during pregnancy, so allow your tea to cool slightly before drinking.
Read labels carefully: Some "pregnancy teas" contain multiple herbs, not all of which may be appropriate for your stage of pregnancy.
Organic is optimal: Choose organic teas whenever possible to avoid pesticide exposure. All Myrtle & Maude teas are certified organic and packaged in biodegradable, GMO-free tea bags.
Stay hydrated: Remember that herbal teas should supplement, not replace, your regular water intake during pregnancy.
At Myrtle & Maude, we carefully include chamomile in select products where its benefits are most valuable. Our formulations are created by expert herbalists specifically for the pregnancy journey, ensuring that each ingredient serves a purpose and is present in appropriate amounts.
Queasy Days Tea -Our morning sickness solution contains 15% organic German Chamomile alongside peppermint (35%), ginger root (25%), lemon balm (15%), rose petal (5%), and orange peel (5%). This thoughtful blend harnesses chamomile's calming properties while the ginger and peppermint work to settle the stomach—perfect for those challenging first-trimester mornings.
Lactation Tea -For breastfeeding mothers, our Lactation Tea includes 17% German Chamomile combined with traditional galactagogues like fenugreek (17%), aniseed (17%), fennel seed (17%), caraway seed (16%), and nutrient-rich nettle leaf (16%). The chamomile adds a gentle calming effect, beneficial for both mother and baby during feeding times.
Chamomile tea can be a soothing addition to your pregnancy journey when enjoyed thoughtfully and in moderation. While research continues to evolve, the current consensus supports occasional consumption for most pregnant women, particularly after the first trimester.
At Myrtle & Maude, we believe in honouring the age-old wisdom of herbal remedies while respecting modern medical guidance. Our pregnancy range reflects this balance—formulated by herbalists specifically for the pregnancy journey, certified organic, and delivered in biodegradable packaging that's gentle on our planet.
Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what works wonderfully for one woman may not be right for another. We encourage you to use this information as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider about incorporating chamomile tea into your pregnancy diet.
Whether you're trying to conceive, navigating morning sickness, preparing for labour, or adjusting to life with a newborn, Myrtle & Maude is here to support you with thoughtfully crafted, natural solutions for each step of your journey.
Q: Can chamomile tea cause miscarriage?
A: There is no strong scientific evidence that moderate consumption of chamomile tea causes miscarriage. However, because chamomile has mild emmenagogue properties (stimulating blood flow in the pelvic area), some experts recommend avoiding it in the first trimester, particularly if you have a history of miscarriage.
Q: How much chamomile tea is safe during pregnancy?
A: Most experts suggest limiting chamomile tea to 1-2 cups per day during pregnancy. Our Myrtle & Maude products containing chamomile are formulated to ensure safe levels when used as directed.
Q: Can chamomile tea help with pregnancy insomnia?
A: Yes, the natural calming properties of chamomile may help promote better sleep during pregnancy, though individual results can vary.
Q: Is German chamomile or Roman chamomile better during pregnancy?
A: Both varieties have similar properties, though German chamomile (the variety used in Myrtle & Maude products) is more commonly studied and used medicinally.
Q: Can I drink chamomile tea while breastfeeding?
A: Chamomile is generally considered safe during breastfeeding and may even have benefits for both mother and baby, such as helping with relaxation and potentially easing infant colic. Our Lactation Tea includes chamomile as part of its thoughtfully balanced formula.
Q: Does chamomile tea contain caffeine?
A: No, chamomile tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a good option when you're limiting caffeine during pregnancy.
[1] Dante, G., Bellei, G., Neri, I., & Facchinetti, F. (2014). Herbal therapies in pregnancy: what works? Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 26(2), 83-91.https://journals.lww.com/co-obgyn/Abstract/2014/04000/Herbal_therapies_in_pregnancy__what_works_.4.aspx
[2] American Pregnancy Association. (2022). Herbal Tea and Pregnancy.https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/herbal-tea-during-pregnancy/
[3] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Chamomile.https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before adding herbal teas or supplements to your pregnancy diet. Every pregnancy is unique, and what's right for one woman may not be appropriate for another. Myrtle & Maude products are formulated to support pregnancy wellness but are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
