Essential Oil – Chamomile
All About Aromatherapy Oil Chamomile
Chamomile
Chamomile, Roman (Botanical name: Anthemis nobilis)
Chamomile, German (Botanical name: Matricaria chamomilla)
Chamomile oil is produced in Italy. Chamomile comes in two species; both of which have similar properties and are commonly used in aromatherapy. Chamomile oil comes in two varieties –
- German Chamomile Oil obtained by steam distillation of the German Chamomile flowers and
- Roman Chamomile Oil obtained by steam distillation of the whole Roman Chamomile plant.
Chamomile maroc should not be confused with these two chamomile oils as it does not come in the same oil family.
Properties of Chamomile Oil
- Chamomile oil has an anti-inflammatory substance called azulene which gives the oil its blue color.
- Roman Chamomile Oil varies in color is a pale watery blue green to colorless. The aroma is sweet herbaceous like tea.
- German Chamomile Oil is deep blue in color and has a thicker consistency due to higher azulene content. Its color tends to change to a green yellow brown color as it ages with frequent exposure to air. This oil has a sweet herbaceous aroma i.e. strong herby smell with fruity undertones similar to strong honey. This is a more expensive oil.
- Antiseptic, analgesic (gives pain relief), antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual flow), febrifuge (reduces or dispels fever), hepatic (acting on the liver as medicine), sedative (inducing sleep).
Uses of Chamomile Oil
- Helps to soothe and control many allergies and skin problems.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties help to recover from muscle pain, toothache and tooth problems, headache, long standing joint problems.
- Its anti-spasmodic qualities make it very effective for menstrual pain, babies colic, gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion and flatulence.
- Its sedative properties helps to relax and calm the overworked, tired, irritable, anxious and stressed individuals; including children, young and elderly. It is most useful when used just before bedtime.
Chamomile Oil for Conjunctivitis, Stye or Sore Eyes
Soak cotton pads in a solution made by mixing 2 drops of chamomile oil with 10 ml (2 teaspoon) of cooled, boiled water. Place the cotton pads soaked with this solution on the eyes.
Chamomile Oil for Aches and Pains
You can use the oil in various ways –
Add chamomile oil to bath water or use in a vaporizer. This is particularly useful for children.
You could blend chamomile oil with a carrier oil and massage on the affected region.
Chamomile Oil for Boils
Soak a small cotton compress in hot water mixed with chamomile oil. Leave it on the boils till it cools.
Chamomile Oil for Eczema, Dermatitis
Blend chamomile oil with a perfume free cream and apply it regularly.
You could blend it with a carrier oil and regularly massage it on the affected area.
Chamomile Oil for Insomnia
Drink chamomile tea before going to bed for a soothing, calm sleep.
You can also sprinkle a few drops of the oil on your pillow or use it in a vaporizer.
Chamomile Oil for Skin Infections
A chamomile aromatherapy bath before bedtime is helpful.
Ways to Use Chamomile Oil
Bath, Showers
Compress
Vaporization
Essence Burner
Chamomile Soap
Chamomile Shampoo
Local Application: Facial Oil
Body Massage Oil or Lotion(do skin test for sensitivity testing before use)
Chamomile Oil Caution:
Chamomile oil should be avoided during early pregnancy as it is a mild emmenogogue.
It is fine to use this oil during later pregnancy, post natal care and on babies. It is not recommended in pre-conceptual care and during labor.
Disclaimer: Always consult a qualified aromatherapist before you think of taking any oil internally. Always dilute essential oil and other concentrated aromatherapy oils on the skin. Do not apply them at full strength without verifying with an expert aromatherapy practitioner. Never use any oil without conducting a skin patch test for oil sensitivity or possible allergic reactions. Always seek guidance and verify safety before using any essential oil from a trained expert, regardless of what any website or book recommends.
