Plant Comparison

Chamomile vs Catnip

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 AChamomileMatricaria chamomillaAsteraceaeFull monograph →

Plant BCatnipNepeta catariaLamiaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Chamomile and Catnip: they share 8 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.

ChamomileCatnip

Constituents43

Pharmacological actions114

Indicated uses189

Safety notes42

Cited sources2517

Indicated uses

Only Chamomile

Back painBruisingEczemaHeadacheMenstrual crampsMuscle spasmPain (general)AnxietyLow mood / depressionBlood sugar / diabetes support

Shared (8)

Arthritis / joint painBloatingIndigestionInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Insomnia / sleeplessnessSkin irritationWounds

Only Catnip

Respiratory support

Pharmacological actions

Only Chamomile

Analgesic (pain relief)AntispasmodicEmollient / skin-soothingVulnerary (wound healing)Anxiolytic / calmingAntidepressant / mood supportAntidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)

Shared (4)

Anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobialDigestive aidSedative / sleep support

Only Catnip

none

Evidence face-off — shared uses

Condition	Chamomile	Catnip	Verdict
Arthritis / joint pain	5/10	1/10	Stronger for Chamomile
Bloating	1/10	1/10	Comparable evidence
Indigestion	1/10	1/10	Comparable evidence
Infection (general)	1/10	2/10	Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)	1/10	1/10	Comparable evidence
Insomnia / sleeplessness	7/10	1/10	Stronger for Chamomile
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 (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

Iridoid monoterpenes (nepetalactone)^{[2, 6]}

The characteristic volatile iridoid responsible for the cat-attractant effect and studied for sedative, antimicrobial and insect-repellent activity.

Terpenes / terpenoids

Essential oil^[5]

Rich in nepetalactone isomers along with other monoterpenes; studied for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Essential (volatile) oil

Flavonoids^[3]

Contribute to the antioxidant activity of the aerial parts.

Flavonoids

Pharmacological Actions

Analgesic (pain relief)^{[12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Anti-inflammatory^{[1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Antimicrobial^{[1, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Antispasmodic^{[1, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Digestive aid^{[1, 5, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Emollient / skin-soothing^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Sedative / sleep support^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Vulnerary (wound healing)^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

Anxiolytic / calming^{[3, 8]}

Antidepressant / mood support^[11]

Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)^[13]

Anti-inflammatory^{[12, 13, 14]}

Antimicrobial^{[3, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14]}

Digestive aid^{[9, 12, 13, 14]}

Sedative / sleep support^{[12, 13, 14]}

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain^{[12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Back pain^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Back pain

Bloating^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Bloating

Bruising^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 1

Label: Bruising

Eczema^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from emollient action

Evidence: 1

Label: Eczema

Headache^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Headache

Indigestion^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Indigestion

Infection (general)^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1

Label: Infection (general)

Inflammation (general)^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Inflammation (general)

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[2, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Good · 7/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 7

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

Menstrual cramps^{[14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Good · 7/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 7

Label: Menstrual cramps

Muscle spasm^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Muscle spasm

Pain (general)^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

Evidence: 1

Label: Pain (general)

Skin irritation^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

Wounds^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Traditional · 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

Arthritis / joint pain^{[12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Bloating^{[9, 12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Bloating

Indigestion^{[9, 12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Indigestion

Infection (general)^{[3, 5, 12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2

Label: Infection (general)

Inflammation (general)^{[12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Inflammation (general)

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

Respiratory support^{[12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 1/10

Evidence: 1

Label: Respiratory support

Skin irritation^{[12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

Wounds^{[12, 13, 14]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1

Label: Wounds

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}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^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]}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^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}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^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]}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).

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14]}Caution

Pregnancy: Do not use (traditional concern around stimulating menstruation/uterus) (Health Canada, n.d.). Breastfeeding: Health Canada advises talk to a healthcare professional first (Health Canada, n.d.). Kids: It’s often described as a “gentle” traditional tea, but large amounts are not a good idea—there’s a published case where a toddler became very sleepy/“slowed down” after consuming a lot. Keep catnip tea away from toddlers unless a clinician advises it (Osterhoudt et al., 1997). Sedatives / alcohol: Catnip can be calming, so don’t stack it with other sedating herbs/sleep meds/alcohol (you could get extra drowsy) (WebMD, n.d.a). Essential oil caution: Catnip essential oil is concentrated. Research notes it may cause mild skin irritation for some people—always dilute, patch test, and never treat it like “tea.” (Reichert et al., 2019)

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14, 15]}Caution

Duke (2002) describes catnip primarily as a sedative, diaphoretic, and emmenagogue with experimental (score 1) support. It has demonstrated uterotonic and oxytocic activity, making it contraindicated in pregnancy. The active compounds include nepetalactone and iridoids. Catnip is classified as a mild nervine and antispasmodic in traditional North American herbal medicine, though clinical trials are lacking. Due to its emmenagogue and uterotonic properties, medicinal-dose use should be avoided during pregnancy (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 8370958

Wikidata: Q28437

Gbif: 5341499

Wikidata: Q161139

Botanical Description

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

Perennial herb, 30-100 cm tall, with greyish-green, downy, square stems typical of the mint family. Leaves are opposite, triangular-ovate with scalloped or toothed margins, grey-green above and softly felted (whitish) beneath, releasing a minty-lemony aroma when crushed. Small white flowers, spotted with purple or pink, are borne in dense terminal and axillary spikes. Nepetalactone, the volatile compound famous for its effect on cats, is concentrated in glandular hairs on the leaves and stems.^[9]

Height: 30-100 cm

Habit: Erect, bushy, greyish-downy perennial herb

Leaves: Opposite, triangular-ovate, scalloped/toothed, felted white beneath

Flowers: Small, white with purple/pink spotting, in dense terminal and axillary spikes

Stem: Square, greyish-green, downy

Root: Fibrous perennial rootstock

Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)

Flowering Period: June-September

Habitat

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]}

Native to Europe and temperate Asia and widely naturalised in North America; grows on disturbed, sunny ground - roadsides, waste places, hedgebanks and dry, calcareous or well-drained soils.^[9]

Harvesting

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

The flowering aerial parts (leaf, stem and flower) are cut at or just before flowering (summer), when volatile nepetalactone content is highest, and dried quickly out of direct light.^{[2, 9]}

Parts: Leaf, Stem, Flower

Season: Summer, at or just before flowering

Traditional Uses

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]}

Catnip has a long North American and European folk-medicine history as a mild sedative/nervine, diaphoretic (fever-reducing, sweat-promoting) remedy, carminative digestive and traditional emmenagogue; it was also given as a children's tea for colic and restlessness, though large amounts are not advised for young children and it is traditionally avoided in pregnancy.^[9]

Preparations

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.

Infusion (tea)^[9]

Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water as a traditional calming, digestive tea.

Essential oil^[6]

Steam-distilled from the aerial parts; used mainly as a natural insect repellent (nepetalactone) rather than taken internally.

Dosage

Infusion (tea)^{[15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}

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.

Infusion (tea)^[11]

Health Canada's NNHPD monograph gives 1.2-12 g of dried herb top per day for adults 18 years and older, with infusion among the accepted methods of preparation. Educational reference only, not a prescription. Keep away from toddlers and young children beyond very small amounts, and avoid medicinal-dose use in pregnancy.

References

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

REF-0930, REF-0931, REF-0932, REF-0933, REF-0934, REF-0935, REF-0936, REF-0937, REF-0938, REF-0939

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note^[21]Caution

Drug Class: anticoagulants-antiplatelets

Mechanism: Chamomile contains natural coumarin constituents and has been linked in a case report to increased bleeding when taken with warfarin, so caution is advised when combining it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.