Essential Oil of Chamomile: uses and properties

The term Chamomile originates from Greek and means “humble apple“, most likely due to the scent that characterizes its flowers, similar to that of Golden Delicious apples; and it is probably for this reason that this plant is also called small meadow apple. Even its Spanish name, manzanilla, means precisely small apple.

Its botanical name, Matricaria, on the other hand, would derive: according to some scholars from the Latin matrix, meaning uterus, perhaps due to its use in uterine inflammations; while for others, it comes from mater, meaning mother. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most commonly used essences for children.

From a therapeutic point of view, this plant has been known for its beneficial effects since time immemorial and is mentioned in Assyrian herbals as “the gift of the meadows” (Kurban-èkli). In various writings of ancient medicine, it is particularly mentioned for its calming and anti-inflammatory virtues.

The Chamomile plant has been used for millennia, both as a healing remedy and as a cosmetic or flavoring agent for foods; but even its essential oil, obtained through steam distillation of the flower heads, shows numerous activities and uses.

This essence, first mentioned in works dating back to the Middle Ages, also has the peculiarity of being blue in color due to the presence of azulenes; chemical molecules resulting from the distillation process. Their origin is linked to a precursor, a colorless molecule named matricine, which during distillation, through interaction with water molecules, is converted into chamazulene with a blue color.

But let’s better explore its characteristics and uses.

 

Uses and properties of chamomile essential oil

Psychological benefits: this essential oil has a sedative action on the brain, so it can be helpful in cases of insomnia, anxiety, stress, agitation, and nervous tension.

It is one of the best essences for working on psychosomatic issues, also helping against headaches and migraines. Its vapors are relaxing and calming, so it can be used in environmental diffusion, in the living room, or in children’s bedrooms, to promote sleep and relaxation; even better if mixed with other essential oils, such as Lavandula angustifolia.

But it can also be diluted, alone or together with other essences, in a carrier vegetable oil, to create a massage oil for localized use, against anxiety and agitation. For this purpose, it can be useful to mix in 20 ml of Jojoba oil: 1 drop of Chamomile essential oil (Roman Chamomile EO is also suitable), 1 drop of Bergamot EO, and 2 drops of true Lavender EO to obtain an oil to massage the hands for 5 minutes once a day, for three consecutive days.

Well-being: This is an essential oil mainly used for local applications, both because its intense and heavy aroma does not make it pleasant for full-body massages, and because when used locally, it better expresses its therapeutic effect. It is indicated for localized use, in decontracting massages, as it helps to relieve muscle tension, but also for circulatory problems.

The azulenes and matricine contained in it also give it good analgesic properties.

It is then useful in case of respiratory problems, such as nasal and bronchial congestion, cough, colds, and flu; excellent in the preparation of steams.

It has an antispasmodic effect, relaxing the smooth muscle of the digestive system, and is therefore effective as a digestive and carminative. Bisabolol, another molecule present in the essential oil, has also shown bactericidal and anti-ulcer activity.

Dermatology: It is useful in all cutaneous manifestations of allergic origin thanks to its content of azulenes, which inhibit the production of histamine. Azulene then gives Chamomile its main quality, that of being anti-inflammatory. The essential oil can therefore be used in case of eczema, atopic or contact dermatitis, skin inflammations, psoriasis, and inflamed acne, mycosis, and to alleviate sunburn; always diluted in a suitable carrier oil; as well as for the preparation of aromatic baths.

The essential oil has a weak antibacterial and antifungal activity, which together with the anti-inflammatory activity, mainly given by alpha-bisabolol, give it good vulnerary activity, that is, a healing action on wounds and sores. It can therefore be used for the treatment of small wounds and burns.

Face and hair: Essential oil suitable for all skin types: dry and reddened, with couperose and acne-prone; as well as anti-wrinkle, as it is an excellent tissue regenerator. It helps to relieve muscle tension and relax the face. On the scalp, it acts on irritated and very sensitive skin issues. Excellent to add to neutral detergents to prepare shampoos for children.

Recommendations for the use of chamomile essential oil

Let’s remember that essential oils in general are extremely concentrated compounds of which even a small dose is sufficient to cause undesired effects. In case of internal use, it is always advisable to consult an expert and one’s doctor. It is also important to be careful when using them on the skin because, being molecules of small size, they are easily absorbed by our skin, so with dosages that are too high, there is a risk of dermatitis. They are not to be used on damaged skin and should not come into contact with mucous membranes and eyes, as they can also cause strong irritation.