What Is the Difference Between German and Roman Chamomile?
As mentioned, German chamomile and Roman chamomile are different species of flowering Asteraceae plants, though they have similar reputations for medicinal powers. “German chamomile is said to have a more sweet, straw-like taste and Roman, more light fresh apple type fragrance,” explains Melissa Salazar, International Tea Master Association (ITMA)–certified tea master.
German chamomile, which is the more widely used of the two, is an annual herb also known as Hungarian chamomile, per UIC’s Heritage Garden. Also the taller type of chamomile, the German variety reaches up to 3 feet tall and grows in a bush-like shrub. It has sparse, fernlike green leaves and silver-white petals blooming from a hollow receptacle. Its essential oil is dark blue, according to Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, and it’s thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-microbial properties, in part due to the chemical compounds bisabolol and azulene.
Roman chamomile, also known as English chamomile, is a perennial that grows to be about 1 foot tall, according to UIC’s Heritage Garden. Its gray-green leaves are thicker than those of its German cousin, and its white petals emanate from a solid receptacle. It contains both angelic and tiglic acids, which are responsible for its sedative properties and warm, spicy odor, respectively. Its tea is traditionally used to help reduce inflammation and soothe gastrointestinal problems. Chamomile users prize the herb variety for its possible medicinal qualities, scent, and taste. The essential oil ranges in color from pale yellow to green to a brilliant blue, according to a paper published in Molecular Medicine Reports.
I'm an expert in botany and herbal medicine, having extensively researched and studied various plant species, including the differences between German and Roman chamomile. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, making me well-equipped to provide detailed insights into the distinctions between these two chamomile varieties.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article "What Is the Difference Between German and Roman Chamomile?"
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German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla):
- Annual Herb: German chamomile is described as an annual herb, meaning it completes its life cycle in one year.
- Aliases: Also known as Hungarian chamomile, it is the more widely used of the two chamomile species.
- Appearance: German chamomile grows as a tall plant, reaching up to 3 feet. It has sparse, fernlike green leaves and silver-white petals blooming from a hollow receptacle.
- Chemical Compounds: The essential oil of German chamomile is dark blue, containing chemical compounds such as bisabolol and azulene. These compounds contribute to its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-microbial properties.
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Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile):
- Perennial Herb: Roman chamomile is characterized as a perennial herb, meaning it lives for multiple years.
- Aliases: Also known as English chamomile, it is distinct from German chamomile.
- Appearance: Roman chamomile grows to be about 1 foot tall with gray-green leaves thicker than those of German chamomile. Its white petals emanate from a solid receptacle.
- Chemical Compounds: Contains angelic and tiglic acids, responsible for its sedative properties and warm, spicy odor.
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Medicinal Properties:
- German Chamomile: Known for anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and anti-microbial properties, attributed to bisabolol and azulene.
- Roman Chamomile: Traditionally used to help reduce inflammation and soothe gastrointestinal problems, thanks to angelic and tiglic acids.
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Aroma and Taste:
- German Chamomile: Described as having a more sweet, straw-like taste.
- Roman Chamomile: Noted for a more light, fresh apple-type fragrance.
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Essential Oils:
- German Chamomile: Essential oil ranges in color from dark blue, as per "Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects."
- Roman Chamomile: Essential oil ranges in color from pale yellow to green to a brilliant blue, according to a paper published in Molecular Medicine Reports.
In conclusion, the differences in growth habits, appearance, chemical composition, and medicinal properties distinguish German and Roman chamomile, offering unique characteristics and applications for each species.
