Chamomile Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,300 found this helpful

Chamomile is confirmed non-toxic to humans and common domestic animals, with no toxic plant parts identified.

Poisoning risk from accidental ingestion, skin contact, or pollen exposure is extremely low to non-existent.

The plant has multiple common lookalikes, most of which are also non-toxic, but proper species identification is still recommended.

FAQ

Is Chamomile toxic to Humans?

No known toxic symptoms; mild, rare gastrointestinal upset or allergic reaction may occur in sensitive individuals after very large ingestion or contact. (Non-toxic)

Is Chamomile toxic to Cats?

No known toxic symptoms; mild transient digestive upset (loose stools, minor vomiting) may occur if extremely large quantities are consumed. (Non-toxic)

Is Chamomile toxic to Dogs?

No known toxic symptoms; mild transient digestive upset (loose stools, minor vomiting) may occur if extremely large quantities are consumed. (Non-toxic)

Is Chamomile toxic to Horses?

No known toxic symptoms; mild transient digestive upset may occur if extremely large quantities are consumed as part of forage. (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; mild, rare gastrointestinal upset or allergic reaction may occur in sensitive individuals after very large ingestion or contact.

Cats

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; mild transient digestive upset (loose stools, minor vomiting) may occur if extremely large quantities are consumed.

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; mild transient digestive upset (loose stools, minor vomiting) may occur if extremely large quantities are consumed.

Horses

Non-toxic

No known toxic symptoms; mild transient digestive upset may occur if extremely large quantities are consumed as part of forage.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic plant parts identified; all aerial and root components are classified as non-toxic.

Exposure RouteExposure routes include accidental ingestion, skin contact, and dried plant pollen inhalation; no toxic effects from standard exposure are confirmed.

Toxic CompoundsNo toxic constituents identified; common non-toxic active compounds include apigenin, chamazulene, and bisabolol

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if large quantities of the plant are ingested
• Wash contacted skin with mild soap and water if mild irritation occurs
• Monitor exposed humans or animals for 24 hours for any unusual symptoms

Contact Vet Immediately

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy occurs in pets after ingestion
• Signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, breathing difficulty) develop post-exposure
• You cannot confirm the plant is true chamomile and suspect a toxic lookalike was consumed

Prevention

• Properly identify all wild-foraged plants before allowing human or pet exposure
• Train pets to avoid foraging on unknown wild vegetation
• Store dried chamomile products out of reach of small children and pets that may overconsume

Treatment & Prognosis

• Provide supportive care including fresh water and rest for mild transient digestive upset
• Administer antihistamines for rare allergic reactions per doctor/vet guidance
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic effects are confirmed for this species

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameMatricaria chamomilla L. (synonyms: Matricaria recutita L., Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rauschert, Matricaria courrantiana DC.)

AliasesItalian camomilla、Hungarian chamomile、Echte Kamille (German)、Camomille vraie (French)、Camomilla comune (Italian)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No target organs for toxicity have been identified for this species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanism of action has been identified, as the plant contains no compounds that cause harm at typical exposure levels

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Rabbits: Classified as non-toxic, mild digestive upset possible only with very large consumption

Guinea pigs: Non-toxic, safe for consumption in small quantities as part of regular forage

Pet birds: No confirmed toxicity, small amounts of dried flowers are considered safe for most parrot and finch species

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Matricaria species Matricaria spp.

Visually similar in flower structure and growth habit; differentiated by subtle leaf shape and scent variations, most are also non-toxic.

Stinking mayweed Anthemis cotula

Similar white daisy-like flowers and ferny foliage; differentiated by its strong unpleasant odor when crushed, confirmed non-toxic.

Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare

Similar white-petaled, yellow-centered composite flowers; differentiated by its broader, less fern-like leaves, confirmed non-toxic.

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Related Toxic Plants

Common ragwort

Senecio jacobaea

Severe, causes irreversible fatal liver damage in all species

Garden chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum × morifolium

Low to Moderate, causes contact dermatitis and mild digestive upset

Giant hogweed

Heracleum mantegazzianum

High, causes severe phototoxic skin burns and permanent scarring

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.