The history of chamomile oil is a bit more varied than many other essential oils. This is because there are two distinct varieties of chamomile oil one can use.
The first is German Chamomile which is native to the European continent but is no longer grown in Germany. The Germanic people used it for all things related to unease and tension, be it emotional or physical.
The second type of chamomile that is used is Roman Chamomile. It was, as the name suggests cultivated in Rome however it was used for vastly different purposes. Traditionally, the Romans used it to clear their minds before and after a battle. It was also used to empower them as they believed it could assist them in battle and give them more strength.
I believe a lot of this history to be attributed to the Roman use of herbs as part of daily life, but it is a fascinating observation none the less. It is worth noting that the herb itself comes from the daisy plant and is steam distilled.
Just getting started with Essential Oils?
Download your free Essentials Kit booklet for advice about where to start!
What are the Medicinal Uses of Chamomile Oil?
There is a wide variety of uses for both types of chamomile as both a plant and oil. Some of the primary uses of German Chamomile are listed below.
Chapped Lips
Put a bit on your lips to help them gain moisture and retain that moisture during the long winter months.
Colic
This is a great option for babies. Just a few drops on the baby’s stomach or back may help the colic to subside for a while so the little one can get some sleep.
Psoriasis and Eczema
Again, this, as with most oils can help the skin in a variety of ways. You can use this oil to ease the redness and irritation that accompany both conditions. What’s really nice about this oil is that you can use it neat (without a carrier oil) because it is such a gentle oil and should not harm even the most sensitive skin.
Anti-Inflammatory
As with Psoriasis and Eczema, it can be used to treat inflamed skin resulting from acne and other skin conditions.
Another great way to use this oil is diaper rash. Just rub a bit on the inflamed area and it can help soothe the pain associated with the rash.
Sleep Aid
Chamomile is a wonderful oil to use for sleeplessness. Many people have had great success with the oil because of its calming effect. You can diffuse it if you like, or inhale a few drops from a tissue before bed. If you are really adventurous, you can even put the tissue in your pillow case at night so you can inhale the aroma throughout your sleep cycle.
Other Uses of Chamomile Oil
Nausea
This oil is considered one of a few oils that can assist in the treatment of nausea. A drop in your tea in the morning, and it can help to alleviate the main issue while calming your nerves at the same time
Stimulant
Chamomile has been used as a stimulant by many cultures. It has been seen to be effective as a way to calm someone who is agitated. Rubbing it on the temples or mixing it in tea can be helpful.
Blood cleanser
Some people subscribe to the belief that this oil can be a great detoxifier in the blood. Simply rubbing it on the body can have this potential effect for the user.
Allergies
Chamomile has been shown to have some effect on the allergies we can suffer from at different times of the year. Again, each person is different and will react differently but the benefits may still be seen.
Scientific Research
Chamomile has been studied in various ways for its effectiveness on various diseases. Specifically, it has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. It was found that the oil penetrates deep enough into the skin to make a difference in the cells that make up the skin which allow it to work on the inflamed area and reduce inflammation.
It has also been studied with regards to cancer patients. There was a statistically valid outcome with one study that saw a strong reaction in cancer cells due to the oil’s anti-cancer properties. What this means is that this oil has been shown to have a statistically significant effect on cancer.
In addition to these particular ailments, it has also been studied for use regarding the common cold. It has also been researched with regards to cardiovascular conditions where it was shown to potentially lower the risk of cardiac problems. There are more studies however that will need to be done.
Cautions
There are very few cautions when it comes to chamomile oil. One caution I would suggest adhering to is if you are going to use this oil in your tea that you use the Roman style. The reason for this is that the German has a blue tinge to it which can be a bit odd when dropped into a cup of warm tea.
Also, although it is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by many governing bodies, please check with your healthcare professional before using this or any other oil in your practice especially if you are pregnant or nursing. As always, your safety is most important to me.
Just getting started with Essential Oils?
Download your free Essentials Kit booklet for advice about where to start!
A Final Note
If used for its intended purposes, chamomile is a great oil to have in your essentials kit. The versatility of this oil is wonderful as are the variety of uses. I have only touched on the major uses of this oil for this entry, but I encourage you to seek out additional information or reach out to me for more information if you wish. As with any oil, take the time to learn about it, not just from articles such as this but also the myriad of research that has been published to see if it is right for you. Also, I encourage you to look at the additional references listed below for even more information.
To your health and well-being!
Pin it!
