Chamomile Oil Essentials

There are actually two separate types of chamomile oil: Roman chamomile oil and German chamomile oil (also known as blue chamomile oil), however the term generally is used to apply to German chamomile essential oil.  While both forms of chamomile have very similar properties, their uses are slightly different.  The Roman chamomile has a very sweet fragrance similar to apples and is a very light color of clear blue and is fairly watery.  German chamomile also has a sweet fragrance but smells more like straw, has a thicker viscosity, and is a dark blue color.  Both versions of chamomile are a relative of daisies and ragweed – so if you have an allergy to ragweed you will probably want to avoid chamomile oils and teas as allergic reactions have been observed after drinking chamomile tea in people who have a known allergy to ragweed.  

Chamomile is a small, perennial herb with white flowers similar to daisies on single stems – Roman chamomile flowers tend to be larger than their German counterparts while German chamomile grows more than twice as tall as Roman chamomile on average (60cm versus 25 cm average height).  German chamomile oil contains azulene which is not present in Roman chamomile.  Azulene is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is not actually present in the plant but forms afterwards in the extracted oil.  The essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of the flowers.  The main chemical constituents of Roman chamomile oil are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, caryophyllene, propyl angelate, and butyl angelate.  The main chemical constituents of German chamomile oil are chamazulene, a-bisabolol, bisabolol oxide-A, bisabolol oxide B, bisabolone oxide A, and coumarin.  Both forms of chamomile oil are generally considered safe, non-toxic, and non-irritating. 

Both types of chamomile oil generally are considered to have excellent calming and soothing properties. Roman chamomile is considered superior for treating irritation and feelings of impatience and disagreeableness. It is also very effective in treating PMS and other menstrual and menopausal related issues. German Chamomile is superior as a skin treatment for both calming and soothing skin irritations, cuts, and burns and also to speed healing and tissue regeneration.

German chamomile has been shown to be highly effective against stomach aches and irritable bowel syndrome when taken as an herbal tea.  For ongoing stomach problems it is recommended to drink a cup of tea every morning with no food for about two to three months.  Use two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers per one cup of tea.  

Chamomile oil has shown to be effective in treating peptic ulcers, urinary stones, diarrhea, gout, flatulence, indigestion, acne, depression, arthritis, inflamed joints, and anxiety.  Used as a mouthwash, chamomile is good for treating oral mucositis.  Research that has been completed with animals shows that chamomile is effective in lowering cholesterol, treating diabetes, and speeding up the healing time of wounds.  Chamomile oil has also shown in the lab to be very effective against treatment resistant strains of Herpies Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2). - the virus that causes cold sores and some types of genital herpes.

Chamomile is also an effective sleep aid without the heavy side effects of prescription sleep aids.  For insomnia, drink chamomile tea or use the essential oil of chamomile diffused in the bedroom or applied to pulse points.  

Cosmetically, chamomile oil is very good for blond hair and a rinse using a tea form helps to brighten blond hair.

Chamomile oil is very effective as a skin treatment for cuts, burns, and irritations such as acne, dermatitis, and eczema as well as sensitive skin.  It should be applied mixed with a carrier oil even though irritation is not likely with chamomile essential oil.  

Some allergic reactions to chamomile do occur especially in people who are highly allergic to ragweed.  Chamomile should not be taken internally while pregnant due to its diuretic effects.  In addition, chamomile may interact negatively with certain drugs you may be taking such as blood thinners.  

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any conditions you may have.  Herbs and essential oils are powerful medicinal substances, use under the direction of a skilled naturopathic physician and always let your primary car doctor know about any herbs and essential oils you use.