Roman Chamomile Vs German Chamomile: Comparison Table

I recently started writing about essential oils and I’ve come across the term “Roman Chamomile”. I immediately thought: “What is the difference between Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile?”

As it seems, chamomile (also called German Chamomile) and Roman Chamomile are two different species of plants that belong to the same family – the Asteraceae family.

While they share some similarities, there are also distinct differences between the two.

In this article, I am going to highlight all the differences between Chamomile and Roman Chamomile as well as answer any relevant questions about them.

Roman Chamomile Vs German Chamomile

Here’s a short video (2:40 min) from White Rabbit Institute of Healing YouTube channel for those of you who like videos.

Now, here’s a comprehensive table comparing the two types of Chamomile.

FEATURE	CHAMOMILE	ROMAN CHAMOMILE
Common name	German chamomile, common chamomile	Roman chamomile, English chamomile
Scientific name	Matricaria recutita	Chamaemelum nobile
Native to	Europe, Asia, North Africa	Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Plant type	Annual	Perennial
Appearance	Several flowers on each stem, rounded central discs	Single flower on each stem, hollow central cone
Height	20-60 cm	15-30 cm
Stem	Hairy	Less hairy
Flower size	Larger, 1-2 cm	Smaller, up to 1 cm
Flower color	White with yellow center	White with yellow center
Leaf shape	Pinnate	More finely pinnate
Flower head base	Hollow	Filled with pith
Aromatic compound	Azulene	Esters
Essential oil color	Pale yellow to blue-green	Pale yellow
Aroma	Sweet, herbaceous, hay-like	Sweet, fruity, warm
Traditional uses	Tea, skin care, anxiety, insomnia	Tea, aromatherapy
Specific health benefits	More effective for treating inflammatory skin conditions.	More effective for digestive problems
Cold Tolerance	Zones 4 to 11	Zones 4 to 9

Images

An image is like a thousands words – right? Here are side-by-side some interesting photo’s of both Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Germany, Sturms Flora von Deutschland (1900-1906) – Chamaemelum nobile. ID:1633757 Not Kew Copyright. Only licensed for display purposes in POWO. Walter Erhardt.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile, Matricaria recutita. By Alvesgaspar.

Germany, Sturms Flora von Deutschland (1900-1906) – Matricaria chamomilla. ID:1639124 Not Kew Copyright. Only licensed for display purposes in POWO. Walter Erhardt.

German Chamomile

Chamomile, also known as German Chamomile or Matricaria chamomilla, is a flowering plant native to Europe and Western Asia.
It is an annual plant that grows up to 2 feet tall and has feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers.
Chamomile is widely known for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in herbal teas, essential oils, and skincare products.
The flowers of chamomile contain various bioactive compounds, including chamazulene, apigenin, and bisabolol, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calming effects.
Chamomile is often used to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, aid digestion, and soothe skin irritations.

Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile, also known as Chamaemelum nobile or English Chamomile, is a perennial plant native to Western Europe.
It is a low-growing plant with small, daisy-like flowers and finely divided leaves.
Roman Chamomile is also valued for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in herbal remedies, aromatherapy, and skincare products.
The essential oil extracted from Roman Chamomile flowers contains various compounds, including esters, terpenes, and alcohols, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative effects.
Roman Chamomile is often used to alleviate stress, promote sleep, relieve muscle pain, and soothe skin conditions.

Main Differences between Chamomile and Roman Chamomile:

Species: Chamomile refers to the species Matricaria chamomilla, while Roman Chamomile refers to the species Chamaemelum nobile.
Origin: Chamomile is native to Europe and Western Asia, while Roman Chamomile is native to Western Europe.
Growth Habit: Chamomile is an annual plant that grows up to 2 feet tall, while Roman Chamomile is a perennial plant that has a low-growing habit.
Appearance: Chamomile has feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers, while Roman Chamomile has finely divided leaves and small, daisy-like flowers.
Chemical Composition: The bioactive compounds found in the flowers of chamomile and Roman Chamomile differ slightly, contributing to variations in their medicinal properties.
Uses: While both chamomile and Roman Chamomile are used for their calming and soothing effects, they may have slightly different applications due to variations in their chemical composition.

The Asteraceae family

The Asteraceae family is one of the largest plant families, commonly known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family.

It is a diverse family that includes over 23,000 species and encompasses a wide range of plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.

Members of the Asteraceae family are found in almost every habitat worldwide, from deserts to rainforests.

The family is characterized by its composite flower heads, which consist of many small individual flowers grouped together in a central disk surrounded by ray flowers. The flowers of the Asteraceae family are typically radially symmetrical and have a wide range of colors.

Many economically important plants belong to this family, including sunflowers, daisies, marigolds, chrysanthemums, as well as chamomile. Some members of the family, such as ragweed and dandelion, are considered weeds and can be problematic for agriculture and allergies.

The Asteraceae family is known for its medicinal properties, with several species used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roman Chamomile is often more expensive because it’s less common and harder to cultivate than German Chamomile. Additionally, its essential oil extraction requires a larger amount of flowers, which contributes to the higher cost.

Both German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are commonly used for tea. However, German Chamomile is often preferred due to its slightly sweeter taste.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is often considered to have the most medicinal properties. It’s widely used for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and sedative effects. However, both German and Roman chamomile have therapeutic benefits and are used in herbal medicine.

Yes, while chamomile tea is generally safe for most people, drinking it in excessive amounts may lead to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions. It’s recommended to limit consumption to a 2-3 cups per day.

The three most common types of chamomile are:

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Egyptian Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

No, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that chamomile tea increases testosterone levels. In fact, some animal studies suggest it might slightly decrease them. [1]

For example, in a study conducted on women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), chamomile capsules were shown to significantly decrease total testosterone levels. [2]

Another study on women with PCOS also reported a significant decrease in testosterone levels after oral administration of chamomile capsules. [3]

Chamomile contains compounds that can bind to GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation. It also has an antioxidant called apigenin that may help initiate sleep. These effects can reduce anxiety and promote better sleep, making chamomile a popular choice for stress relief and insomnia. [4] [5]

Final Words

To summarize, chamomile and Roman Chamomile are two distinct species of plants that share some similarities but also have differences in their appearance, chemical composition, and uses.

Understanding these differences can help in choosing the appropriate variety for specific purposes, whether it be for herbal teas, skincare products, or medicinal remedies.

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Roman Chamomile Vs German Chamomile: What’s the difference?