Plant Comparison

Chamomile vs Black Cumin

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 BBlack CuminNigella sativaRanunculaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Chamomile and Black Cumin: they share 11 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, bloating, …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.

ChamomileBlack Cumin

Constituents45

Pharmacological actions119

Indicated uses1817

Safety notes42

Cited sources2524

Indicated uses

Only Chamomile

BruisingEczemaInsomnia / sleeplessnessMenstrual crampsMuscle spasmAnxietyLow mood / depression

Shared (11)

Arthritis / joint painBack painBloatingHeadacheIndigestionInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Pain (general)Skin irritationWoundsBlood sugar / diabetes support

Only Black Cumin

Acid refluxCancer (anticancer research)Cold & fluImmune supportMetabolic supportRespiratory support

Pharmacological actions

Only Chamomile

AntispasmodicEmollient / skin-soothingSedative / sleep supportVulnerary (wound healing)Anxiolytic / calmingAntidepressant / mood support

Shared (5)

Analgesic (pain relief)Anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobialDigestive aidAntidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)

Only Black Cumin

Anticancer (preclinical)AntioxidantGastroprotectiveImmunomodulator / immune support

Evidence face-off — shared uses

Condition	Chamomile	Black Cumin	Verdict
Arthritis / joint pain	5/10	5/10	Comparable evidence
Back pain	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Bloating	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Headache	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Indigestion	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Infection (general)	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Inflammation (general)	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Pain (general)	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Skin irritation	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Wounds	1/10	5/10	Stronger for Black Cumin
Blood sugar / diabetes support	5/10	5/10	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

Thymoquinone^{[3, 9]}

The principal bioactive constituent of the seed oil, responsible for much of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

Volatile oil (nigellone, thymol, carvacrol)^[3]

The aromatic fraction of the seed, contributing antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Essential (volatile) oilThymolCarvacrol

Fixed oil (linoleic acid, oleic acid)^[1]

The bulk lipid fraction of the seed (roughly a third of seed weight by weight), the carrier for the fat-soluble thymoquinone.

Alkaloids (nigellicine, nigellidine)^[1]

Minor isoquinoline-type alkaloids studied for antioxidant activity.

Alkaloids

Saponins (alpha-hederin)^[1]

Triterpene saponin studied for anticancer and antiparasitic activity.

Saponins

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]

Analgesic (pain relief)^{[6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Anti-inflammatory^{[1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Anticancer (preclinical)^{[7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)^{[5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Antimicrobial^{[3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Antioxidant^{[1, 3, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Digestive aid^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Gastroprotective^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Immunomodulator / immune support^{[4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

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

Acid reflux^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from gastroprotective action

Evidence: 5

Label: Acid reflux

Arthritis / joint pain^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Back pain^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 5

Label: Back pain

Bloating^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 5

Label: Bloating

Blood sugar / diabetes support^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 5

Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support

Cancer (anticancer research)^[7]Good · 7/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 7

Label: Cancer (anticancer research)

Cold & flu^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from immunomodulator action

Evidence: 5

Label: Cold & flu

Headache^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 5

Label: Headache

Immune support^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

Evidence: 5

Label: Immune support

Indigestion^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 5

Label: Indigestion

Infection (general)^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 5

Label: Infection (general)

Inflammation (general)^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5

Label: Inflammation (general)

Metabolic support^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 5

Label: Metabolic support

Pain (general)^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

Evidence: 5

Label: Pain (general)

Respiratory support^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

Evidence: 5

Label: Respiratory support

Skin irritation^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 5

Label: Skin irritation

Wounds^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Moderate · 5/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 5

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, 15, 16, 17, 18]}Caution

Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials at doses up to 200 mg/day of oil for 90 days. Potential side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulant effects. May interact with immunosuppressants and antidiabetic medications. Allergic reactions possible in sensitive individuals. Consult healthcare provider before use, especially with concurrent medications.

Safety note^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19]}Caution

Duke (2002) describes black cumin (Nigella sativa) as one of the most multi-active medicinal spices, with experimental evidence for bronchodilation, immunostimulation, hepatoprotection, and antihistaminic activity. The prophet Muhammad reportedly described it as 'a cure for all things except death.' Key bioactive compounds include thymoquinone and nigellone. Antihistaminic and bronchodilatory activity supports its traditional use in asthma and allergic conditions. Duke notes it is generally safe at culinary amounts but recommends caution with medicinal doses in pregnancy due to potential uterotonic effects (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 8370958

Wikidata: Q28437

Gbif: 5371700

Wikidata: Q160575

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

Annual herb (Ranunculaceae), 20-90 cm tall, with an erect, branched stem and finely divided, pinnately dissected, fern-like leaves. Delicate pale blue-white (occasionally pale purple) flowers, each with 5-10 petal-like sepals, are surrounded by a feathery bract collar. The fruit is an inflated, many-celled capsule that dries and splits to release numerous small, black, angular seeds - the medicinal part.^[1]

Height: 20-90 cm

Habit: Erect, branched annual herb

Leaves: Finely pinnately dissected, fern-like

Flowers: Pale blue-white (occasionally pale purple), 5-10 petal-like sepals, feathery bract collar

Stem: Erect, branched

Root: Slender taproot

Fruit: Inflated capsule splitting to release small black angular seeds

Flowering Period: June-August

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 the Mediterranean basin, southern Europe, western Asia and North Africa, and widely cultivated as a spice and medicinal crop across the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa; grows in cultivated fields and on disturbed ground.^[1]

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

Seed capsules are harvested once dried and brown (late summer), then threshed to release the small black seeds. Seed is stored whole and either used directly or cold-pressed for oil shortly before use to preserve the volatile thymoquinone-rich fraction.^[1]

Parts: Seed

Season: Late summer, once capsules have dried

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]}

One of the most celebrated medicinal seeds in Middle Eastern and Islamic traditional medicine - known as 'Habbatul Barakah' (the blessed seed) - black seed has traditionally been used for digestive complaints, respiratory conditions (asthma, cough), pain, inflammation, skin conditions and as a general tonic. Modern research on its principal constituent thymoquinone supports broad anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory activity.^{[1, 2, 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.

Whole or ground seed^[1]

Seed eaten directly, sprinkled on food, or ground into a paste - the traditional culinary-medicinal form.

Cold-pressed seed oil^{[3, 9]}

The form most used in clinical trials, taken orally in capsules or as a liquid.

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.

Seed oil^{[12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18]}

Clinical trials have generally been well tolerated at doses up to about 200 mg/day of oil taken for up to 90 days. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid medicinal doses 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-2065, REF-2066, REF-2067, REF-2068, REF-2069, REF-2070, REF-2071, REF-2072, REF-2073, REF-2074, REF-2075

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.