Plant Comparison
Wild Yam vs Chamomile
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Wild Yam and Chamomile: they share 8 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, headache, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Wild Yam | Chamomile | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Chamomile |
| Back pain | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Headache | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Menstrual cramps | 2/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Chamomile |
| Muscle spasm | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Pain (general) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Diosgenin is an industrial precursor for making steroid hormones in the laboratory, but it is NOT converted into hormones in the human body. Oral bioavailability of diosgenin is low; in animal studies orally administered diosgenin restored skin thickness in ovariectomised mice and lowered blood lipids.
The volatile oil, concentrated in the flower head, gives chamomile its characteristic blue colour (chamazulene) and much of its anti-inflammatory activity (alpha-bisabolol).
Apigenin is considered a key contributor to chamomile's sedative/anxiolytic activity via GABA-A receptor binding.
Minor constituents (e.g. herniarin, umbelliferone) contributing to the mild antispasmodic action.
Contribute to the soothing, demulcent effect on irritated mucous membranes.
Pharmacological Actions
Antispasmodic / analgesic for menstrual cramps and muscle spasm (antinociceptive in animal models)
Anti-inflammatory for joint and inflammatory pain
Antispasmodic / analgesic for menstrual cramps and muscle spasm (antinociceptive in animal models)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Traditional support for menopausal symptoms (see safety note - it does NOT act as a natural progesterone) - a placebo-controlled crossover RCT of topical wild yam cream found little effect on menopausal symptoms, lipids or hormones
Antispasmodic / analgesic for menstrual cramps and muscle spasm (antinociceptive in animal models)
Antispasmodic / analgesic for menstrual cramps and muscle spasm (antinociceptive in animal models)
Anti-inflammatory for joint and inflammatory pain
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from vulnerary action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antimicrobial action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
IMPORTANT myth-bust: wild yam / diosgenin is NOT converted into progesterone or DHEA in the body, so it does not work as a 'natural progesterone' - claims to that effect are incorrect. Consistent with this, a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial of topical wild yam cream found no significant change in symptoms, serum/salivary progesterone, oestradiol, FSH or lipids.
Generally well tolerated orally (no acute or subchronic toxicity in animal studies); large doses may cause nausea or vomiting. Avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy and breastfeeding and in hormone-sensitive conditions as a precaution.
Generally considered very safe when used as tea or topical preparations.Allergy risk: People allergic to ragweed, daisies, or other Asteraceae plants may react (itching, rash).Blood thinners: Chamomile may slightly enhance effects of anticoagulants—use large amounts cautiously.Pregnancy: Normal tea amounts are usually considered safe, but concentrated extracts should be used with caution.Topical use: Rare skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Duke (2002) rates German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) highly for anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and wound-healing activities. The essential oil contains the potent anti-inflammatory compound alpha-bisabolol. Chamomile is Commission E approved for digestive complaints and topical wound care. Dose: 3 g dried flower heads per cup of water, three times daily. Alpha-bisabolol is noted as one of the most active natural anti-inflammatory compounds known. Caution: chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family and can cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or related plants (Duke, 2002).
Generally very safe. Rare allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums). May cause contact dermatitis with topical essential oil use. Avoid very high doses in pregnancy. Well tolerated by children in appropriate amounts.
Scented mayweed (Matricaria chamomilla) shares the same species as German chamomile (see German Chamomile entry above). Duke (2002) provides the same clinical support: Commission E approves it for dyspeptic complaints (orally) and skin and mucous membrane inflammation (topically). Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and wound-healing activities are well-established (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Twining, herbaceous perennial vine with heart-shaped leaves arising from a knotty, woody, cinnamon-brown rhizome ('root'). Small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers are borne on separate male and female plants, followed on female plants by small three-winged seed capsules.[10]
Aromatic annual herb, 15-60 cm tall, with an erect, much-branched, hairless stem. Leaves are alternate and finely bi- to tripinnately divided into thread-like segments, giving a feathery appearance. Flower heads are small daisy-like composites, 1-2.5 cm across, with white ray florets that reflex sharply downward as the flower matures around a conical, hollow, yellow disc of tubular florets - the hollow, conical receptacle is a key feature distinguishing German chamomile from similar-looking daisies. The fruit is a tiny ribbed achene without a pappus.[1, 10]
Habitat
Native to woodland edges, thickets and fence rows of eastern North America, growing over shrubs and fences in moist, rich soil.[10]
Harvesting
The knotty rhizome is dug in autumn once the aerial vine has died back, then cleaned and dried.
Flower heads are hand- or machine-harvested at full bloom, when the ray florets are horizontal and just beginning to reflex, then dried quickly at low temperature and out of direct light to preserve the volatile oil.[6]
Traditional Uses
Wild yam root has a Native American and Eclectic-medicine history as an antispasmodic remedy for colic, menstrual cramps and rheumatic joint pain (reflected in the old names 'colic root' and 'rheumatism root'); despite a persistent modern myth, its diosgenin content is not converted into progesterone or other hormones in the human body.[10]
Chamomile is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the world, with a long traditional history as a mild digestive, calming and anti-inflammatory remedy - taken as a tea for indigestion, cramping, and restlessness or poor sleep, and applied topically for skin and mucous-membrane inflammation and wound healing. Modern reviews confirm anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative/anxiolytic and antimicrobial pharmacological activity supporting these traditional uses.[1, 6, 10]
Preparations
Dried flower heads steeped in hot water, the classic way of taking chamomile for digestive complaints, mild anxiety and sleep support.
Steam-distilled from the flower heads; a concentrated source of alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, used mainly in topical and aromatherapy preparations.
Concentrated extract or infused oil applied to skin, or as a compress - a randomised controlled trial found a topical chamomile oil preparation effective for knee osteoarthritis pain.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Chamomile and valerian are both traditional mild sedatives for restlessness and poor sleep; taken together they may enhance calming and sleep effects but also add to drowsiness.[23]
Chamomile and lemon balm are both gentle calming herbs commonly combined for stress and sleep; used together their mild sedative effects may add up.[23]
References & Sources
- Depypere, H.T. and Comhaire, F.H (2013) 'Herbal preparations for the menopause: beyond isoflavones and black cohosh', Maturitas, 77(2), pp. 191-194. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.11.001 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2013.11.001 - Cai, B., Zhang, Y., Wang, Z., Xu, D. et al (2020) 'Therapeutic Potential of Diosgenin and Its Major Derivatives against Neurological Diseases: Recent Advances', Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, pp. 3153082. doi:10.1155/2020/3153082 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3153082 - Raj, P.S., Bergfeld, W.F., Belsito, D.V., Cohen, D.E. et al (2023) 'Safety Assessment of Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract as Used in Cosmetics', International Journal of Toxicology, 42(3_suppl), pp. 29S-31S. doi:10.1177/10915818231204230 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231204230 - Dong, S., Nikolic, D., Simmler, C., Qiu, F., van Breemen, R.B., Soejarto, D.D., Pauli, G.F. and Chen, S (2012) 'Diarylheptanoids from Dioscorea villosa (wild yam)', Journal of Natural Products, 75(12), pp. 2168-2177. doi:10.1021/np300603z Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/np300603z - Dong, S., Cai, G., Napolitano, J.G., Nikolic, D., Lankin, D.C., McAlpine, J.B., van Breemen, R.B., Soejarto, D.D., Pauli, G.F. and Chen, S (2013) 'Lipidated steroid saponins from Dioscorea villosa (wild yam)', Fitoterapia, 91, pp. 113-124. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2013.07.018 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2013.07.018 - Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Johnson, D.W. and Gobe, G (2008) 'Dioscorea villosa (wild yam) induces chronic kidney injury via pro-fibrotic pathways', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(9), pp. 3122-3131. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2008.06.090 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2008.06.090 - Mazzio, E., Almalki, A., Darling-Reed, S.F. and Soliman, K.F.A (2021) 'Effects of wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa) extract on the gene expression profile of triple-negative breast cancer cells', Cancer Genomics & Proteomics, 18(6), pp. 735-755. doi:10.21873/cgp.20294 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.21873/cgp.20294 - Ali, Z., Smillie, T.J. and Khan, I.A (2013) 'Cholestane steroid glycosides from the rhizomes of Dioscorea villosa (wild yam)', Carbohydrate Research, 370, pp. 86-91. doi:10.1016/j.carres.2012.12.022 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carres.2012.12.022 - Manda, V.K., Avula, B., Ali, Z., Wong, Y., Smillie, T.J., Khan, I.A. and Khan, S.I (2013) 'Characterization of in vitro ADME properties of diosgenin and dioscin from Dioscorea villosa', Planta Medica, 79(15), pp. 1421-1428. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1350699 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1350699 - Lima, C.M., Lima, A.K., Melo, M.G.D., Serafini, M.R., Oliveira, D.L., de Almeida, E.B., Barreto, R.S.S., Nogueira, P.C., Moraes, V.R.S., Oliveira, E.R.A., de Albuquerque, R.L.C., Quintans-Junior, L.J. and Araujo, A.A.S (2013) 'Bioassay-guided evaluation of Dioscorea villosa - an acute and subchronic toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory approach', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-195 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-195 - Avula, B., Wang, Y., Wang, M., Ali, Z., Smillie, T.J., Zweigenbaum, J. and Khan, I.A (2014) 'Characterization of steroidal saponins from Dioscorea villosa and D. cayenensis using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry', Planta Medica, 80(4), pp. 321-329. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1360330 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1360330 - Siddiqui, M.A., Ali, Z., Chittiboyina, A.G. and Khan, I.A (2018) 'Hepatoprotective effect of steroidal glycosides from Dioscorea villosa on hydrogen peroxide-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, pp. 797. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00797 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.00797 - Hayes, P.Y., Lambert, L.K., Lehmann, R., Penman, K., Kitching, W. and De Voss, J.J (2007) 'Complete 1H and 13C assignments of the four major saponins from Dioscorea villosa (wild yam)', Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry, 45(11), pp. 1001-1005. doi:10.1002/mrc.2071 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/mrc.2071 - Okawara, M. and Tokudome, Y. and Todo, H. and Sugibayashi, K. and Hashimoto, F (2013) 'Enhancement of diosgenin distribution in the skin by cyclodextrin complexation following oral administration', Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 36(1), pp. 36--40. doi:10.1248/bpb.b12-00467 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.b12-00467 - Komesaroff, P.A., Black, C.V., Cable, V. and Sudhir, K (2001) 'Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women', Climacteric, 4(2), pp. 144--150. doi:10.1080/cmt.4.2.144.150 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/cmt.4.2.144.150
- El Mihyaoui, A., Esteves da Silva, J.C.G., Charfi, S., Candela Castillo, M.E. and others (2022) 'Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): A Review of Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses', Life, 12(4), pp. 479. doi:10.3390/life12040479 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/life12040479 - Kazemi, A., Shojaei-Zarghani, S., Eskandarzadeh, P. and Hashempur, M.H (2024) 'Effects of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 84, pp. 103071. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103071 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103071 - Mao, J.J., Xie, S.X., Keefe, J.R., Soeller, I. and others (2016) 'Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial', Phytomedicine, 23(14), pp. 1735-1742. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.012 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.012 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Q.S., Xie, S.X. and Mao, J.J (2020) 'Putative Antidepressant Effect of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Oral Extract in Subjects with Comorbid Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(9), pp. 813-819. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0252 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0252 - McKay, D.L. and Blumberg, J.B (2006) 'A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.)', Phytotherapy Research, 20(7), pp. 519-530. doi:10.1002/ptr.1900 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1900 - Dai, Y.L., Li, Y., Wang, Q., Niu, F.J. and others (2022) 'Chamomile: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Activities and Quality Control Studies', Molecules, 28(1), pp. 133. doi:10.3390/molecules28010133 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010133 - Miraj, S. and Alesaeidi, S (2016) 'A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recutita chamomile (chamomile)', Electronic Physician, 8(9), pp. 3024-3031. doi:10.19082/3024 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.19082/3024 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K. and others (2009) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder', Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 378-382. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c - Park, S.H., Kim, D.S., Oh, J., Geum, J.H. and others (2021) 'Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile) Ameliorates Muscle Atrophy in Mice by Targeting Protein Catalytic Pathways, Myogenesis, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 49(6), pp. 1493-1514. doi:10.1142/S0192415X21500701 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X21500701 - Singh, O., Khanam, Z., Misra, N. and Srivastava, M.K (2011) 'Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview', Pharmacognosy Reviews, 5(9), pp. 82-95. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79103 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.79103 - Amsterdam, J.D., Shults, J., Soeller, I., Mao, J.J., Rockwell, K. and Newberg, A.B (2012) 'Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans: an exploratory study', Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 18(5), pp. 44-49. Randomized trial
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Chamomile%20%28Matricaria%20recutita%29%20may%20provide%20antidepressant%20activity%20in%20anxious%2C%20depressed%20humans%3A%20an%20exploratory%20study - Shoara, R., Hashempur, M.H., Ashraf, A., Salehi, A., Dehshahri, S. and Habibagahi, Z (2015) 'Efficacy and safety of topical Matricaria chamomilla L. (chamomile) oil for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled clinical trial', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 21(3), pp. 181-187. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.06.003 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.06.003 - Zemestani, M., Rafraf, M. and Asghari-Jafarabadi, M (2016) 'Chamomile tea improves glycemic indices and antioxidants status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus', Nutrition, 32(1), pp. 66-72. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.011 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.011 - Niazi, A. and Moradi, M (2021) 'The effect of chamomile on pain and menstrual bleeding in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review', International Journal of Community Based Nursing and Midwifery, 9(3), pp. 174-186. doi:10.30476/ijcbnm.2021.87219.1417 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.30476/ijcbnm.2021.87219.1417 - European Medicines Agency (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Matricaria recutita L., flos'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Matricaria%20recutita%20L.%2C%20flos - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Padula, M.C (2006) 'Chamomile: industrial profiles'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Chamomile%3A%20industrial%20profiles - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Srivastava, J.K., Shankar, E. and Gupta, S (2010) 'Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with bright future', 3(6), pp. 895--901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2010.377 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Segal, R. and Pilote, L (2006) 'Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla', CMAJ, 174(9), pp. 1281-1282. doi:10.1503/cmaj.051191 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.051191 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J.J. and Shults, J (2009) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder', Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 378-382. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c - Zemestani, M., Rafraf, M. and Asghari-Jafarabadi, M (2015) 'Chamomile tea improves glycemic indices and antioxidants status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus', Nutrition, 32(1), pp. 66-72. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.011 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2015.07.011
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.