Can Chamomile Tea Reduce Cholesterol? What Science Says About Its Benefits
Can chamomile tea reduce cholesterol? Emerging research suggests that chamomile tea may modestly improve some blood lipid levels, particularly in people with metabolic conditions. One clinical trial involving people with type 2 diabetes found that drinking chamomile tea three times daily for 8 weeks significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides compared with the control group. However, a meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials found a significant reduction in total cholesterol but no significant changes in LDL, HDL, or triglycerides. These findings suggest that chamomile tea may support healthier cholesterol levels, but the current evidence remains limited and preliminary.
Chamomile tea appears safe in moderate amounts, but precautions apply: allergies (daisy family), and interactions (notably with blood-thinners like warfarin). No pregnancy safety data are available, and it should not replace prescribed lipid medications. In context, chamomile’s effects are mild: a diet rich in plant sterols and fibre or a statin drug typically lowers LDL far more (20–50%). Chamomile may be a pleasant adjunct to a heart-healthy lifestyle, but the evidence is preliminary.
Chamomile Tea Reduce Cholesterol: What Clinical Studies Show
Key Clinical Trials
- Rafraf et al. (2015, Iran) – T2DM patients: 64 adults with type 2 diabetes were randomized to chamomile tea (3 g/150 mL, 3 times/day after meals) vs control (water) for 8 weeks. Chamomile significantly reduced total cholesterol (p=0.001), triglycerides (p<0.001) and LDL-C (p=0.05) relative to control. HDL-C did not change. (Mean reductions were not reported, but p-values indicate robust drops in TC and TG.) The chamomile group also saw improved glycemic markers (HbA1c, insulin).
- Other RCTs (hyperlipidemia/metabolic syndrome): A handful of small trials have assessed chamomile extracts or tea in people with elevated lipids. For example, one 8-week trial (n≈50–60) using chamomile capsules or extract found reductions in triglycerides (~15–21%) and modest LDL declines. However, these vary in design (dose/form) and often lack controls. No large RCTs in healthy adults or non-diabetic dyslipidemia have been published.
<!– Key Studies Table –>
| Study (Year) | Population | Chamomile Intervention | Duration | Findings (lipids) | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafraf et al. (2015) | T2DM (n=64) | Tea: 3 g dried flowers per cup, 3 cups/day (after meals) | 8 weeks | ↓TC (p=0.001), ↓TG (p<0.001), ↓LDL-C (p=0.05); no change in HDL-C | L. Rafraf et al. |
| Mohammadi et al. (2018)* | Metabolic syndrome/diabetics | Tea: 3 cups/day | 8 weeks | ↓TG (~15%), ↓LDL (NS), ↑HDL (NS)****⁺ | J Ethnopharmacol¹ |
| Taghavi & Moradi (2025) – summary of trials | Lipid disorders/diabetes | Various: extract 1–1.5 g, tea 2–3 cups/day, capsules 0.5–1 g | 4–12 wks | TG down 8–21% (signif. in 2 of 4 trials), LDL ↓8–15% (NS), HDL ↔ | (systematic review) |
| Meta-analysis (Mosallanezhad 2021) | Diabetics (n=254, 4 RCTs) | Chamomile tea/capsules (various doses) | 4–12 wks | TC: –22.4 mg/dL (significant); TG: –17.5 mg/dL (NS); LDL: –10.9 mg/dL (NS); HDL: +0.6 mg/dL (NS) | Clin Diabetol 2021 |
*MNutritional clinical trial.
Notes: “NS” = not significant. Some studies report percent changes: e.g. Taghavi & Moradi note ~15% TG reduction with 3 cups/day chamomile (p=0.03). Overall, trials suggest moderate TC/TG lowering in metabolic patients, but sample sizes are small and results mixed.
Chamomile Tea Reduce Cholesterol: What Meta-Analyses Show
- Mosallanezhad et al. (2021): Meta-analysis of 4 RCTs (n=254 diabetics) concluded chamomile significantly reduced total cholesterol (wMD –22.40 mg/dL) but did not significantly change LDL-C, HDL-C or triglycerides. The authors call for larger RCTs.
- Chamomile & lipids reviews: A recent (2025) review focusing on triglycerides found chamomile “consistently reduced TG in animals and showed moderate lipid-lowering in humans.” Mechanisms were credited to its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects, with minimal reported adverse effects. Note this review is not yet peer-reviewed by major journals.
- Context: Compared to robust findings for other teas (e.g. green tea meta-analyses show LDL/TC lowering), chamomile data are sparse. Most evidence comes from short-term trials in diabetics or metabolic syndrome patients. No Cochrane review currently exists specifically on chamomile and cholesterol.
How Chamomile Tea May Reduce Cholesterol
Chamomile’s potential lipid effects are attributed to its phytochemical profile. Key points from in vitro/animal research:
- Flavonoid apigenin (and related compounds): Chamomile contains high levels of apigenin, luteolin and other flavones. Apigenin has been shown to improve cholesterol metabolism in animal models. For example, in hyperlipidemic mice, apigenin reduced serum TC, LDL and TG (p<0.05) and upregulated enzymes involved in cholesterol clearance. It also enhanced reverse cholesterol transport and endothelial health.
- Antioxidant effects: Chamomile’s flavonoids and phenolic acids scavenge free radicals. By reducing oxidative stress, chamomile may inhibit LDL oxidation – a key step in atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress reduction was noted in lab studies with chamomile, which may indirectly help maintain healthier cholesterol levels.
- Anti-inflammatory actions: Chronic inflammation influences lipid metabolism. Chamomile (via apigenin and bisabolol) has anti-inflammatory effects (e.g. reducing cytokines). The 2025 review notes anti-inflammatory pathways as part of how chamomile can modulate lipids. This may partly explain the improvements in lipid profiles seen in diabetes trials (where inflammation is high).
- Phytosterols (minor): Chamomile flowers contain small amounts of plant sterols, which can inhibit cholesterol absorption. While not quantified in these studies, similar herbs often carry phytosterols that block intestinal uptake of cholesterol, modestly lowering LDL and TG.
- Other constituents: Compounds like chlorogenic acid, coumarins and α-bisabolol (present in chamomile) have been linked to metabolic effects. Chlorogenic acid (also in coffee) may improve lipid metabolism, and coumarins have anticoagulant properties (hence warfarin caution). While these may contribute, specific roles in cholesterol lowering are less clear.
In summary, chamomile’s lipid benefits likely arise from synergistic antioxidant and metabolic effects of its constituents. Nonetheless, direct human evidence of these mechanisms is lacking; most mechanistic data come from lab studies.
Safety, Contraindications and Interactions
- General safety: Chamomile tea (German chamomile Matricaria recutita) is generally regarded as safe at typical dietary doses. Short-term use as tea or supplement is “possibly safe,” per NCCIH. No major toxicity has been reported from normal tea consumption. Adverse effects are uncommon.
- Allergies: A notable risk is allergic reaction. People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies may react to chamomile (symptoms: rash, breathing difficulty). Rarely, anaphylaxis is reported. Use caution if you have plant allergies.
- Drug interactions: Chamomile can interact with medications. It may inhibit certain liver enzymes and has additive effects with blood thinners. Reported interactions include potentiation of warfarin, increasing bleeding risk. Other theoretical concerns: chamomile could enhance sedatives or affect estrogen-sensitive drugs (possible hormonal effects). Always consult a doctor if taking prescription meds.
- Pregnancy/lactation: Safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding is unclear. Traditionally, chamomile is avoided in pregnancy due to limited data and theoretical uterine effects. Most experts advise caution or avoiding concentrated extracts during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
- Dosage and duration: Clinical trials used chamomile tea up to ~3 cups daily (about 3 g/herbal cup) for 2–3 months. Short-term use (≤12 weeks) appears safe. Long-term effects beyond study periods are unknown, so moderation is prudent.
- Other cautions: Chamomile has mild sedative properties (due to apigenin). Taking chamomile tea before bedtime is common, but avoid if driving or operating machinery until you know its effect on you. Topical use can irritate eyes; contact with eye should be avoided.
How to Use Chamomile Tea to Reduce Cholesterol
- Form and dose: Studies mostly used tea brewed from dried German chamomile flowers. A typical trial dose was 3 g of dried flowers steeped per cup (150–200 mL) of hot water, three times a day after meals. Chamomile is also available as standardized extracts or capsules; dosages in trials ranged 0.5–2 g/day (whole-plant or flower extract).
- Tea preparation: To match trial conditions, steep 1–2 chamomile tea bags (or 2–3 g loose flowers) in boiling water for 5–10 minutes. Drink 1–3 cups per day. Often 2 cups (morning and bedtime) is used for relaxation, but trials suggest 3 cups/day for lipid effects.
- Timing: In studies, tea was taken after meals, possibly to enhance absorption of active compounds. Given chamomile’s calming effect, many people find it helpful before bedtime or after dinner. Consistency (daily) may be important.
- Duration: Most evidence comes from 4–12 week interventions. If trying chamomile for lipids, allow at least 1–2 months to see any change. Regular intake over time is needed; it’s not a one-off remedy.
- Lifestyle synergy: Chamomile tea should be one component of a heart-healthy routine. It is not a substitute for prescribed cholesterol medications or a high-fibre diet. Combine it with dietary changes (plant-based, low-saturated-fat diet), exercise, and weight management to maximize cholesterol control.
Chamomile Tea Reduce Cholesterol vs Other Strategies
The effect of chamomile tea on cholesterol is mild relative to standard therapies. The table below compares approximate impacts on LDL, triglycerides (TG) and HDL of various approaches:
| Strategy | LDL (↓) | TG (↓) | HDL (↑) | Notes (citations) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamomile tea | ~5–10% (small) * | ~5–15% (variable) * | ↔ (no change seen) | Evidence: RCTs show modest LDL/TC reductions; little to no HDL change. Dose ~3 cups/day. |
| Dietary changes | 10–30% ** | 10–20% (weight-loss diet) | +5% (soluble fiber) | e.g. Portfolio diet (sterols, nuts, soy, fibre) – up to 30% LDL drop; low-fat diet alone ~8–10%. (NHLBI/TLC diet) |
| Exercise (regular) | ~5–10% (modest) | ~10–20% (if weight lost) | +5–10% | Raises HDL and lowers TG via weight loss; small LDL effects. (Mayo Clinic). |
| Weight loss (5–10% BW) | ~5–10% * | ~20% (if high baseline) | ~3–8% | Even 5% weight loss can lower LDL modestly and TG substantially. (NHLBI) |
| Smoking cessation | Small (via HDL ↑) | ~10% | +5–10% | Quitting raises HDL, modestly improves overall lipids (Mayo Clinic). |
| Statin medication | 30–60% (dose dependent) | 10–30% | +5–10% | For example, atorvastatin 10 mg lowers LDL ~37%, rosuvastatin 20 mg ~50%. Potent effect on LDL (Endotext). |
| Ezetimibe (add-on drug) | ~18–25% | Minimal | ↔ | Inhibits absorption, LDL lowered by ~20% (combination with statin). |
| Plant sterol (2 g/day) | ~8–10% | ~5% | ↔ | Added to diet, also reduces TG and raises HDL slightly in some. (FDA health claim). |
* Percentages are approximate; actual changes depend on starting levels. Data sources: statin/ezetimibe from Endotext; diet/portfolio from JAMA portfolio study; lifestyle (NHLBI, Mayo Clinic); chamomile from trials.
Interpretation: Chamomile tea’s impact on LDL is very small compared to medications or stringent diet changes. Its TG-lowering (5–15%) is comparable to mild diet effects. The value of chamomile is as a complement, not a replacement, for proven strategies.
FAQs
Q1: Can drinking chamomile tea actually lower cholesterol?
A: Limited human data suggest chamomile tea may lower cholesterol modestly, especially in people with metabolic issues.
Q2: How does chamomile tea lower cholesterol?
A: Chamomile contains antioxidants (flavonoids like apigenin) and anti-inflammatory compounds. These may improve lipid metabolism: lab studies show apigenin can increase cholesterol excretion and reverse transport. Chamomile’s antioxidants also prevent LDL from oxidising. In short, its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and metabolic effects likely account for any cholesterol benefit.
Q3: How much chamomile tea should I drink for it to work?
A: Clinical studies typically used 2–3 cups of chamomile tea per day (about 2–3 g of dried herb per cup) for 8–12 weeks.
Q4: Are there any risks or side effects of drinking chamomile tea?
A: Chamomile tea is generally safe at normal amounts.
Q5: Can I use chamomile tea instead of my cholesterol medication?
A: No. Chamomile is not a substitute for statins or prescribed lipid drugs.
Q6: When should I drink chamomile tea for best effect?
A: Timing likely doesn’t make a huge difference for lipids, but most studies had subjects drink chamomile after meals (3 times a day). It’s also commonly consumed before bedtime due to its relaxing effect. Consistency is more important – daily drinking is advised.
Q7: Are there better natural ways to lower cholesterol than chamomile?
A: Yes. Lifestyle changes have a much stronger impact.
