Chamomile

Species name: Roman chamomile essential oil is produced from Anthemis nobilis (Chamaemelum nobile) of the family species Asteraceae, but chamomile was listed as a part of the Compositae family in the past.

Also known as: Chamomile is also known by the names camomile, cammemoile, English camomile, sweet camomile and garden chamomile.

German chamomile essential oil is from Matricaria chamomilla (M. recutica) of the same family and also known by the names of blue chamomile, Hungarian chamomile and single chamomile.

Home Remedies using Chamomile Essential Oil:

There are two basic types of chamomile. They both are quite effective as calming tools, but roman chamomile is more effective temperamentally, and is very effective in treating PMS, menstrual and menopausal problems, while german chamomile again is effective, not only to soothe and calm skin irritations, but to heal and to regenerate skin tissue.

The roman chamomile essential oil has a sweet, fruity smell. It is a light oil, both in color and texture.

The german variety has a sweet, straw-scented fragrance. It is a much darker color than the roman type and its texture is thicker than its counterpart.

German chamomile is cultivated mostly in Hungary, Eastern Europe and France, while roman chamomile, strangely enough, is cultivated predominantly in germany.

The egyptians believed chamomile was dedicated to the sun, and used it to cure fevers, and to the moon, for its cooling ability. They also used it to soothe nerves, and used the essential oils in shampoos, cosmetics, and perfumes.

German chamomile contains an extremely effective anti-inflammatory agent called azulene. This is the blue crystal that forms in the oil which is responsible for the blue color german chamomile turns after processing.

Both types of chamomile essential oil are extracted from the flowers found on the plant, by steam distillation.

Benefits of Chamomile Essential Oil:

The therapeutic properties of roman chamomile oil are pain relief, muscle relaxants, for cleaning wounds, cuts, or abrasions, preventatives against infection and swelling.

Roman chamomile was an anti-depressant, fought nerve pain, aids in digestion, promotes the movement of blood to the uterus and pelvis, and helped menstrual disorders.

The therapeutic properties of german chamomile oil are much the same with pain relief being on the top of the list, fighting allergies, antibiotic, treats swelling, and acts in much the same ways as roman chamomile.

Other uses for chamomile are:

• Roman chamomile oil can be effectively used to help colicky or teething, fussy children. This essential oil is very effective in relieving the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome, gall bladder symptoms, and it relieves allergies as well as being beneficial when used on asthmatics. This essential has been effectively used to treat acne, skin disorders, wounds and allergies in general.  It is also beneficial for diarrhea and intestinal spasms.
• German chamomile essential oil has a calming effect, and is excellent for all types of internal or external swelling. It has proven effective in treating kidney stones. It improves digestion by stimulating the liver and gall bladder. It is effective in treating some menstrual and menopausal symptoms as well. Chamomile essential oil soothes irritated skin, calms allergies, and all flaky skin problems like eczema.
• Roman chamomile can be used in vapor therapy for headaches.
• Roman chamomile blended with carrier oils to make massage oil, or added to the bath for conditions such as allergies, muscle pain, and arthritis, where german chamomile can be used for conditions like asthma, PMS, and symptoms or menopause.
• Roman chamomile is effective in a cream base for skin conditions like diaper rash, and burns, and german chamomile helps with skincare, especially allergies.
• Roman chamomile is an effective mouthwash for dental and tonsil infections.

Side Effects of Chamomile Essential Oil:

Both are considered non-toxic and non-irritant, but should be avoided during pregnancy.