Can I eat Camille tea while pregnant?
US pregnancy food safety guidance. Educational only.
What Guidelines Say
Guidelines suggest caution with chamomile tea due to limited safety data and potential uterine-stimulating effects during pregnancy.
Read more details
Chamomile tea (often referred to as Camille tea) is classified as an herbal supplement by the FDA, meaning it does not undergo the same rigorous safety testing as medications. Most medical organizations, including ACOG, note that the safety of herbal teas during pregnancy is largely unknown due to a lack of clinical trials. Chamomile contains compounds that may act as uterine stimulants or mild blood thinners, which theoretically increases the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor when consumed in medicinal amounts. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties are similar to NSAIDs, which are generally restricted in late pregnancy due to potential effects on the fetal heart (ductus arteriosus). Because of these uncertainties and the potential for allergic reactions in those sensitive to ragweed, guidelines typically recommend limiting consumption to occasional use or choosing better-studied alternatives like ginger or peppermint tea.
Herbal Teas with Uncertain Safety Profiles
Consult a healthcare provider before consuming any herbal teas during pregnancy.
Decaffeinated Black or Green Tea
Ginger Tea
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Safer Choices
Decaffeinated Black or Green Tea
- Lower caffeine content
- Generally safe in moderation
- These options offer a traditional tea experience with well-documented safety profiles when caffeine levels are controlled.
Ginger Tea
- Alleviates nausea
- Recommended for morning sickness
- Recognized by ACOG as a safe and effective option for managing pregnancy-related nausea when used in moderation.
Peppermint Tea
- Aids digestion
- Typically safe for pregnant women
- Generally considered safe in food-grade amounts for relieving digestive discomfort and bloating during pregnancy.
Fruit-Infused Water
- Using fresh lemon, orange, or berries in hot water provides flavor without the pharmacological risks of herbal compounds.
Risks & Limits
Herbal Teas with Uncertain Safety Profiles
- Avoid ingredients like licorice root
- Potential adverse effects
High-Caffeine Teas
- Limit intake
- Excessive caffeine poses risks
Medicinal Strength Infusions
- Long steeping times or high concentrations of chamomile increase the intake of active botanical compounds that may affect the uterus.
Chamomile Supplements and Extracts
- Concentrated pills, tinctures, or extracts carry a significantly higher risk of uterine stimulation than standard commercial tea bags.
Excessive Daily Consumption
- Limiting intake to no more than one cup occasionally reduces cumulative exposure to coumarin and other active agents.
Key Points from Health Guidelines
Based on ACOG, FDA, NIH published guidance
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1Consult a healthcare provider before consuming any herbal teas during pregnancy.
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2Limit caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day during pregnancy.
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3Choose herbal teas with established safety profiles for pregnant women.
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4Read ingredient labels carefully to identify potentially harmful components.
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5Monitor for any adverse reactions when trying a new tea.
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6Consult a healthcare provider before adding herbal teas to a prenatal diet
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7Limit consumption to one small cup occasionally rather than daily use