Chamomile essential oil has been utilized as a remedy for centuries, with many anecdotes supporting its use. It is one of the popular oils in aromatherapy because of its pleasant smell and versatility. You can use chamomile essential oil aromatically or topically.
The chamomile plant is the source of the distinction between Roman and German Chamomile
Two main types of chamomile can be found in the market: Roman and German chamomile. Roman chamomile, also known as Matricaria recutita, is native to Europe and Greece. The German chamomile, or Matricaria chamomilla, is a hybrid created by crossing Roman chamomile with other plants like Persian jasmine and Greek chamomile.
Roman chamomile oil has a powerful smell. Before applying it, you can dilute the essential oil with another carrier, such as jojoba oil. For Roman chamomile, it’s best to use a ratio of 2 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil and an ounce of almond or jojoba oil.
German chamomile essential oil has low phenolic content, and its smell is weak. Its aroma also tends to be milder than its counterpart. It is used in recipes that contain a high amount of Roman chamomile without overpowering its fragrance. A ratio of 1 drop of German chamomile essential oil with 1 ounce of carrier oil such as sweet almond or jojoba is recommended.
Benefits of Chamomile Essential Oil
Below are the health benefits of chamomile oil and its use:
Digestive Upset
Chamomile oil is beneficial in addressing constipation, colic pains, gas and ulcers. A 2018 research was conducted on the effects of diluted chamomile oil topically applied on bowel activity after cesarean delivery. It discovered that patients who had chamomile oil applied to their abdomen passed gas sooner than those who did not use it.
Chamomile oil helps with stomach upset by soothing the walls of your intestine, eliminating gas and easing sharp and intense pain. This is because it relaxes the nervous system.
Wound Healing
Chamomile essential oil has high antibacterial activity; hence it’s an effective wound healing ointment. A 2005 animal study evaluated the effects of German chamomile extract on the healing of wounds and concluded that it is helpful for people with skin ulcers or open wounds. The authors found that the chamomile oil increased skin cell growth, which resulted in faster wound healing rates when compared to control groups.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Chamomile oil contains apigenin, a compound having the same effects as benzodiazepines. Hence it can help with anxiety. A study was carried out in 2017 to assess the short-term treatment of generalized anxiety using chamomile extract. Researchers found that chamomile oil could reduce anxiety symptoms and make participants calmer. This study was performed on 60 people with GAD. Those using chamomile oil had a more significant reduction in anxiety symptoms than the placebo group.
Skin Irritation
German chamomile essential oil benefits the skin by treating damage and protecting it from UV radiation. The anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties of German chamomile oil are also helpful for reducing acne symptoms, especially in combination with other natural treatments such as sulfuric acid or sulfur.
Depression
A 2017 review evaluated the safety and efficacy of German chamomile for treating depression, with a focus on primary care clientele. The review found that German chamomile effectively enhanced mood in people with mild symptoms of depression.
Chamomile oil boosts serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, chemicals in the brain. Increasing these chemicals helps in resolving depression.
Sleep Aid
Research has shown that German chamomile may offer relief for people with insomnia or sleep disturbances. A 2016 review of chamomile studies found that chamomile significantly decreased the amount of time it took to fall asleep in adults and the number of nighttime awakenings per person.
Chamomile has calming effects and contains apigenin which has a soothing effect that helps treat insomnia.
Pain Relief
Two studies in 2015 investigated the effectiveness of using chamomile essential oil for osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The scholars found that diluted chamomile essential oil reduces the need for pain relief medication and the severity of the pain. Chamomile reduces pain severity by soothing muscle tension and minimizing spasms caused by its antispasmodic properties.
Anti-Cancer Properties
In 2019, research was conducted on German chamomile extract’s effect on cancer cells. In this study, the researchers found that when applied to tumour cells in a petri dish, German chamomile oil increased the rate of cell death. The oil also showed anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects on several cancer cell lines. In particular, it was effective against several types of breast cancer cells.
Chamomile oil contains bisabolol oxide and fluorouracil=5, exhibiting anti-proliferative on K562 cell line in blood cancer, helping ease the effects of cancer.
How to Use Chamomile Essential Oil
Aromatherapy applications
Inhaling chamomile essential oil is exceptionally beneficial. It allows the oils to enter the bloodstream through the respiratory system directly. This results in quick action for immediate relief from tension or anxiety, asthma attacks, migraine headaches, and nausea.
You can inhale chamomile oil through:
Diffusion- a safe and effective way to enjoy the soothing benefits of chamomile essential oil. Many diffusers are available on the market, and you can choose between a cool mist or an ultrasonic option. A diffuser permits the scent of evaporated Chamomile essential oil to spread through the room. Use eight drops of chamomile essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, or almond.
Spraying- you can use chamomile oil in a spray. Dilute 10 to 15 drops of the oil in an ounce of water. Add the mixture to a glass spray bottle, then use. Add 5 to 10 drops of chamomile essential oil to 2 tablespoons of your favourite carrier oil (coconut or jojoba) as a massage oil. Mix and apply to the affected area.
Topical application
It is also good to dilute chamomile oil and use it topically. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations first before diluting it. You can either add it directly on your skin or under your eyes. Chamomile essential oil directly onto your skin helps treat various conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Some of the topical applications include:
Massaging- This is the most common method of application. Put a few drops of the essential oil into your palm and rub it onto the skin.
Brushing-Add 2 to 3 drops of Chamomile essential oil on your toothbrush or move it directly over your gums or tongue.
Bathing-mix chamomile oil with a carrier oil and add the mixture to your warm bathing water.
On a hot compress-soak a towel in warm water, add 1 to 2 drops of dilute chamomile oil and apply to the achy or irritated part of your body, such as your stomach or elbow.
FAQ
Artizen Roman chamomile essential oil is best. It is 100 per cent pure, free of additives and therapeutic grade.
Coconut, almond and jojoba oils are the carrier oils you can use while using chamomile oil.
The scent of freshly extracted chamomile oil is coumarin, herbaceous, fruity and sweet.
Yes. Chamomile oil is considered the best essential oil for sleep as it reduces anxiety and improves the quality of sleep.
