There are two types
of Chamomile essential oils, Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita). Another essential
oil called Moroccan Chamomile (Ormenis mixta) does exist; however Moroccan
chamomile is not from a true chamomile plant.
This article will focus solely on the Roman and German species of
chamomile.
Although the flowers
of the plants can look very similar, the plants are very different. Roman chamomile is a creeping perennial plant
that grows as ground cover. Roman
chamomile is thick and resilient to being walked on and in England many people
chose to use this herbal plant as scented lawns. German chamomile is an annual plant that has
long erect stems growing two to three feet tall that blooms between May and
October.
The essential oils of
Roman chamomile are extracted from the flowers and upper parts of the plant,
whereas the essential oils of German chamomile are extracted only from the
flower. While the medicinal applications
and health benefits of both varieties parallel each other, the German variety contains
more of the active chemical chamazulene and is therefore more potent than the
Roman variety.
The main beneficial medical
properties of both varieties of Chamomile include anti-inflammatory, sedative,
anti-spasmodic and anti-bacterial.
Health Use Ideas
- Dilute 3 drops German Chamomile essential oil with 1 Tbsp. carrier oil and massage into affected area to relieve muscle spams
- Apply a warm Roman Chamomile essential oil compress to a baby’s stomach to relieve colic
- Add 6 drops Roman Chamomile to a warm bath to ease everyday tension
- For an earache, dilute one drop German Chamomile with 1 Tbsp. carrier oil, dip cotton swab in oil mixture and place in ear for at least 2 hours.
Beauty Use Ideas
- Chamomile is well known for reducing facial puffiness, especially under the eyes. Steep a bag of chamomile tea, let cool, squeeze out excess liquid and place teabag directly on puffy area for 15 to 30 minutes.
- To reduce itchiness of eczema, mix 4 drops German Chamomile with 6 ounces of an unscented lotion. Apply directly to affected area twice a day.
- For opening and cleansing pores, make a facial steam bath by adding 4 drops German Chamomile essential oil to 1 quart of boiling water. Place towel over head to “tent” and put face over bowl. Make sure to allow water to cool enough so as not to scald your face.
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