I want to add Chamomile to the herb garden this year, and have found both Roman and German listed. What is the difference between the two? In the herbal book that I have, both are listed and sound almost exactly alike but only the German was listed for tea for a calming tea.
Thanks so much!
Theresa
What's The Difference Between Chamomiles?
The german one is the most commonly used, at least as medicinal plant.
All the chamomiles don't have exactly the same properties:
-Roman Chamomile (chamaemelum nobile): les flowers give a digestive tea, comforting, sedative, calming properties (for active children). Prevents nightmares and insomnia, gets rid off nausea. Has anti-inflammatory and disinfecting virtues, so that R.Chamomile can be used against urinary infections, toothaches, earaches or headaches.
-German Chamomile (matriarca recutita) also called common chamomile. The flowers have the same properties than those of the roman one. Releaves nervous tension, digestive problems, bladder inflammations. I also read it is used during menstruations to releave cramps.
Hope this has been helpful.
Jennifer
The diff between them is everything and nothing! They are one of the best examples of parallel evolution you will find.
Roman Chamomile, Asteraceae Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis Nobilis Height 4-12” Feathery Hardy evergreen lawn. Apple scented flowers of great renoun. Roman chamomile foliage can be chopped and stirred into butter or sour cream that is used to top baked potatoes. The flowers make a delightful tea.
This is what the English use as Chamomile.
German Chamomile Compositae Matricaria recutita Height 20”-30”
The Taller chamomile is much easier to harvest and can take more heat. It does not survive a frost. This is considered by some to have more medicinal qualities.
This is what everyone but the English use as Chamomile.
They have much the same look, flower, taste, smell, and make nearly identical tea with nearly the same compounds. Other than that they are not even in the same family. No relation.
hope this helps,
Bob
Thank you so much for your feedback on these herbs! I now know why I was confused :-) I am going to grow both to see what we prefer, however, the Roman sounds more economical.
Again, thank you so much for all the information! It was very, very helpful!
Theresa
throneofyord, thanks for the tip about using R chamomile to flavor butters. It sounds divine!
hi chamomile fans- i think you've got the right answer, tweezle- grow them both and see what you like.. in my experience the roman kind is a cuter plant- if that makes a difference! and it's perennial..sometimes, that is. in zone 5 it might die in a rough winter-- but its spreading and low. everything about it smells of chamomile, the leaves, flowers etc. the german one is more practical in terms of harvesting flowers for tea- you'll see what i mean when you grow it. it will self seed here and there if you let it. have fun!