Plant Comparison

Chamomile vs Marjoram

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 BMarjoramOriganum majoranaLamiaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Chamomile and Marjoram: they share 10 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.

ChamomileMarjoram

Constituents43

Pharmacological actions116

Indicated uses1810

Safety notes42

Cited sources2516

Indicated uses

Only Chamomile

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

Shared (10)

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

Only Marjoram

none

Pharmacological actions

Only Chamomile

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

Shared (5)

Anti-inflammatoryAntimicrobialAntispasmodicDigestive aidSedative / sleep support

Only Marjoram

Antioxidant

Evidence face-off — shared uses

Condition	Chamomile	Marjoram	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	2/10	Comparable evidence
Insomnia / sleeplessness	7/10	1/10	Stronger for Chamomile
Menstrual cramps	7/10	1/10	Stronger for Chamomile
Muscle spasm	1/10	2/10	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 (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

Essential oil (terpinen-4-ol, sabinene hydrate, thymol, carvacrol)^[9]

The volatile oil, dominated by terpinen-4-ol and cis-sabinene hydrate in true sweet marjoram, gives most of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.

Essential (volatile) oilThymolCarvacrolTerpenes / terpenoids

Rosmarinic acid and phenolic acids^{[6, 8]}

Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Rosmarinic acid

Flavonoids^[8]

Minor antioxidant constituents of the leaf.

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^{[3, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13]}

Antimicrobial^{[4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13]}

Antioxidant^{[2, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13]}

Antispasmodic^{[1, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13]}

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Digestive aid^{[6, 7, 11, 12, 13]}

Sedative / sleep support^{[6, 11, 12, 13]}

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^{[11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Arthritis / joint pain

Bloating^{[11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Bloating

Indigestion^{[11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1

Label: Indigestion

Infection (general)^{[4, 11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 2

Label: Infection (general)

Inflammation (general)^{[3, 11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2

Label: Inflammation (general)

Insomnia / sleeplessness^{[11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1

Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

Menstrual cramps^{[11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1

Label: Menstrual cramps

Muscle spasm^{[1, 11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 2/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 2

Label: Muscle spasm

Skin irritation^{[11, 12, 13]}Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1

Label: Skin irritation

Wounds^{[11, 12, 13]}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^{[11, 12, 13]}Caution

Generally very safe as a culinary herb. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts and avoided in pregnancy. Theoretically may interact with anticoagulants. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.

Safety note^{[11, 12, 13, 14]}Caution

Duke (2002) rates marjoram (Origanum majorana) as +++ and notes antiviral, antispasmodic, COX-2 inhibitory, and antiseptic activities at the experimental level (score 1). It demonstrates antiherpetic activity in vitro. The plant contains rosmarinic acid and thymol, which contribute to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Dose: 1–2 g dried herb as tea three times daily or equivalent preparations. Duke notes the plant is generally well-tolerated with no significant contraindications at usual herbal doses (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 8370958

Wikidata: Q28437

Gbif: 2926615

Wikidata: Q22694

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

Tender perennial subshrub (Lamiaceae), often grown as an annual in cold climates, 20-60 cm tall, with square, downy, much-branched stems. Leaves are opposite, small, grey-green and ovate. Tiny white to pale pink, two-lipped flowers are borne in distinctive knot-like clustered spikes, the origin of the common name 'knotted marjoram'.^[6]

Height: 20-60 cm

Habit: Bushy, downy perennial subshrub (often grown as an annual)

Leaves: Opposite, small, grey-green, ovate

Flowers: Tiny, white to pale pink, two-lipped, in knot-like clustered spikes

Stem: Square, downy, much-branched

Root: Fibrous perennial rootstock (in warm climates)

Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)

Flowering Period: July-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 Cyprus, Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean, and widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb in gardens worldwide; prefers full sun and well-drained, often calcareous soils.^[6]

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 aerial flowering parts are cut just before or at flowering (summer), when essential-oil content is highest, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated place.^[9]

Parts: Leaf, Flower

Season: Summer, just before or at 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]}

Marjoram has a long Mediterranean culinary-medicinal tradition as a digestive carminative and mild sedative for indigestion, cramping and poor sleep, and as an antiseptic for minor wounds and infections. Modern research confirms antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from its essential oil and phenolic constituents.^{[6, 8]}

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)^{[11, 12, 13]}

Dried herb steeped in hot water as a digestive, calming tea.

Essential oil (topical)^[4]

Diluted essential oil applied for muscular aches or minor skin infections.

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, 12, 13]}

Duke (2002) suggests about 1-2 g dried herb as tea, three times daily, or equivalent preparations. 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-1223, REF-1224, REF-1225, REF-1226, REF-1227, REF-1228, REF-1229, REF-1230, REF-1231, REF-1232

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.