Difference between German and Roman Chamomile

You may have heard that there are two types of Chamomile herb plants and find it hard to remember which is which.... how are they different, can they be used the same way and how do we tell one from the other?

While German Chamomile is usually the herb used by herbalists, being stronger medicinally, both Chamomile plants can be used for the same purposes. It is said in gardening circles, that Roman Chamomile is the true chamomile.

They can look rather similiar when flowering, but there are some differences that can help you identify each one easily....

German Chamomile	Roman Chamomile
Annual (dies down each year after flowering)	Perennial (keeps growing after flowering)
1-3 feet high when flowering, multiple stems when flowering	Lawn cover, creeping growth, 1 foot high when flowering, single flowering stem
Full sun	Full sun or partly shady
Smaller flowers with hollow stem	Larger flowers, solid yellow centre
Mild scented flowers, very little scent when leaves are crushed	Stronger scented flowers, very sweet scent when leaves are crushed or walked on
Matricaria recutita or matricaria chamomilla	Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis

Chamomile is a wonderful calming herb, especially helpful (and safe) for babies and children.

It is so helpful for all gastrointestinal complaints, caused by nervous irritability. Think of Chamomile for IBS, indigestion, colitis, ulcers, colic, food sensitivities, flatulence, diarrhoea and reflux.

It's also helpful for teething, to reduce pain, calm, soothe and then sleep.

Chamomile is a lovely sleep aid, helpful for restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, nervous stomach, plus it tastes yummy!

We like to make a calming tea with chamomile, catnip and lemon balm for all things soothing and sleep.

Chamomile is also known to treat pain - toothache, gum inflammation, earaches, nerve pain, sore muscles & joints, aches, sprains and bruises.

It's also wonderfully soothing for headaches and migraines.

Chamomile is very useful for skin also, for eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, inflammation, wrinkles, stretch marks, and it makes a wonderful hair conditioner, especially for blonde hair.

To soothe sore, tired eyes, make a chamomile infusion, then apply to the eyelids for incredible relief, especially during allergy season.

Chamomile (german in particular) is also said to be one of only a few herbs that can regenerate the liver, potentially helpful for hepatitis.

If you're looking at German or Roman Chamomile essential oils, German Chamomile is considered to be more effective for treating inflammatory skin conditions, while Roman Chamomile is considered to be more effective for digestive problems and sleep.

I like to plant Roman Chamomile along the pathways through my garden, where it will happily grow even while being walked on, and the smell is absolutely divine!

While German Chamomile I seed each season to plant amongst the herbs for it's healing flowers.

Both types of Chamomile plants are available here ♥