N
InsightHorizon Digest

What is the difference between chamomile and Roman chamomile

Author

John Thompson

Updated on April 24, 2026

There are two plants that are cultivated and sold commercially as chamomile. The plant considered “true chamomile” is commonly called English or Roman chamomile. … Both contain the essential oil chamazulene, although German chamomile

Which chamomile is best?

Organic chamomile herbal tea offers a subtle crisp apple flavor that is softly sweet and floral. Chamomile tea can help induce sleep and reduce pain or stress thanks to its calming effects. The best chamomile tea is Egyptian chamomile followed by German and Roman varieties.

Which chamomile oil is best Roman or German?

Although Roman Chamomile is generally better known, German Chamomile offers endless benefits that are not to be ignored. Equally versatile when directly compared against Roman Chamomile, this oil is perfect when used within a skincare routine.

Which is better for skin Roman or German Chamomile?

However, German Chamomile is considered to be superior to Roman Chamomile as it contains higher levels of Chamazulene. Tests of these constituents revealed that Matricin was particularly therapeutic for sensitive skin, with far superior anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.

Which chamomile plant is best for tea?

German chamomile is an annual, bushy shrub that grows up to 3 feet (91 cm.) in height. Roman chamomile is a low growing perennial. Both produce similar aromatic blooms, but German is the more commonly grown for use in teas.

Is Roman chamomile good for tea?

Many people drink chamomile tea for its relaxation properties and calming effects on the digestive system. … Roman chamomile is used to make tea, creams, ointments, and extracts, which all come from the white and yellow flower portion of the plant. Flower heads are first dried, then used to make powders or tea.

Why is Roman chamomile so expensive?

Why is Chamomile Oil So Expensive? Chamomile oils are very popular due to their well-known ability to calm, soothe, and help induce sleep. This popularity in combination with the number of flowers it takes to produce the oil means higher prices.

Is Roman chamomile edible?

Is Chamomile Edible? Yes, chamomile leaves and flowers are both perfectly safe to eat, with a couple of caveats. Be sure the herb hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Use chamomile with care if you’re allergic to ragweed, as chamomile may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

What does Roman chamomile smell like?

Roman Chamomile is a light yellow to clear color oil with low viscosity. Its aroma is fresh, sweet, fruity, herbaceous, and slightly milky.

Which chamomile is best for pain?

German Chamomile — Matricaria recutita has effective anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that I like to combine with Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). It’s right at home in body butters for sore joints or injuries, especially injuries to tendons or ligaments.

Article first time published on

What is the botanical name for Roman chamomile?

Chamaemelum nobile, commonly called chamomile or Roman chamomile, is a low-growing evergreen perennial that forms a spreading mat of aromatic foliage typically growing 3-6” tall and spreading by decumbent stems to 12” wide.

Can you ingest Roman chamomile essential oil?

Roman chamomile essential oil is available in health stores and online. It can be diffused, applied to the skin topically and taken internally.

Does Roman chamomile flower?

Roman chamomile is also known as Russian chamomile and English chamomile. It is a creeping ground cover that grows like a mat. It has small daisy like flowers with yellow centers and white petals.

Is chamomile tea German or Roman?

Tea. Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water. Two types of chamomile used are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

What is the strongest chamomile tea?

BrandChamomile TypeServingsUS Wellness Chamomile TeaGerman Chamomile300The Tea Company Whole Chamomile FlowersRoman Chamomile60Pantenger Organic Chamomile Tea With Ginger and Lemon VerbenaNot Listed50FGO Organic Chamomile Tea BagsGerman Chamomile100

What is Roman chamomile good for?

Roman chamomile is a plant. The flowerheads are used to make medicine. Roman chamomile is used for various digestive disorders including indigestion, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and intestinal gas (flatulence) due to mental stress. Women use it for morning sickness and painful menstrual periods.

What can I use in place of Roman chamomile?

Chamomile Aromatic Substitute: Chamomile oils offer a sweeter, more herbaceous floral aroma, which can be great for those who don’t like the stronger floral smell. However, if you don’t have Chamomile and are looking for something that smells similar, try replacing it with Lavender, Melissa, Hyssop, or Clary Sage.

How do I use doTERRA Roman chamomile?

  1. Add one to two drops to your favorite moisturizer, shampoo, or conditioner to promote youthful-looking skin and hair.
  2. Add one to two drops to herbal teas or hot drinks to soothe the body and mind.*
  3. Diffuse or apply Roman Chamomile oil to bottoms of feet at bedtime.

Where is Roman chamomile from?

Roman chamomile, formerly classified as Anthemis nobilis L., is a creeping, herbaceous perennial native to western Europe and North Africa. German chamomile is an erect-growing annual, native to Europe and western Asia.

Does Roman chamomile smell good?

I love the Roman Chamomile Essential Oil I received! It has a very nice scent, perfect to go in a carrier oil and use in so many health and beauty items!

Is blue chamomile the same as German chamomile?

Blue chamomile oil, also known as German chamomile, is very popular in skin care recipes. The deep blue hue results from the natural azulene released during distillation.

How do I know if I have German or Roman chamomile?

The stems are hairless, branching, and longer, with a few flowers on the tops. Roman Chamomile has a light, fresh apple fragrance, and German Chamomile smells more like sweet straw.

Which chamomile is best for inflammation?

German and Moroccan Chamomile are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been know to help cure and treat allergies, dermatitis, eczema, inflamed joints, muscles, neuralgia, skin rashes and sprains.

Is Roman chamomile related to ragweed?

Chamomile is a common relative of ragweed. Chamomile leaves are often used for tea, and some people use them to soothe nerves or ease an upset stomach. Many people who are allergic to ragweed may find that drinking chamomile tea or applying lotion that contains chamomile might bother their allergies.

Is Roman chamomile good for hair?

Chamomile soothes inflammation and detoxes, which is excellent for the hair follicle and regrowth. Chamomile can relieve an itchy scalp, dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin conditions. For a chamomile hair rinse: Take two cups of water and two chamomile tea bags.

Is Roman chamomile a ground cover?

Roman chamomile or Chamaemelum nobile is a perennial plant and is grown best on the ground. You typically want the Roman variety in the case of growing it for as a lawn cover. German chamomile or Matricaria recutita is an annual plant which is used medicinally in teas and essential oils.

How fast does Roman chamomile spread?

Both varietals of chamomile grow quickly (reaching full bloom within about 10 weeks), and are best planted in the spring, either via seed or young plants.

How tall does Roman chamomile grow?

genus nameChamaemelum nobile, Matricaria recutitaheight6 to 12 inches 1 to 3 feetwidthFrom 3 to 18 inchesflower colorWhite

How do you use Roman chamomile to sleep?

Inhaling chamomile oil may help with a variety of conditions, including anxiety and promoting sleep. You can use the oil in a diffuser or in a glass spray bottle. Diffusion.

Does chamomile tea react with any medications?

If you take any drugs regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using chamomile supplements. They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, aspirin, NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen, and other drugs.

What mixes well with Roman Chamomile essential oil?

Blends Well With: Angelica, Bergamot, Boronia, Cedarwood (Atlas), Chamomile (Blue), Cistus, Clary Sage, Cypress, Eucalyptus (Lemon and Narrow Leaf), Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Labdanum, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, Nutmeg, Oakmoss, Orange ( …