Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile is a simple flower that has a white or yellow bulging centre and many small petals surrounding it. Most varieties grow wild by the roadside. It is an invasive species and in agriculture, farmers often control its spread to maintain productivity in the fields. There are generally 2 types - Roman chamomile ( anthemis nobilis ) and German chamomile ( matricaria recutica ). Roman chamomile is a perennial plant, has a solid, lower centre and grows close to the ground to about 12 inches while German chamomile is an annual plant with a solid, high dome shaped centre and grows to between 24 and 36 inches. It is easily recognizable by its deep blue color when distilled as an essential oil because of the component azulene.

The aroma of chamomile essential oil is hard to pin down. It smells of sweet apple that's been oxidized, sometimes herbal and fruity depending on the location it was harvested. It is used as a middle note in aromatherapy.

Historically, chamomile dates back thousands of years. The Egyptians dedicated it to their Gods for curing acute fever. Although it is an English word, chamomile comes from the Greek Chamomaela or 'Ground Apple'. In Spain, it was used to flavor the light sherry which bears its name. The Romans used it for incense and in beverages. To the Anglo Saxons it was one of the nine sacred herbs. In the Middle Ages chamomile was used widely in beer making until hops took over that function.

A mutation of the usual chamomile which yields a 'double headed' variety occurs about once in 10,000 in plants and it is sterile and all new plants can be grown from cuttings. Chamomile has the ability to help nearby plants grow stronger and regenerate. Ongoing research is being conducted to investigate this curious virtue.

Like many others, chamomile essential oil has many uses. At the top of the list is the calming effect it has on the body and mind. Infusing chamomile flowers in a cup of boiling water and drinking it before going to sleep is a good remedy for insomnia. Or a cup during the day is sure to calm those irritated nerves at the office.

Once, I had a persistent cough that didn't go away even after taking the medication from the doctor. Two uncomfortable nights of lying awake coughing my lungs out, I searched for my bottle of chamomile essential oil and put 8 drops in an oil burner. It worked like magic! I didn't know how many minutes it took but I was sleeping soundly soon after. The next day I wasn't coughing as much. The sedative effects and the antibiotic property of the oil really worked on me. Of course, this is only a temporary solution and seeking medical help would be advisable to rid the body of all infections. Other properties of chamomile essential oil are antiseptic, promotes digestion, cools the body, helps to remove toxins, calms hyperactive children, wound healing, soothes the scalp, dissolves blood congestion, eases neuralgic pains, softens the skin and because of this it has been used widely in cosmetics, hair care and body care. It is believed to promote the growth of white blood cells. This, in turn gives us a stronger body to fight off diseases.

Usually the German variety has the same healing properties as the roman chamomile essential oil type with very slight difference and it is stronger and more intense. In cases of headaches and gastrointestinal spasms, German chamomile comes to the rescue better than Roman chamomile. The herb, generally dried flowers of the German variety makes a better cup of tea and can be purchased through a knowledgeable herbal supplier. Although chamomile essential oil is one of the gentlest of all essential oils and can be used on children liberally, it should not be used undiluted on the skin. Having said that, too much can cause allergy symptoms as it is related to the ragweed family. Do not use chamomile if you are allergic to daisy, chrysanthemum or marigold.