Would you like to find a natural solution to stress, anxiety or sleep problems? Then Roman Chamomile or Noble Chamomile is just what you need! Learn how to use chamomile essential oil.
A powerful calming agent for the nervous system, Roman chamomile EO is reputed to help relieve tension, combat stress and also promote sleep. Along with Neroli, it is the essential oil for emotional shocks. Soothing, it also calms the digestive system and is anti-inflammatory. It is a very gentle oil that can be used on children.
Botanical name:
- Mode of extraction: distillation of the flower through water vapour
- Active components: Esters
- Aspect: liquid
- Colour: yellow / green
- Odour: floral, penetrating, with hints of honey or apple
Biochemical constituent
- Esters (75-80%) – Monoterpenols (5-6%) – Ketones (3-10%)
BOTANIC
Roman chamomile is a highly fragrant herbaceous plant 10 to 30 cm high, native to Western Europe and North Africa. Several stems grow from the ground, branching at the top. The leaves are whitish green. Flowers from July to September.
Do not confuse noble chamomile with these other chamomiles:
- German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita): EO rich in sesquiterpenoids, much more colourful (bluish-green tones): highly anti-inflammatory and soothing, anti-allergic (skin problems) and hormone like.
- Moroccan chamomile (Cladanthus mixtus) : rich in terpene alcohols, its EO is neurotonic and anti-microbial.
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) contains a camphorated EO and is therefore potentially neurotoxic
- Blue tansy : (Tanacetum annuum) powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-histaminic, anti-allergen and anti-fungal
- Wild chamomile : (Ormenis multicaulis) used in cosmetics and perfumery
This plant has many traditional uses, both internally (as an infusion to relieve digestive problems, spasms and flatulence) and externally (to relieve irritations, etc.).
DANGER AND COUNTER INDICATIONS
One of the gentlest and least toxic essential oils, Roman chamomile EO is suitable for the whole family. Please note,
– Roman chamomile EO should not be taken orally by pregnant or breast-feeding women, or by children under the age of 12.
– People suffering from epilepsy should seek their doctor’s advice.
There are no special precautions other than caution if you are known to be allergic to Asteraceae (daisy family).
Roman chamomile EO is very well tolerated: it does not cause irritation and the risk of skin sensitisation (allergy) is very low.
Suitable for children and women over 3 months pregnant or breast-feeding: ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before use.
WHY USE CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL
- Nervous conditions
- Agitation, nervousness
- Anxiety, fear and phobia
- Hypersensitivity
- Anger, aggression
- Emotional shock
- Spasmophilia
- Skin problems
- Neurological pain
- Neuralgia, nevritis
- Sciatica
- Sedation and pre-anaesthetic
- Children aches and pains
- teething
- baby colic
PROPERTIES AND USAGES
Esters are present in large quantities (more than in fine lavender!), giving the plant properties of being:
- calming and relaxing, Roman chamomile EO is highly effective in cases of anxiety, stress or insomnia
- powerful antispasmodicand digestive tonic, soothes heartburn and aids digestion
- Anti-inflammatoryand analgesic, It effectively combats skin problems such as hives, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema
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For the skin
Soothing, Roman chamomile EO relieves itching.
It is therefore ideal for acne-prone, atopy-prone, sensitive and/or irritated skin.
As a general rule, no more than 2% is used in preparations such as moisturisers or soothing lotions.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action, it is effective in deflating and healing acne pimples, and prevents blemishes from multiplying.
Used in the manufacture of hair products, Roman Chamomile – and its essential oil – has the power to accentuate the natural highlights of blonde to light brown hair. Used as a mask or incorporated into shampoo, it brings shine and radiance to even the lightest hair, and helps to beautify the hair fibre.
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For general wellbeing
Recognised for its powerful calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system, it is often used to treat insomnia, anxiety and/or emotional problems. A mild sedative for children, it also promotes relaxation for adults.
Inhaled, massaged or taken orally, it is indicated in the following cases:
– Agitation or anxiety
– Shock or emotional trauma
– Nervous breakdown
– Emotional imbalance
– Sleep problems
– Sensitivity
– Heightened emotions
– Spasmophilia
– Stress
– Asthma due to nervous condition
– Burnout
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Energetic aromatherapy
It is associated with the solar chakra (at the level of the plexus) and the colour yellow. In addition to its general well-being action (see above):
For irritable and moody individuals, it offers emotional balance and helps alleviate anxiety and anger by instilling peace, patience, and confidence. Additionally, for those experiencing feelings of loneliness or abandonment, it reinforces self-acceptance, providing comfort.
Roman chamomile EO is said to be the essential oil for letting go, when people need to take a breath, step back and put things into perspective.
HOW TO USE CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL
Cutaneous route (cold compress, massage, bath): allergic dermatological conditions, anxiety, arthritis, nervous asthma, sunburn, emotional imbalance, menopausal pain, bruising, sprains, high blood pressure, skin irritations, earaches, neuralgia, palpitations, parasitosis, dry skin, painful periods, rheumatism, spasmophilia, stress, overwork, muscle tension, sleep disorders, etc
Tummy: pain, particularly in the case of infant colic.
Lower abdomen: For period pain or menopausal symptoms.
Chest and throat: for respiratory problems
Gums: for teething and toothache.
Neck: to relieve tension in the head.
Skin: soothes sensitive skin prone to eczema, hives, shingles, pruritus, psoriasis, acne and dermatitis.
Wherever it hurts: certain pains such as arthritis, sprains, neuralgia, muscular pains, rheumatism, etc.
Respiratory tract (olfaction, inhalation, diffusion): nervous asthma, thyroid imbalance, adrenal gland excess, stress, spasmophilia, sleep disorders.
Diffusion (dilute between 10 and 15% in other EOs)
Internal use (oral, vaginal, rectal): parasites (lamblias, pinworms, roundworms) on prescription from a GP or pharmacist.
PRACTICAL ADVICE TO USE CHAMOMILE ESSENTIAL OIL
Anxiety or nervous disorders
The anxiolytic action of Roman chamomile EO differs from that of lavender officinale EO:
– lavender EO will be most useful when you need to take action, it reduces the unpleasant physical sensations linked to stress, such as heart palpitations, a tight throat…
– Roman chamomile EO will have a more mental effect; the mind becomes detached from things, the person is still aware of stressful events, but is less affected; people with a temper will not lose their temper as much; those who are constantly thinking will be able to calm their mind.
It is particularly recommended in cases of:
- · Nervous shock
- · Anxiety
- · Anger
- · Agitation
- · Excitement
- · Hypersensitivity
- · Cognitive rumination (when the person is thinking too much = monkey brain)
Preventing anxiety attacks and spasmophilia
When you feel that an attack may be imminent, sit down or lie down in a quiet place, and either :
– inhale deeply, at least 10 times, 1 drop Roman chamomile EO on a handkerchief or in an olfactory stick.
– or apply 2 to 3 drops Roman chamomile EO (diluted in VO) to the forearm and rub vigorously. You can then place your hands in a bell shape and calmly breathe in the fragrance coming from your arms.
Anger, irritability, aggressiveness
Place 1 drop Roman chamomile EO and 5 drops lavender or bergamot EO in an olfactory stick and inhale deeply at least 10 times.
Emotional shock
Place 1 drop Roman chamomile EO on a handkerchief or in an olfactory stick and inhale calmly and deeply for one minute.
You can use it alone or also in combination with Frankincense or Neroli EO Neroli.
– or dilute 10 drops in a teaspoon of VO and massage into the solar plexus.
Fear and nervousness
massage the solar plexus, the arch of the foot and along the spine in the evening before going to bed with:
3 drops Roman chamomile EO (diluted in a VO)
or 1ml Roman chamomile EO + 1ml Orange EO + 3ml lavender EO in 80 ml VO
Anxiety
1 to 2 drops EO roman chamomile in a teaspoon VO
Apply 2 to 5 times a day to the inside of the wrists
Neurological or spasmodic pain
Roman chamomile EO is rich in esters, chemical components which give it spasmolytic properties useful for relieving all types of spasms.
It is one of the rare oils that can be used, in very dilute form, to relieve colic or teething pains in infants. It is:
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory in cases of nevritis, or neuralgia
- And anti-spasmodic (both intestinal cramp or premenstrual pain).
Baby colic
For topical application, add 1 drop Roman chamomile EO to 20 ml VO sweet almond. Then gently massage into baby’s tummy and/or lower back
Sore throat
Mix 1 drop Roman chamomile EO in a spoonful of honey and allow to melt in the mouth.
Use 3 to 4 times a day.
gingivitis
Put 1 drop EO on your finger. Then massage gently into teeth and gums
Childrens’ teething pain
Pour VO onto a cotton bud and add 1 to 2 drops of Roman chamomile EO Apply to inflamed gums 3 times a day.
