Plant Comparison
Elecampane 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
Elecampane and Chamomile: both belong to the Asteraceae family; they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, infection (general), inflammation (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Elecampane | Chamomile | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Chamomile |
| Infection (general) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 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
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory principles of the root; the eudesmane core and the alpha,beta-methylene-lactone ring are essential for the antimicrobial activity.
A fructan polysaccharide abundant in the root (the genus Inula gives inulin its name).
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
Anti-inflammatory - sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines; total sesquiterpene lactones eased arthritis in animal models (potential in rheumatoid arthritis)
Antimicrobial, notably anti-staphylococcal (membrane-damaging) and anti-mycobacterial (active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro); supports respiratory and skin infection
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Anti-inflammatory - sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines; total sesquiterpene lactones eased arthritis in animal models (potential in rheumatoid arthritis)
Expectorant for productive cough and bronchitis (long-standing respiratory remedy)
inferred from anticancer action
Expectorant for productive cough and bronchitis (long-standing respiratory remedy); Soothes irritated airways / chronic catarrh (traditional)
Antimicrobial, notably anti-staphylococcal (membrane-damaging) and anti-mycobacterial (active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro); supports respiratory and skin infection
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
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
The sesquiterpene lactones (especially alantolactone) are known skin sensitisers and can cause allergic contact dermatitis; people sensitive to the daisy family (Asteraceae) should be cautious.
Large doses can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established, so avoid medicinal doses.
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
Tall, robust perennial herb with large, coarse, hairy leaves - broadly oval near the base and progressively smaller up the stem - arising from a thick, aromatic rhizome. Large, shaggy, bright yellow daisy-like flower heads with numerous narrow ray florets are borne at the top of stout, branching stems.[12]
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
Grows in damp meadows, pastures, roadsides and woodland margins on moist, rich soils; native to Europe and Western Asia and naturalised in North America.[12]
Harvesting
The root and rhizome are dug in autumn of the second or later year, when sesquiterpene lactone and inulin content is highest, then cleaned, sliced and dried.[12]
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
Elecampane root has a long European tradition, reflected in the old name 'elf dock', as a warming expectorant remedy for productive cough, bronchitis and chronic respiratory catarrh, and topically and internally as an antimicrobial for skin and wound infections.[12]
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 root simmered in water as a traditional expectorant and antimicrobial tea.
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
- Gierlikowska, B., Gierlikowski, W., Bekier, K., Skalicka-Wozniak, K., Czerwinska, M.E. and Kiss, A.K (2019) 'Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa as a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils and cultured human respiratory epithelium', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 249, pp. 112311. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311 - Gao, S. and Wang, Q. and Tian, X.H. and Li, H.L. and Shen, Y.H. and Xu, X.K. and Wu, G.Z. and Hu, Z.L. and Zhang, W.D (2016) 'Total sesquiterpene lactones prepared from Inula helenium L. has potentials in prevention and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 39--46. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.020 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.020 - Wang, Q., Gao, S., Wu, G., Yang, N., Zu, X., Li, W., Xie, N., Zhang, R., Li, C., Hu, Z. and Zhang, W (2018) 'Total sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Inula helenium L. attenuates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice', Phytomedicine, 46, pp. 78-84. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.036 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.036 - Dao, T.T.P., Song, K., Kim, J.Y. and Kim, Y.S (2020) 'Igalan from Inula helenium (L.) suppresses the atopic dermatitis-like response in stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes via JAK/STAT3 signaling', Inflammation Research, 69(3), pp. 309-319. doi:10.1007/s00011-020-01322-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-020-01322-4 - He, X., Zhao, W., Shao, B., Zhang, B., Liu, T., Sun, C., Huang, H., Wu, J., Liang, J. and Ma, X (2020) 'Natural soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from Inula helenium and their interactions with soluble epoxide hydrolase', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 161, pp. 1465-1474. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.227 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.227 - Buza, V., Niculae, M., Hanganu, D., Pall, E., Burtescu, R.F., Olah, N., Matei-Latiu, M., Vlasiuc, I., Iozon, I., Szakacs, A.R., Ielciu, I. and Stefanut, L.C (2022) 'Biological Activities and Chemical Profile of Gentiana asclepiadea and Inula helenium Ethanolic Extracts', Molecules, 27(11), pp. 3560. doi:10.3390/molecules27113560 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113560 - Zheng, X., Wu, Z., Xu, J., Zhang, X., Tu, Y., Lei, J., Yuan, R., Cheng, H., Wang, Q. and Yu, J (2021) 'Bioactive sesquiterpenes from Inula helenium', Bioorganic Chemistry, 114, pp. 105066. doi:10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105066 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105066 - Nder, A.E (2021) 'Efficacy of methanol-water extract of Inula helenium root against oxidative DNA damage', Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 41(2), pp. 293-300. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Efficacy%20of%20methanol-water%20extract%20of%20Inula%20helenium%20root%20against%20oxidative%20DNA%20damage - Chun, J., Song, K. and Kim, Y.S (2018) 'Sesquiterpene lactones-enriched fraction of Inula helenium L. induces apoptosis through inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling pathway in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells', Phytotherapy Research, 32(12), pp. 2501-2509. doi:10.1002/ptr.6189 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6189 - Li, Y., Ni, Z., Zhu, M., Dong, M., Wang, S., Shi, Q., Zhang, M., Wang, Y., Huo, C., Kiyota, H. and Cong, B (2012) 'Antitumour activities of sesquiterpene lactones from Inula helenium and Inula japonica', Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C, 67(7-8), pp. 375-380. doi:10.1515/znc-2012-7-804 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2012-7-804 - Yan, Y.Y., Zhang, Q., Zhang, B., Yang, B. and Lin, N.M (2019) 'Active ingredients of Inula helenium L. exhibits similar anti-cancer effects as isoalantolactone in pancreatic cancer cells', Natural Product Research, 34(17), pp. 2539-2544. doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676 - Kenny, C.R., Stojakowska, A., Furey, A. and Lucey, B (2022) 'From Monographs to Chromatograms: The Antimicrobial Potential of Inula helenium L. (Elecampane) Naturalised in Ireland', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules27041406 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041406 - Stojanovic-Radic, Z. and Comic, Lj. and Radulovic, N. and Blagojevic, P. and Denic, M. and Miltojevic, A. and Rajkovic, J. and Mihajilov-Krstev, T (2012) 'Antistaphylococcal activity of Inula helenium L. root essential oil: eudesmane sesquiterpene lactones induce cell membrane damage', European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 31(6), pp. 1015--1025. doi:10.1007/s10096-011-1400-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-011-1400-1 - Cantrell, C.L. and Abate, L. and Fronczek, F.R. and Franzblau, S.G. and Quijano, L. and Fischer, N.H (1999) 'Antimycobacterial eudesmanolides from Inula helenium and Rudbeckia subtomentosa', Planta Medica, 65(4), pp. 351--355. doi:10.1055/s-1999-14001 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-1999-14001
- 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.