Chamomile oil

“Plant Doctor” is an apt name for the perennial plant we mostly know as Chamomile. Since Chamomile grows close to the ground, its well-known medicinal and soothing properties extend even to other plants growing nearby.

Chamomile. Origin and Characteristics

Chamaemelum nobile, the genus name of the magnificent chamomile, comes from the Greek word “Chamaimelon”, meaning “earth apple” due to its apple-like aroma. The Roman name chamaemelum nobile was given for its widely recognized medicinal properties.

Chamomile foliage has a sweet apple scent, its feathery leaves and delicate petals surround a small yellow hard center, showing its obvious connection to the daisy family. Chamomile has a strong reputation as a therapeutic herb for centuries. Both the leaves and flowers of the chamomile plant have been used since time immemorial for their healing and calming properties.

Chamomile is native to Western Europe, India and Western Asia, where it usually grows in open sunny locations. Chamomile is a traditional medicinal plant of the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. In ancient times, the Egyptians dedicated the plant to their sun god Ra, as they believed that chamomile was a gift from this god. Chamomile was popular with soldiers in Ancient Rome, helping them relax and build courage. During the time of Hippocrates, chamomile was highly revered and was considered one of the nine sacred herbs by the Saxons.

Chamomile Oil and Its Benefits

Chamomile oil is obtained from chamomile flowers by steam distillation, resulting in a dark green oil with a characteristic chamomile aroma and soothing effect. The fact that this oil contains the antioxidant chamazulene makes it one of a kind, standing out from other oils. This substance is formed during distillation and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, especially when applied directly to the skin.

Chamomile oil has numerous healing and soothing properties due to other main components such as:

• Bisabolol– known for its sweet floral aroma, has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and analgesic properties.
• Bisabolene– is a so-called sesquiterpene. It has a warm, sweet-spicy-balsamic smell, typical of “oriental” fragrances. It supports the immune system, acts as an antioxidant, protects against harmful bacteria and promotes cellular health. It is also one of the compounds known for its calming properties.
• ?-farnesene is another sesquiterpene that has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antifungal, calming and sedative effects.
• Cineole is a colorless, oily, slightly water-soluble substance, also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that have a positive effect on the respiratory tract.
• ?-terpineol has a pleasant aroma of lilac and linden blossom. It has some key therapeutic properties, such as pain and inflammation relief, seizure frequency and intensity reduction, gastroprotective action and bacterial killing.
• Flavonoids – simply put, they support the efficient functioning of the body, protecting it from everyday toxins and stress. They are also powerful antioxidants.
• Coumarins – organic compounds with the characteristic smell of freshly mown hay. They have been found to reduce inflammation, prevent the formation of subcutaneous lymph fluid, and increase the amount of antithrombin, a protein involved in blood clotting.

Chamomile Oil and Its Uses

Chamomile oil can be the perfect support for overcoming many ailments and, most importantly, it will help you relax! The delightfully sweet aroma of chamomile oil can be used to treat a variety of minor ailments. For centuries, it has been used as an effective remedy for many ailments, from digestive problems to wound healing, and even as a natural remedy for allergies.

Chamomile oil is a great pain reliever, it can improve your mood and help combat depression and anxiety. Chamomile’s calming properties also promote relaxation and sleep.

Chamomile oil for skin

Chamomile oil is a mild oil and is therefore ideal for children and the elderly with very sensitive skin. It can be applied to the skin after diluting it with a carrier oil. It is recommended to first test the diluted chamomile oil on a separate area of ​​the skin to rule out an allergic reaction or irritation.

Possible uses of chamomile oil for the skin:

• for a soothing and relaxing massage
• as a relaxing bath additive
• as a nourishing addition to a skin care product
• as a warm or cold compress to soothe stomach and abdominal pain
• effective in healing wounds and skin conditions
• a hair moisturizer with the addition of a carrier oil. It can also have a lightening effect on light colored hair
• as an insect repellent or to relieve insect bites (mixed with a carrier oil)
• adding a few drops to toothpaste or mouthwash for a fresh, healthy mouth.

Chamomile oil has been shown to be very effective in this way.

Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are beneficial for damaged or sore skin, ulcers, bruises, and burns. It is an excellent remedy for healing skin conditions such as eczema, cellulite, skin irritations, and rashes. It is also an effective pain reliever for conditions such as migraines, neuralgia, gout, arthritis, sciatica, rheumatic pain, and muscle spasms.

Chamomile Oil in Aromatherapy

Chamomile oil is known and widely used for its healing and calming effects. It is successfully used in the treatment of anxiety disorders or depression, invigorates, lifts the mood, promotes healthy sleep, helps with insomnia or nightmares. Aromatherapy with chamomile oil can work wonders when it comes to relaxation and calming. Apply this remedy to give your body and mind a well-deserved rest so you can sleep like a baby and start a new day refreshed and alert.

Aromatherapy Options

Aroma lamp or diffuser. Fill your living room or bedroom with the calming aroma of chamomile using an aroma lamp or diffuser. This will relieve stress or irritability at the end of a long, stressful day. Allow yourself to calm down, relax and feel at peace again.

Steam bath.A steam bath is easy to do by leaning your head over a bowl of hot water mixed with chamomile oil and covering your head with a towel. You can also steam while showering or taking a bath.

In addition to its calming properties, a steam bath with chamomile oil is even more effective due to its antipyretic properties and can help with various respiratory infections. Chamomile causes increased sweating, expelling pathogenic bacteria and normalizing body temperature. This makes it a useful remedy for colds and flu. It also has a cleansing and soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract – in fact, on all organs with mucous membranes.

Vaporizer or cold compress. Using a vaporizer or cold compress can help with postpartum depression. Chamomile oil is also useful for children, promoting their rest and sleep. Chamomile also has a calming effect on crying children and babies.

Other uses

• Place a napkin or cloth with a few drops of chamomile oil on a warm radiator.
• Apply a few drops to a pillow, fabric, scarf, bedding or blanket. Unpleasant odors will be replaced by pleasant ones, and the calming aroma of chamomile is especially useful.
• add to water in a steam iron.

Let yourself be enchanted by chamomile oil and plunge into a world where peace and tranquility reign.