Chamomile is considered to be one of the oldest medicinal plants, mentioned in ancient Egyptian and Greek texts and used throughout the Middle Ages in Europe. Its botanical name comes from the Greek Anthos meaning flower and Nobilis meaning noble, which is a direct reference to its wonderful and varied properties. At Tisserand Aromatherapy we have two Chamomile oils, Roman and Blue. Here I will be looking more closely at Roman Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis.
Chamomile is part of the daisy family, Asteraceae, which has thousands of varieties, and it grows abundantly in Europe and North Africa. It has a classic white and yellow daisy flower with soft feathery leaves. The essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers and has a sweet apple-like aroma with a dry, hay-like finish.
In its natural habitat Chamomile is a ‘companion plant’ that repels many fungi and bacteria – keeping its neighbouring plants safe, and it is often referred to as ‘the plant’s physician’. This is also reflected in its many therapeutic properties and ways that it can be used in Aromatherapy.
How can it be used?
Chamomile is a versatile essential oil and blends well with the flowers, the woods, citrus oils, and other herbs. It has a fairly tenacious aroma, meaning that you only need a few drops for it to shine in a blend. In practice, it is used to calm both physical and emotional states of inflammation, whether that be sore skin, emotional anger or frustration. This essential oil can also be useful for insomnia. Chamomile is known to relax the solar plexus, a place where we can hold tight, tense feelings, therefore allowing us to feel calm and soothed. It is also useful for states of pain, again both physically and emotionally.
Why not try the following blends to explore the wonderful properties and effects of Roman Chamomile?
Relaxing aroma spa diffuser to deter feelings of anxiety or for when feeling overwhelmed
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
2 drops of Chamomile Roman – Anthemis nobilis
4 drops of Mandarin – Citrus reticulata
2 drops of Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
Bedtime Bath Soak – Perfect to aid a good night’s sleep
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of blending oil:
2 drops of Chamomile Roman – Anthemis nobilis
1 drop of Neroli – Citrus aurantium amara
3 drops of Sandalwood – Santalum album
Run your bath to desired temperature and depth, add 2-3 teaspoons of your blend, stir the water before getting in, lie back and inhale the aromas.
Soothing Skin Treat – useful for sore or inflamed skin.
DO NOT APPLY TO BROKEN SKIN AND NOT FOR USE ON THE FACE
Add the following essential oils to 10ml of blending oil:
2 drops of Chamomile Roman – Anthemis nobilis
3 drops of Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
I hope you enjoy discovering the benefits of chamomile essential oil.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
