Which is healthier, chamomile or green tea? A definitive comparison

January 6, 2026 •

5 min read

While both are celebrated for their health benefits, a key difference is their origin: green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, while chamomile is an herbal infusion from dried flowers. Choosing which is healthier, chamomile or green tea, ultimately depends on your specific wellness objectives, whether seeking a metabolism boost or a calming bedtime drink.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive comparison of green tea and chamomile tea, analyzing their distinct health benefits, antioxidant profiles, caffeine content, and best uses for overall well-being.

Key Points

Caffeine Content: Green tea contains caffeine for an energy boost, while chamomile is caffeine-free and ideal for relaxation.
Antioxidant Power: Green tea is exceptionally rich in catechins like EGCG, vital for cellular health, whereas chamomile contains the flavonoid apigenin for its calming effects.
Sleep vs. Energy: Chamomile is the go-to for promoting sleep and reducing anxiety due to apigenin, while green tea offers a calm alertness thanks to its caffeine and L-theanine content.
Specific Benefits: Green tea supports metabolism and heart health, while chamomile aids digestion and soothes menstrual cramps.
Best Time to Drink: Opt for green tea in the morning or afternoon, and reserve chamomile tea for a relaxing end to your day.

Green Tea vs. Chamomile: Understanding the Differences

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages globally, and for good reason. Among the vast world of teas, green tea and chamomile are two of the most popular, each lauded for distinct health-promoting properties. Green tea is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is minimally processed, which helps it retain a high concentration of antioxidants. In contrast, chamomile is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant, known for its calming and soothing effects.

The Antioxidant Showdown

At the heart of the health debate is the battle of the antioxidants. Both teas are rich in these compounds, but their types and effects differ significantly.

Green Tea's Catechins: Green tea is a powerhouse of polyphenols, particularly a type of flavonoid called catechins. The most notable catechin is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant linked to numerous health benefits. EGCG helps combat oxidative stress, which is crucial for protecting cells from damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This makes green tea an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their antioxidant intake for overall cellular health.
Chamomile's Apigenin: Chamomile tea's primary beneficial compound is the flavonoid apigenin. Apigenin acts as an antioxidant and is largely responsible for chamomile's signature calming effects. While chamomile contains powerful antioxidants, green tea is generally considered to have a higher overall concentration, especially of the highly-studied EGCG.

Caffeine: The Great Divide

Perhaps the most practical difference between the two teas is their caffeine content, which dictates when and why you might choose one over the other.

Green Tea's Stimulant Effect: Green tea contains caffeine, though typically less than coffee. A standard cup contains around 29 milligrams of caffeine, enough to provide a gentle energy boost and improve alertness without the intense jitters associated with higher-caffeine drinks. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which works synergistically with caffeine to promote a state of calm alertness, enhancing focus and memory. This makes it a great choice for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Chamomile's Calm Embrace: Chamomile is completely caffeine-free, making it the perfect choice for unwinding in the evening. The calming properties from apigenin help to soothe the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation, which can lead to improved sleep quality. Drinking chamomile about 30 to 60 minutes before bed can effectively signal to your body that it's time to rest.

Comparing the Benefits: A Deeper Look

Beyond antioxidants and caffeine, each tea offers a unique array of health benefits that cater to different needs.

Green Tea's Notable Benefits

Weight Management: Some studies suggest green tea, particularly its EGCG and caffeine content, can help boost metabolism and promote fat burning. While the effect is generally modest, it can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Heart Health: Regular green tea consumption is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. It may help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve blood flow, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Brain Function: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in green tea has been shown to improve cognitive function, mood, and memory. Some research also suggests a link to a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Chamomile's Notable Benefits

Sleep and Anxiety: Chamomile is most famous for its ability to aid sleep and reduce anxiety. The flavonoid apigenin binds to specific brain receptors that help initiate sleep and decrease stress levels.
Digestive Health: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help soothe the digestive tract. It can aid in relieving issues like gas, bloating, and nausea, and some studies suggest it may help treat stomach ulcers.
Menstrual Cramps: The anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing effects of chamomile can help relieve the pain and cramping associated with menstruation.

Green Tea vs. Chamomile: Comparison Table


Feature	Green Tea	Chamomile Tea
Origin	Leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant	Dried flowers of the chamomile plant
Caffeine	Contains caffeine (around 29mg per 8oz cup)	Caffeine-free
Primary Antioxidant	Catechins, especially EGCG	Flavonoids, especially apigenin
Key Benefits	Metabolism boost, heart health, brain function, weight management	Relaxation, sleep aid, anxiety reduction, digestive health, menstrual cramp relief
Ideal For	Morning or afternoon, energy, focus, long-term health	Evening, winding down, promoting sleep, soothing digestion
Flavor Profile	Grassy, slightly astringent or bitter if over-brewed	Gentle, floral, apple-like taste

How to Choose the Right Tea for You

The choice between green tea and chamomile is not about one being universally "healthier." Instead, it's about aligning your tea choice with your specific health needs and goals for that moment. Green tea is the winner for those seeking a potent antioxidant boost to support long-term heart and brain health, along with a mild energy lift. For stress reduction, better sleep, and digestive relief, chamomile is the undisputed champion. It's also a superior choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or looking for a relaxing evening beverage.

For some, the answer isn't a choice at all. Blending the two can offer a synergistic effect. A blend of chamomile and decaffeinated green tea can combine the calming properties of chamomile with the antioxidants and L-theanine of green tea, providing a potent, relaxing, and beneficial drink at any time of day. You can explore the combination of these teas in a single beverage for a unique and comprehensive set of benefits, or enjoy them separately at different times to maximize their distinct properties. When in doubt, listen to your body and your cravings—sometimes the best tea is simply the one you're in the mood for.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both chamomile and green tea are excellent, healthy beverage choices that bring a wealth of benefits to the table. They simply serve different purposes. Green tea provides an energizing, antioxidant-rich kick for vitality, while chamomile offers a soothing, caffeine-free embrace for relaxation and rest. Consider your daily needs and preferences to decide which one is right for you, or perhaps incorporate both into your routine to enjoy a full spectrum of wellness benefits. Before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you are on medication, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional. You can learn more about the broader context of healthy teas from authoritative sources like this overview on Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chamomile tea is better for sleep because it is caffeine-free and contains the antioxidant apigenin, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. While green tea also contains a relaxing amino acid (L-theanine), its caffeine content can disrupt sleep.

Green tea generally has a higher concentration of powerful antioxidants, specifically catechins like EGCG, compared to chamomile. Chamomile does contain beneficial flavonoids like apigenin, but green tea is often cited for its potent antioxidant profile.

Green tea is often associated with weight loss benefits, as some studies suggest its catechins and caffeine can modestly boost metabolism and aid in fat burning. Chamomile tea, while not directly linked to significant weight loss, can help indirectly by promoting relaxation and better sleep, both of which are crucial for a healthy metabolism.

Yes, you can mix chamomile and green tea, and some blends are sold commercially. This can combine the benefits of both, such as green tea's antioxidants with chamomile's calming properties. Using decaffeinated green tea would prevent the mix from being too stimulating.

Both teas can help with anxiety, but in different ways. Chamomile tea is a classic for promoting relaxation and reducing general anxiety, especially with its sedative effects. Green tea's L-theanine can promote a state of calm alertness, but its caffeine content might not be ideal for those with severe anxiety.

For most adults, both teas are safe in moderation. High consumption of green tea extract can, in rare cases, lead to liver damage, and its caffeine might cause insomnia or anxiety in sensitive individuals. Chamomile may trigger allergic reactions in those sensitive to the daisy family. Both can interact with certain medications.

Green tea is particularly noted for its benefits to heart health, with studies linking regular consumption to lower LDL cholesterol, better blood flow, and reduced risk of heart disease. Chamomile can indirectly benefit heart health by reducing stress, a known risk factor.