Chamomile oil considered to be one of the most ancient and versatile medicinal herbs known to mankind, it has numerous, widespread health benefits thanks to its high level of disease-fighting antioxidants.
Chamomile oil is obtained from plants of two varieties of chamomile (synonyms: German chamomile, chamomile vulgaris), Lat. the name of Matricaria chamomilla and Roman chamomile, Lat. name Anthemis nobilis.
The term Chamomile actually refers to a range of different daisy-like plants, which are a member of the Asteraceae family. There are many different species of chamomile, the two most commonly being German chamomile (Marticaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). They have been used since Ancient times for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, and each offer their own additional health benefits.
Chamomile because of its comprehensive medicinal properties was used in ancient Rome. Hippocrates compared daisy flowers with the sun and used to treat malaria. Egyptian priests used chamomile for nervous disorders. As chamomile has long been used in cosmetics to improve skin and hair. In the XVII century chamomile used to treat gastro-intestinal tract.
Roman chamomile essential oil has a sweet, apple-like flavor and is very light transparent blue and watery consistency. German chamomile oil has a sweet, straw aroma, a dark blue color and more viscous structure.
German chamomile is mainly grown in Hungary, Egypt, Eastern Europe and France, while the Roman Chamomile is cultivated in Germany, Spain, Italy, Morocco and France.
Roman chamomile is a perennial herb has small white flowers and grows about 25 cm tall. Common Daisy is an annual plant that has small white flowers and strong branching stem up to 40 cm.
The essential oil is obtained from chamomile flowers by steam distillation. To produce 1 kg of essential oil you need to process about 200 kg of chamomile flowers.
The main chemical components of Roman chamomile oils are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, caryophyllene, and propyl angelate and butyl angelate.
The main constituents of German chamomile oil are chamazulene, a-bisabolol, bisabolol oxide A, bisabolol oxide B and bisabolone oxide A.
Chamomile Oil Benefits for Health
Despite the fact that the essential oils of chamomile, extracted from different varieties are very similar to some of the healing properties, their composition is different, and they do possess certain specific qualities that are worth noting.
Roman chamomile essential oil has a calming effect, eliminates the feeling of irritability and excessive nervousness, is an indispensable tool for solving problems during PMS and menstruation delay. German Camomile essential oil is a more potent anti-inflammatory agent, and is very good for the treatment of various skin problems, and accelerates the regeneration of tissues.
Healing properties of chamomile oil
- Sweatshops and antipyretic
- Antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant, antibacterial and anthelmintic
- Stimulating and antidepressant
- Tonic and choleretic
- Antirheumatic and anti-inflammatory
- Regenerating and healing
- Carminative
- Antispasmodic, sedative and relaxing
As diaphoretic, both varieties of chamomile oils cause excessive perspiration, which helps to eliminate toxins and substances that cause infection while effectively cooling the body and providing relief from fever.
Both varieties chamomile possess effective antibiotic and antiseptic properties that prevent bacteria and fungus to grow in the human body. They also eliminate the existing infection. Also essential oil of chamomile is a good anthelmintic agent which is effective against all kinds of parasites. When applied to the hair either chamomile essential oil is able to prevent lice and mites, protecting the skin from damage and infection.
Stimulating and antidepressant properties of essential oil of chamomile are very effective in dealing with depression and are well suited to enhance the mood. They eliminate the feeling of sadness, depression, frustration and lethargy, while causing a feeling of happiness and joy.
Anti-inflammatory and sedative properties of chamomile essential oil. Roman chamomile essential oil is more suitable for soothing and relieving pain and eliminate irritation in young children. German chamomile oil more effectively to treat inflammation, particularly digestive and urogenital system in adults. Both these oils lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation of blood vessels.
Chamomile essential oil tones the stomach and ensures its proper functioning. It also promotes the secretion of digestive juices and helps digestion. Just chamomile oil stimulates the production of bile thereby improving the functioning of the liver.
Anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile oil: treat dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, stimulate blood circulation and cleansing the blood of toxins such as uric acid, thereby helping to cure diseases such as rheumatism and arthritis, which are caused by the accumulation of uric acid.
Regenerating and healing properties of chamomile oil. These oils are often used in the manufacture of cosmetics, since they have the ability to reduce scars and skin roughness as well as bleaching pigmented spots.
Roman and German chamomile has analgesic properties, and effectively reduces pain in muscles and joints, eliminates toothache and headache. They are also very effective for the relief of severe pain in neuralgia.
Carminative property of chamomile oil. These oils expell gases from the stomach and intestines, as well as to prevent further gas generation.
Chamomile oil is able to remove almost all the breakdowns and excessive response, which result in convulsions, cramps, nervousness, loss of control of limbs. The soothing properties of chamomile maintain the health and proper functioning of the nervous system.
This essential oil can be used for children in a very diluted form, when they feel irritable and pain during teething and colic.
Women find it quite effective to alleviate PMS symptoms. Chamomile oil has devastating effect on pathogenic flora of the vagina, eliminates excessive discharge, line the acid-alkaline balance of the mucous.
Effects of chamomile oil in psycho-emotional sphere
Chamomile essential oil is able to support the spiritual man who is looking for a purpose in life and struggling with a sense of aimlessness. Chamomile oil will help to overcome the discouragement, frustration, hopelessness, find clarity and focus on the things that bring meaning to your life and the lives of others. Emotionally, this leads to a feeling of serenity and peace, which can often be closely linked to the ability of a person to gain confidence and peace of mind in all spheres of life.
The use of essential oil of Roman and German chamomile
Usage of Chamomile Oil in Cosmetology
In skin care chamomile essential oil is used to prevent acne, eczema, rashes, dermatitis, in the control of dryness and itching of the skin and other allergic diseases in general. Chamomile optimizes the capillary blood circulation and metabolism of skin cells and has a rejuvenating effect. Chamomile essential oil works wonders on skin due to its anti-microbial properties and its ability to soothe inflammation and irritation on skin from sunburns, acne breakouts, and dry skin. It can minimize pain and give your skin the spa treatment it’s in need of.
Chamomile Oil for Massage and Baths. Roman chamomile can be used to create a massage or a mixture of aromatic baths for diseases such as allergies, anorexia, drug addiction, cramps, insomnia, back pain, muscle aches, arthritis, post-partum depression and intestinal upset. German chamomile essential oil is used in the same manner for the treatment of asthma, measles, PMS, menopause symptoms and rheumatism.
Chamomile essential oil can be used for the enrichment of cosmetic products such as lotions and creams. Roman chamomile oil is useful for diaper rash and burns whereas German chamomile helps in the treatment of skin allergies.
Contraindications in usage of chamomile
Both types of chamomile essential oil, considered non-toxic and do not cause irritation, but they have properties to stimulate blood flow that’s why it is not recommended during pregnancy.
Should not be used by people who have a direct allergic to chamomile.
Blends well with: bergamot, sage, lavender, jasmine, geranium, grapefruit, tea tree, rose, lemon, lime and ylang-ylang oil.
