What is chamomile oil used for?
Chamomile essential oil is growing in popularity as a safe and effective product for topical and aromatherapy use. Although clinical studies are limited, research by the National Institutes of Health suggests a number of health benefits, suggesting the claim that this aromatic essential oil may have a “bright future”.
Because of its wide range of uses, it is important to know how to use chamomile essential oil safely. As with any herbal or aromatherapy therapy, consult a doctor before using chamomile essential oil, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medication. While essential oils can help relieve certain medical conditions, they should not be used as a substitute for medical care.
What is chamomile essential oil?
Chamomile essential oil is made by steam distilling the flowers of the plants. Once distilled, the oil can be used in diffusers as aromatherapy or topically with a carrier oil such as coconut or grapeseed oil.
According to an article published in the NIH, chamomile is “one of the oldest, most widely used, and well-documented medicinal plants in the world”. The oil contains a number of flavonoids and terpenoids that contribute to its ability to relieve pain and anxiety. It’s also known to be a helpful cleaning agent and natural insecticide because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties and kills lice.
There are two main types of chamomile used in essential oils: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. Although their chemical structures vary, they often overlap in use.
Chamomilla recutita, the Latin name for German chamomile, is also known as blue chamomile because of its deep blue tint. The coloring comes from the natural ingredient chamazulene, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has a sweet, earthy and warm scent.
Due to its high natural components a-bisabolol and azulene, German chamomile can help with intestinal cramps by stimulating the liver and supporting the digestive system.
Chamaemelum nobile, the Latin name for Roman chamomile, contains high levels of esters, which give this essential oil a light yellow-blue color – and its calming properties. It has a sweet aroma with a fruity, apple-like scent.
Roman chamomile is touted for relieving emotional tension, but like its German counterpart, it also helps relieve stomach ache.
Collectively, these two essential oils can be used together, separately, or mixed with other essential oils.
Use of chamomile essential oil
Chamomile essential oil is known for its effectiveness in three main categories: as a sedative influence, for its pain relieving properties, and as an antimicrobial agent.
Soothing effects of chamomile essential oil
The Mayo Clinic highlights the use of chamomile essential oil as a means of reducing anxiety. A study published in Phytomedicine shows that it helps reduce symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder over an eight week period. Some claim its calming effects help fussy, colicky babies, and it can also help young children focus. These calming effects can reduce insomnia and create a restful sleep.
Antimicrobial and pet applications
The NIH reports on the usefulness of chamomile as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild astringent that has been widely used in the past. Because of its natural antimicrobial properties, this essential oil can be used to heal wounds, treat eczema or acne, and reduce scars.
Chamomile oil has also been shown to relieve skin irritation in pets, but it should only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Pain relieving properties
Chamomile essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms related to joint pain or arthritis. It has been shown to relieve migraine pain.
When used in aromatherapy in the early stages of labor, chamomile can help relieve labor pain.
How to use chamomile essential oil
The chamomile essential oil can be used as aromatherapy or topically. For aromatherapy, you can use a diffuser or a spray glass mixed with water to spray into the air.
Chamomile essential oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and used in massage oil, bath oil, or lotion. It can also be used to make a hot compress and apply on the back or stomach.
Best German chamomile essential oil
Best essential oil from German chamomile
Plant therapy Organic essential oil of German chamomile: available from Amazon
While not the most expensive, herbal therapy is widely recognized as one of the most reliable brands in the industry. It was endorsed by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy. Use for inflamed skin, digestive problems, stomach cramps or seasonal allergies.
Best bang for the money German essential chamomile oil
Plant Guru German Essential Oil Blue: available from Amazon
Given the lower price, it’s hard to believe that this essential oil doesn’t have any added plastics or chemicals in it. The lush warm notes of it are steam distilled, which increases the fragrance and at the same time offers optimal benefits.
Best German chamomile essential oil to diffuse
US organic 100% pure German essential chamomile oil: available at Amazon
This USDA certified organic steam distilled essential oil offers a great way to diffuse. The essential oil of German chamomile is naturally pungent; Optionally, try mixing it with lavender oil for relaxation and sleep therapy.
Best German chamomile essential oil for topical use
Gya Labs organic essential oil from German chamomile: available at Amazon
This essential oil is certified organic by Ecocert and soothes skin flare-ups and redness. You can also make a compress with a drop or two on a warm water towel to relieve abdominal pain.
Best Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
The best Roman chamomile essential oil
Herbal Therapy Roman Chamomile Essential Oil: available at Amazon
This essential oil, like its German equivalent, is recommended by the NAHA, an organization that implements some of the strictest quality control procedures in the industry. The oil has a fresh, apple-like scent and is safe for children.
Best Bang for the Money Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Essence-Lux Roman chamomile oil: available from Amazon
This oil is packaged in UV blocking bottles with amber essential oils to protect the purity of the product and contains ingredients from trusted growers around the world. It offers both germicidal and anti-anxiety properties.
Best hand-spreading Roman Chamomile essential oil
Now food 100% pure chamomile oil: available at iHerb and Amazon
This sweet, floral scent will delight the senses and create a calm, relaxing environment when diffused into the air. Now Foods also manufactures its bottles with child-resistant closures.
Best Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for topical use
Rocky Mountain Oils Roman chamomile oil: available from Amazon
It is recommended to use this pure essential oil in skin care products, shampoos, and soaps. It can help heal skin conditions like wounds or scars, even out skin tone, and improve overall skin health.
Best blend of chamomile essential oils for kids
This roll-on mix is safe enough for babies and strong enough for adults. The blend of chamomile, bergamot, and other essential oils has been tested by dermatologists and pediatricians. You can put something on your throat or chest and inhale the relaxing vapors.
Tammy Tilley is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a unique mission: to help you simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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