Plant Comparison

Lavender 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.

First plant

Second plant

Plant ALavenderLavandula angustifoliaLamiaceaeFull monograph →

Plant BChamomileMatricaria chamomillaAsteraceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Lavender and Chamomile: they share 9 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, eczema, infection (general), …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.

LavenderChamomile

Constituents24

Pharmacological actions711

Indicated uses1018

Safety notes24

Cited sources2624

Indicated uses

Only Lavender

Cancer (anticancer research)

Shared (9)

Arthritis / joint painEczemaInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Insomnia / sleeplessnessMenstrual crampsMuscle spasmSkin irritationWounds

Only Chamomile

Back painBloatingBruisingHeadacheIndigestionPain (general)AnxietyLow mood / depressionBlood sugar / diabetes support

Pharmacological actions

Only Lavender

Anticancer (preclinical)Antioxidant

Shared (5)

Anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobialAntispasmodicEmollient / skin-soothingSedative / sleep support

Only Chamomile

Analgesic (pain relief)Digestive aidVulnerary (wound healing)Anxiolytic / calmingAntidepressant / mood supportAntidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)

Evidence face-off - shared uses

Condition	Lavender	Chamomile	Verdict
Arthritis / joint pain	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Chamomile
Eczema	1/10	1/10	Comparable evidence
Infection (general)	1/10	1/10	Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)	1/10	1/10	Comparable evidence
Insomnia / sleeplessness	5/10	7/10	Stronger for Chamomile
Menstrual cramps	1/10	7/10	Stronger for Chamomile
Muscle spasm	1/10	1/10	Comparable evidence
Skin irritation	1/10	1/10	Comparable evidence
Wounds	1/10	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

Essential oil (linalool, linalyl acetate)^[4]

Flower essential oil dominated by linalool and linalyl acetate, the principal compounds behind the calming, anxiolytic and antimicrobial activity.

Essential (volatile) oilLinalool

Flavonoids and phenolic acids

Antioxidant constituents of the flower.

FlavonoidsPhenolic acids

Essential oil (alpha-bisabolol, chamazulene)^{[1, 6]}

The volatile oil, concentrated in the flower head, gives chamomile its characteristic blue colour (chamazulene) and much of its anti-inflammatory activity (alpha-bisabolol).

Essential (volatile) oilAlpha-bisabololChamazulene

Flavonoids (apigenin, quercetin, luteolin, rutin)^[10]

Apigenin is considered a key contributor to chamomile's sedative/anxiolytic activity via GABA-A receptor binding.

ApigeninQuercetinLuteolinRutinFlavonoids

Coumarins^[6]

Minor constituents (e.g. herniarin, umbelliferone) contributing to the mild antispasmodic action.

Coumarins

Mucilage polysaccharides^[10]

Contribute to the soothing, demulcent effect on irritated mucous membranes.

MucilagePolysaccharides

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory^{[4, 12, 17, 18, 19]}

Anticancer (preclinical)^[13]

Antimicrobial^{[6, 17, 18, 19]}

Antioxidant^{[10, 17, 18, 19]}

Antispasmodic^{[17, 18, 19]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Emollient / skin-soothing^{[17, 18, 19]}

Sedative / sleep support^{[5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19]}

Analgesic (pain relief)^{[12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20]}

Anti-inflammatory^{[1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 20]}

Antimicrobial^{[1, 16, 17, 18, 20]}

Antispasmodic^{[1, 5, 6, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Digestive aid^{[1, 5, 10, 16, 17, 18, 20]}

Emollient / skin-soothing^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}

Sedative / sleep support^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 16, 17, 18, 20]}

Vulnerary (wound healing)^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}

Anxiolytic / calming^{[3, 8]}

Antidepressant / mood support^[11]

Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)^[13]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Cancer (anticancer research)^[13]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2

Label: Cancer (anticancer research)

Eczema^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from emollient action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Eczema

Infection (general)^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Infection (general)

Inflammation (general)^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Inflammation (general)

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[17, 18, 19]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from sedative action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-2208, REF-2210, REF-2212, REF-2215

Evidence: 5

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

Menstrual cramps^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Menstrual cramps

Muscle spasm^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Muscle spasm

Skin irritation^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

Wounds^{[17, 18]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0265

Evidence: 1

Label: Wounds

Arthritis / joint pain^{[12, 17, 18, 20]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0079

Evidence: 5

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Back pain^{[17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from analgesic action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0079, REF-2349, REF-2351

Evidence: 1

Label: Back pain

Bloating^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Bloating

Bruising^{[17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0079

Evidence: 1

Label: Bruising

Eczema^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from emollient action

Evidence: 1

Label: Eczema

Headache^{[17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from analgesic action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0079, REF-2349, REF-2351

Evidence: 1

Label: Headache

Indigestion^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Indigestion

Infection (general)^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1

Label: Infection (general)

Inflammation (general)^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Inflammation (general)

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[2, 17, 18, 20]}Good · 7/10

inferred from sedative action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0079, REF-1155, REF-1156, REF-1160

Evidence: 7

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

Menstrual cramps^{[14, 17, 18, 20]}Good · 7/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0079

Evidence: 7

Label: Menstrual cramps

Muscle spasm^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Muscle spasm

Pain (general)^{[17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0079

Evidence: 1

Label: Pain (general)

Skin irritation^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-2349

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

Wounds^{[16, 17, 18, 20]}Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1

Label: Wounds

Anxiety^{[3, 8]}Moderate · 6/10

Evidence: 6

Label: Anxiety

Low mood / depression^[11]Moderate · 5/10

Evidence: 5

Label: Low mood / depression

Blood sugar / diabetes support^[13]Moderate · 5/10

Evidence: 5

Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[17, 18, 19]}Caution

Generally very safe. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts. Rarely, contact dermatitis may occur. May potentiate the effect of sedative medications. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy.

Safety note^{[17, 18, 19, 20]}Info

Duke (2002) rates lavender as ++ and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for carminative activity, consistent with Commission E approval for nervous stomach disorders and functional abdominal complaints. Additional experimental activities include anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and antiseptic effects. The essential oil demonstrates COX-2 inhibitory and Alzheimer's-relevant properties at the experimental level. Dose: 1–2 teaspoons (4–8 g) dried flowers as tea; 1–3 drops essential oil in a carrier for topical or aromatherapy use. Duke notes that oral lavender oil (Silexan) has clinical evidence for generalized anxiety disorder (Duke, 2002).

Safety note^{[16, 17, 18, 19, 20]}Caution

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.

Safety note^{[16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21]}Caution

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).

Safety note^{[16, 17, 18, 19, 20]}Caution

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.

Safety note^{[16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21]}Info

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

Gbif: 2927305

Wikidata: Q42081

Gbif: 8370958

Wikidata: Q28437

Botanical Description

Aromatic, evergreen, woody-based perennial subshrub with narrow, grey-green, felted leaves. Slender flowering spikes carrying whorls of small, tubular, two-lipped violet-blue flowers rise well above the foliage on long, unbranched stalks.^[4]

Height: 30-60 cm

Habit: Aromatic, evergreen, woody-based perennial subshrub

Leaves: Narrow, grey-green, felted

Flowers: Small, tubular, two-lipped, violet-blue, in whorled spikes on long stalks

Stem: Woody at the base, with slender unbranched flowering stalks

Root: Woody rootstock

Fruit: Small nutlet (typical of Lamiaceae)

Flowering Period: June-August

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]}

Height: 15-60 cm

Habit: Erect, much-branched, aromatic annual herb

Leaves: Alternate, finely 2-3-pinnately divided into thread-like segments

Flowers: Small daisy-like heads with downward-reflexed white ray florets around a conical hollow yellow disc

Stem: Erect, much-branched, hairless

Root: Slender taproot

Fruit: Tiny ribbed achene, no pappus

Flowering Period: May-August

Habitat

Native to the mountains of the western Mediterranean (southern France, Spain, Italy); widely cultivated in sunny, well-drained, often calcareous sites across temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide.^[4]

Native to Europe and western Asia and now naturalised worldwide, growing on disturbed, sunny ground - arable field margins, waste places, roadsides and sandy or loamy soils; widely cultivated as a medicinal crop.^{[1, 6]}

Harvesting

The flower spikes are cut as the flowers open, in mid- to late summer, when essential oil content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place or distilled fresh for essential oil.^[4]

Parts: Flower

Season: Mid- to late summer, at flowering

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]

Parts: Flower heads

Season: Late spring to summer, at full bloom

Harvest Readiness

^[15]

Part: flower

Signals: Cut the flower spikes in mid-to-late summer, when the flowers are in full bloom (for the essential oil, cut as the flowers just begin to fade).

Basis: traditional

Source Quote: Lavender is typically harvested in mid to late summer when the flowers are in full bloom.

Species Confirmed: 1

Notes: PFAF (REF-3283); the flower spikes are cut at full bloom in mid-to-late summer (in flower July-September). For essential-oil yield PFAF notes harvesting 'as soon as the flowers have faded'. Single lineage -> provisional.

^[15]

Part: flower

Signals: Pick the flowerheads when fully open, in early-to-mid summer.

Basis: traditional

Source Quote: The flowers are harvested when fully open and are dried for later use.

Species Confirmed: 1

Notes: PFAF (REF-3289); the flowerheads are picked when fully open (in flower June-July). Single lineage -> provisional.

Traditional Uses

Lavender flower has a long Mediterranean and European tradition as a calming, sedative herb for nervous tension, anxiety and insomnia, and as a mild digestive carminative and antiseptic for minor wounds and skin irritation; the essential oil in particular has an extensive modern clinical evidence base for anxiety and sleep support.^[4]

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

Infusion^[4]

Dried flowers infused in hot water as a traditional calming, digestive tea.

Essential oil (aromatherapy/topical)^[4]

Steam-distilled from the flowers; used diluted topically or by inhalation for relaxation and skin care.

Infusion (tea)^{[6, 10]}

Dried flower heads steeped in hot water, the classic way of taking chamomile for digestive complaints, mild anxiety and sleep support.

Essential oil^[1]

Steam-distilled from the flower heads; a concentrated source of alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, used mainly in topical and aromatherapy preparations.

Topical cream/compress^[12]

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.

Dosage

Infusion^[16]

The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, three times daily, in adolescents, adults and elderly; a tincture at 2-4 mL three times daily is also listed. The monograph notes that lavender may impair the ability to drive or use machines. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Infusion (tea)^{[16, 17, 18, 19, 20]}

Traditional guidance and Duke (2002) suggest about 3 g of dried flower heads per cup of water, taken up to three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-0857, REF-0858, REF-0173, REF-2205, REF-2206, REF-2207, REF-2208, REF-2209, REF-2210, REF-2211, REF-2212, REF-2213, REF-2214, REF-2215

REF-1153, REF-1154, REF-1155, REF-1156, REF-1157, REF-1158, REF-1159, REF-1160, REF-1161, REF-1162, REF-2348, REF-2349, REF-2350, REF-2351

Drug Class Interactions

Sedatives Cns Depressants^{[21, 22, 23]}Caution

Mechanism: Lavender has calming, sedative effects (its anxiolytic effect is supported by a meta-analysis of randomised trials of the oral oil preparation Silexan); taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants (including alcohol) it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.