No, chamomile tea is not a known cause of heart palpitations and is generally considered safe for heart health, though individual responses can vary.
You pour a warm cup of chamomile tea hoping to unwind, only to notice your heart fluttering a few minutes later. It’s a jarring moment that understandably makes you wonder whether that gentle herbal brew could be the culprit.
Here’s the honest answer: chamomile is one of the most well-studied herbal teas, and the research consistently points to it being safe for the heart. Palpitations after drinking chamomile are more likely due to other factors — stress, dehydration, or something else entirely — rather than the tea itself.
Chamomile Tea and Palpitations: What the Evidence Shows
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) classifies chamomile as likely safe when consumed in the amounts commonly found in teas. Their review lists uncommon side effects like nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions — heart palpitations do not appear on that list.
Heart palpitations are defined medically as the sensation of a racing, fluttering, or pounding heart. The most common triggers include anxiety, pregnancy, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods — none of which describe chamomile itself.
In fact, a 2020 study in the journal PMC found that chamomile tea reduced the severity of shortness of breath and anxiety in patients with chronic heart failure, suggesting a potential cardiovascular benefit rather than a risk. This is further supported by research indicating that chamomile may slightly increase parasympathetic activity, leading to better heart rate variability and reduced stress levels.
Why Some People Worry About Chamomile and Palpitations
If chamomile is so safe, why do some people associate it with heart flutters? The confusion may come from mixing up herbal teas with stimulants, from anecdotal reports, or from underlying issues that surface around the time a person drinks tea. The most common culprits for palpitations are far more likely to be these:
- Anxiety and stress: Strong emotions can trigger palpitations on their own, and the act of worrying about heart health can create a feedback loop.
- Caffeine (from other sources): Many people drink coffee or soda earlier in the day, and caffeine’s effects can linger. Chamomile is naturally caffeine-free, but it’s rarely the only beverage consumed.
- Dehydration: Being even slightly dehydrated makes the heart work harder to pump blood, which can lead to a faster or irregular heartbeat.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Low levels of magnesium or potassium are known causes of palpitations and are far more common than any herbal tea reaction.
- Medications or supplements: Certain cold medicines, stimulants, or even herbal interactions (though rare for chamomile) can cause palpitations.
If you experience palpitations after chamomile, it’s worth checking these factors before blaming the tea itself.
What the Research Says About Chamomile and Heart Health
Several peer-reviewed studies point to positive effects of chamomile on cardiovascular function. The NCCIH notes chamomile is likely safe when consumed in typical tea amounts — see its Chamomile Safety Profile for a full overview. One study on individuals with chronic heart failure found that drinking chamomile tea for four weeks helped reduce anxiety and improve shortness of breath compared to a placebo group.
Additionally, research suggests chamomile may modestly increase heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of better parasympathetic nervous system activity. Higher HRV is generally associated with lower stress and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Cleveland Clinic also recommends herbal teas like chamomile as part of a strategy to lower cortisol levels and manage stress-related palpitations.
| Factor | Effect on Heart | Known Palpitation Trigger? |
|---|---|---|
| Chamomile tea | May increase HRV, reduce anxiety | No — not listed in any major source |
| Caffeine | Stimulant, can increase heart rate | Yes — well-documented trigger |
| Dehydration | Heart pumps harder to maintain flow | Yes — common cause |
| Anxiety/stress | Activates sympathetic nervous system | Yes — very common |
| Electrolyte imbalance | Disrupts electrical signals in heart | Yes — magnesium, potassium deficiency |
As the table shows, chamomile stands apart from the established triggers. If you’re sensitive to herbal teas, start with a small cup and see how your body responds, but the evidence doesn’t support a direct link.
Other Factors That Can Cause Palpitations
When palpitations appear, it’s helpful to run through a quick checklist of common causes before assuming a new food or drink is to blame. Here are the most frequent contributors:
- Dehydration — Even mild fluid loss can raise your heart rate. Drink enough water throughout the day, especially if you’re active or in warm weather.
- Low magnesium or potassium — These minerals help regulate heart rhythm. A poor diet or certain medications (like diuretics) can lower levels enough to cause fluttering.
- Stress and anxiety — The body’s “fight or flight” response can produce a pounding heart. Relaxation techniques or a chamomile tea routine may actually help, not hurt.
- Lack of sleep — Fatigue increases adrenaline and cortisol, both of which can make the heart feel like it’s racing.
- Medications and supplements — Decongestants, thyroid medication, asthma inhalers, and some weight-loss supplements can cause palpitations. Review what you’ve taken in the past 24 hours.
Addressing these underlying issues is almost always more effective than avoiding chamomile tea.
When to Talk to a Doctor About Palpitations
Most palpitations are harmless and pass on their own, but some warrant medical attention. Per the Heart Palpitations Causes guide from Cleveland Clinic, you should see a doctor if palpitations are frequent, last more than a few seconds, or come with chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting. These could signal an underlying heart condition like atrial fibrillation or heart failure.
Chamomile tea is not mentioned as a cause or a concern in that guide. If you have a known heart condition or take blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin), it’s still prudent to check with your doctor before adding large amounts of chamomile — but the reason is medication interaction, not palpitations.
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| Occasional fluttering, no other symptoms | Monitor; likely benign |
| Frequent or prolonged palpitations | Schedule a check-up with your primary care doctor |
| Palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting | Seek urgent medical care |
The Bottom Line
Chamomile tea is not a known trigger for heart palpitations, and the evidence suggests it may actually support heart health by reducing anxiety and improving sleep. If you feel your heart race after drinking it, you’re far more likely reacting to dehydration, stress, or caffeine from another source. Palpitations that are persistent or paired with other symptoms should be evaluated by your primary care doctor, who can check your electrolyte levels and discuss any medications that could be contributing.
Whether chamomile is your nightly ritual or an occasional treat, there’s no strong reason to skip it — but if your heart ever feels off, your doctor can help connect the dots between what you’re drinking and what you’re feeling.