Plant Comparison
Chamomile vs Goldenrod
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
Chamomile and Goldenrod: both belong to the Asteraceae family; they share 3 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), skin irritation); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Chamomile | Goldenrod | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Chamomile |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 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
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
Traditional & Indicated Uses
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
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Generally well tolerated. Not recommended in cases of fluid retention due to impaired cardiac or renal function. Ensure adequate fluid intake when using as a diuretic. May cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae plants. Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data.
Duke (2002) provides clinical evidence (score 2) for goldenrod's anti-inflammatory activity, consistent with Commission E approval. It is also classified as an aquaretic (increases urine output without electrolyte loss) and antispasmodic, used for urinary tract irrigation therapy. Dose: 6–12 g dried herb daily as tea for urinary complaints. Duke cautions against use in cases of edema from renal or cardiac insufficiency, and notes that the herb may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae plants (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
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]
Perennial herb (Asteraceae), 20-100 cm tall, with erect, often reddish, downy or smooth stems. Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped and toothed. Numerous small, bright yellow, daisy-like flower heads are clustered into branched, plume-like terminal sprays, followed by small ribbed achenes with a tuft of hairs (pappus).[1]
Habitat
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]
The flowering aerial parts are cut during flowering (late summer) and dried.[11]
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]
Goldenrod has a long European folk-medicine tradition as a mild 'aquaretic' diuretic and anti-inflammatory remedy for the urinary tract, used traditionally for urinary-tract irrigation therapy alongside adequate fluid intake, and topically as a wound herb (one common name is 'woundwort'). Modern phytochemical work confirms saponin- and flavonoid-driven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and diuretic activity.[1, 11]
Preparations
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.
Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water - the classic urinary-tract preparation.
Dosage
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
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]
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- 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
- Fursenco, C., Calalb, T., Uncu, L., Dinu, M. and others (2020) 'Solidago virgaurea L.: A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities', Biomolecules, 10(12), pp. 1619. doi:10.3390/biom10121619 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10121619 - Abdel Motaal, A., Ezzat, S.M., Tadros, M.G. and El-Askary, H.I (2016) 'In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives from Solidago virgaurea in rats', Pharmaceutical Biology, 54(12), pp. 2864-2870. doi:10.1080/13880209.2016.1190381 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2016.1190381 - Précheur, I., Rolland, Y., Hasseine, L., Orange, F. and others (2020) 'Solidago virgaurea L. Plant Extract Targeted Against Candida albicans to Reduce Oral Microbial Biomass: A Double Blind Randomized Trial on Healthy Adults', Antibiotics, 9(4), pp. 137. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9040137 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9040137 - Wojnicz, D., Tichaczek-Goska, D., Glensk, M. and Hendrich, A.B (2021) 'Is It Worth Combining Solidago virgaurea Extract and Antibiotics against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Rods? An In Vitro Model Study', Pharmaceutics, 13(4), pp. 573. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics13040573 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13040573 - El-Tantawy, W.H (2013) 'Biochemical effects of Solidago virgaurea extract on experimental cardiotoxicity', Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry, 70(1), pp. 33-42. doi:10.1007/s13105-013-0277-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13105-013-0277-0 - Gross, S.C., Goodarzi, G., Watabe, M., Bandyopadhyay, S. and others (2002) 'Antineoplastic activity of Solidago virgaurea on prostatic tumor cells in an SCID mouse model', Nutrition and Cancer, 43(1), pp. 76-81. doi:10.1207/S15327914NC431_9 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327914NC431_9 - Starks, C.M., Williams, R.B., Goering, M.G., O'Neil-Johnson, M. and others (2010) 'Antibacterial clerodane diterpenes from Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea)', Phytochemistry, 71(1), pp. 104-109. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.09.032 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.09.032 - Malicanin, M., Karabegovic, I., Dordevic, N., Mancic, S. and others (2024) 'Influence of the Extraction Method on the Biological Potential of Solidago virgaurea L. Essential Oil and Hydrolates', Plants, 13(16), pp. 2187. doi:10.3390/plants13162187 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162187 - Zehra, S.A., Bhattarai, P., Zhang, J., Liu, Y. and others (2022) 'Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Solidago virgaurea Extracts', Current Bioactive Compounds, 19(4), pp. e150622206146. doi:10.2174/1573407218666220615143502 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1573407218666220615143502 - Jang, Y.S., Wang, Z., Lee, J.M., Lee, J.Y. and others (2016) 'Screening of Korean Natural Products for Anti-Adipogenesis Properties and Isolation of Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside as a Potent Anti-Adipogenetic Compound from Solidago virgaurea', Molecules, 21(2), pp. 226. doi:10.3390/molecules21020226 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21020226 - European Medicines Agency (2008) 'Community herbal monograph on Solidago virgaurea L., herba'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Community%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Solidago%20virgaurea%20L.%2C%20herba - Bader, G., Binder, K., Hiller, K. and Zwintscher, U (1990) 'The saponins from Solidago virgaurea L', 45(8), pp. 618--622. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20saponins%20from%20Solidago%20virgaurea%20L - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - 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 - Grow Forage Cook Ferment 'Foraging Goldenrod (Solidago): Identification and Uses'. Available at: https://www.growforagecookferment.com/foraging-goldenrod/ Traditional / reference
https://www.growforagecookferment.com/foraging-goldenrod/ - Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board 'Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)'. Available at: https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/tansy-ragwort Traditional / reference
https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/tansy-ragwort - Schneider, J. and Tsegaye, Y. and W/Tensae, M. and G/Selassie, S. and Haile, T. and Bane, A. and Ali, A. and Mesfin, G. and Seboxa, T (2012) 'Veno-occlusive liver disease: a case report', Ethiopian Medical Journal, 50 Suppl 2, pp. 47-51. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22946295/ Clinical study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22946295/
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.