Chamomile

Cape, German, Moroccan and Roman 

Botanical name:

Matricaria recutica - German Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile -  Roman Chamomile

Eriocephalus punctulatus - Cape Chamomile

Ormenis multicaulus - Moroccan Chamomile

 

Origin:

Cape chamomile - South Africa

German chamomile - Europe, North, and West Asia

Moroccan chamomile - Northwest Africa, and Southern Spain,

Roman chamomile - Southern and Western Europe

 

Method of extraction:

Steam distillation

 

Color:

Cape chamomile has a clear blue color

German chamomile has a deep blue color

Moroccan chamomile has a yellowish-brown color

Roman chamomile has a grey to pale blue color

 

Viscosity:

Thin

 

Extracted from:

Flowers or buds

 

Note clarification:

Middle

 

Aroma:

Earthy, herbaceous, and slightly sweet

 

Blends well with:

Bergamot, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, oakmoss, palmarosa, patchouli, rose, tea tree, ylang ylang

 

Therapeutic uses:

Chamomile has a calming aroma that helps with anxiety. As a topical treatment, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. It is also useful in topical treatments to relieve muscle spasms and aches and joint pain.

It has been effective to relieve mild headaches and promote sleep.

Helps to soothe inflammatory skin conditions, insect bites

 

Safety:

Chamomile is generally safe but some medications may interact with German chamomile. If you are on any prescription check with your doctor before you use this oil. If you are unsure switch to Cape or Roman Chamomile.

(Source - Tisserand and Young, Essential Oil Safety, Second edition page 242 - 245)

 

Approximate shelf life:

(Undiluted)

8 years (refrigerated or kept in a cool dry place)

 

Notes:

German chamomile is also referred to as blue chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, or sweet false chamomile.

German chamomile has stronger anti-inflammatory properties than Roman chamomile

The blue hue of German chamomile may stain clothes.

Moroccan chamomile is also referred to as wild chamomile.

Moroccan chamomile should not be used as an aromatic substitute for Roman or German chamomile since it has a distinctly different scent.

 

Sources:

Please refer to the 'References and Certifications' page. 

 

Disclaimer:

Do not use any essential oils or essential oil blends if you have any underlying health conditions. Some oils are not safe for children, pregnant women, or pets. Always check with your doctor or certified aromatherapist, if you are unsure about the benefits or contra-indicators of a recipe or its ingredients. ‘A Scented Story’ is solely my platform to share my experiences with essential oils and other natural products. I do not prescribe any treatments.