1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Chamomile essential oil is available in two varieties, Roman and German. Roman chamomile (chamaemelum nobile) has shorter plants, but larger flowers and yields more oil per blossom. Both essential oils are blue in color, with the German variety (matricaria chamomilla) exhibiting a darker shade. Both smell quite pleasant.

While either variety is generally calming and both varieties of essential oil can be used in burners, massage oil or bath oil, lotions, creams, toners, rinses, and perfumery; they differ slightly in their therapeutic properties. German chamomile is more effective as a topical oil used in skin care, while Roman chamomile is more useful to soothe irritation of an emotional nature.

* Burners and Vaporizers

Add a few drops of Roman chamomile to water or any type of carrier oil (any salad oil you have on hand should do) and diffuse to help with headaches, migraines, and irritability.

* Blended Massage or Bath Oil

Add 15 drops of chamomile essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil (such as jojoba). This makes enough oil for three baths. Use Roman chamomile to help with allergies, colic, post-natal depression, insomnia, back pain, muscle pain, and arthritis. To ease PMS, menopausal symptoms, asthma, and rheumatism use German chamomile.

* Lotions and Creams

Add Roman chamomile to a cream base to treat diaper rash, burns and sunburn. For general skin care, especially allergenic, add German chamomile to a lotion base. Unscented creams and lotion bases can be found in health food stores.

* Toner

For a tissue regenerating facial toner, add 20 drops of German chamomile to one ounce of high proof vodka. Shake well and add three ounces of witch hazel. This toner can also be used to calm acne. Store this toner in a cool, dry place.

* Rinse

If you suffer from dental abscesses or tonsillitis, add eleven drops of Roman chamomile essential oil to one tablespoon of brandy. Do not swallow this, only rinse or gargle!

* Perfumery

Both varieties blend well with essential oils of lavender, geranium, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and rose. An easy way to make perfumes is to add a total of 15 - 25 drops of essential oil of chamomile essential oil mixed with any of the above to one tablespoon of Jojoba oil.

Roman and German essential oils can be bought in health food stores or purchased online. One good site is http://www.essentialoils.co.za /index.htm, which was used as a reference for some of the information contained above.

Learn more about this author, Alexandra Heep.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Uses of chamomile essential oil?
We want to hear your view. Write now!