Oil Of The Week: Chamomile

Chamomile, a member of the daisy family, is one of the oldest herbs known to man and has been used for centuries. Chamomile flower tea is renowned for its soothing and sleep inducing qualities, and the essential oil is just as wonderful.

Chamomile essential oil is one of the oldest used, most loved oils. It has a fresh, pretty floral scent, and is extracted from the dainty chamomile flowers via steam distillation.

Chamomile comes in two varieties, Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and German or Blue chamomile (Matricaria recutica), and the oil colour ranges from blue to green all the way to pale yellow. Roman chamomile is typically a light yellow while the German chamomile takes on more exciting shades, hence its other name, Blue.

While both varieties have similar properties to each other, German/Blue chamomile is particularly known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effectives while Roman chamomile is known for its calming effect on the mind and sedative properties. The two varieties can be used more or less interchangeably in the home however.

Chamomile essential oil is one of the few essential oils that are gentle enough for all ages, even babies. Always do a patch test first though, and dilute in a little carrier oil for very young children if applying topically.

USES

Traditional

Chamomile has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for everything from diarrhea to skin problems, wound healing and as a sedative. It is particularly known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat many kinds of skin problems, rashes, allergies and irritations. It is also an effective sedative and calming agent, assisting with sleep problems, anxiety, nightmares and even hysteria.

Medicinal

Studies have shown chamomile extracts and apigenin (one of the bioactive constituents of chamomile) to have certain anticancer properties. It had growth inhibiting properties on human cancer cells and a good safety profile in both in vivo and in vitro environments. Further studies are required though.

Chamomile was found to be effective against eczema, even when compared with cortisone creams.

Chamomile, when applied topically, is proven to speed up wound healing, and increase epithelialization (skin repair in wounded areas).

Aromatherapy

Chamomile is a favourite in aromatherapy, as it soothes the mind, and relieves feelings of anger, irritability and anxiety. Chamomile creates a calming and peaceful atmosphere, and is a good sedative.

It can help ease a migraine

Chamomile is particularly good for restless children and babies, to help calm and soothe them and to promote sleep.

Chamomile can help ease symptoms of seasonal allergies.

Skincare

Chamomile is a well studied and scientifically proven anti-inflammatory, able to penetrate even the deeper layers of the skin. Apply it topically to cuts, rashes, eczema, sunburn, itchy insect bites, inflammation, shaving bumps and rashes.

Haircare

Chamomile is also popular in shampoos and haircare, as it can help clear up any scalp irritation and skin problems, as well as dandruff. It also imparts a beautiful floral fragrance.

RECIPES

Chamomile Body Butter

This is a staple in my bathroom. It is great for soothing irritated skin, inflammation and eczema, and I use it as a post-shaving cream to prevent those little shaving bumps from occurring. It's also just a really lovely moisturising body butter and has a stunning scent. Safe for children and babies too.

You can scale up the quantities to make a larger batch.

80ml avocado butter

20 ml shea butter

2 drops Vitamin E oil

1 tsp allantoin

1 tsp arrowroot powder (optional but does cut greasiness, so I like it)

10 drops chamomile (can add more if you want it a bit stronger)

Melt the avo butter and shea butter together, then stir in the allantoin and the chamomile essential oil. Pop this mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes, or allow to just solidify, but not harden completely. Get out your electric beaters or blender and beat until fluffy then spoon into a storage container and use as necessary.