fast FACTS
ORIGIN
Europe
EXTRACTION
Distillation
MAY HELP WITH
Aches and pains
Anxiety
Depression
Digestion
Skin conditions
Women’s health
fast FACTS
ORIGIN
Europe
EXTRACTION
Distillation
MAY HELP WITH
Aches and pains
Anxiety
Depression
Digestion
Skin conditions
Women’s health
These two common chamomiles are versatile and offer much more than a soothing cup of tea. They may help you relax (Roman chamomile), alleviate allergies (German chamomile), soothe aches and pains, promote healthy skin, and support good digestion.
German and Roman chamomile come from two different climes: the German variety is native to Hungary, Egypt, Eastern Europe, and France while the Roman variety grows in Germany, France, Italy, Morocco, and Spain. No matter their origin, the tops of the flowers can be distilled into two very effective oils.
Chamomile’s calming and anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve muscle soreness.
Both German and Roman chamomile are distilled using their flowers, petals, and buds. German chamomile’s oil is a deep blue color due to the compound chamazulene, and it smells sweet, like straw. Roman chamomile is a pale yellow with an aroma resembling the crisp scent of apples.
Chamomile is a popular anti-irritant remedy, helping to soothe skin, nerves, and muscles. Use it to help you:
• Relieve aches and pains. Whether you’re dealing with sore muscles, arthritis, or menstrual cramps, chamomile’s calming and anti-inflammatory properties may help.
• Feel calm. One of Roman chamomile’s most famous attributes is its potential to promote a feeling of calm by reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Try adding some to your bath water for a relaxing soak.
• Protect your skin. Adding chamomile (especially German) to your skincare routine may combat acne and premature aging, while combining it with balms and salves may help heal wounds and relieve skin irritation.
What’s the Difference?
While German and Roman chamomile offer some similar benefits, they actually are very different oils. German chamomile has potent anti-inflammatory properties and Roman chamomile is one of the most sedating and relaxing oils.
• Ease digestive troubles. Improve digestion and combat problems such as nausea by adding a few drops to a carrier oil and massaging it onto your stomach.
You’ll find endless ways to incorporate chamomile into your wellness routine by adding it to:
• Massage oils. A chamomile-oil massage is excellent for soothing sore muscles and nervous tension.
• Compresses. Applying a chamomile-infused compress to the abdomen may help regulate digestive and menstrual discomforts.
• Diffusers or inhalers. Breathing in Roman chamomile may help you relax, unwind, and even fall asleep faster.
• Balms and salves. German chamomile’s healing properties can be added to skin soothers, such as geranium oil and shea butter.
Breathing in Roman chamomile may help you relax and even fall asleep faster.
Stop Your Sneezing
German chamomile’s calming properties may help soothe irritated nasal passages when allergies or head colds strike.
Some blending combinations for chamomile oil include: bergamot, clary sage, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, jasmine, rose, tea tree, and ylang-ylang.
Use chamomile responsibly, as you would any essential oil. Be careful with driving when using Roman chamomile until you can assess the strength of its relaxing effect on you.