Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Name "Roman chamomile" by a German botanist in the 16th century, it originated in northwestern Europe and Northern Ireland, growing low to the ground, reaching up to one foot in height. Its gray-green leaves grow from the stems, and it has yellow-centered flowers surrounded by white petals, resembling miniature daisies. It differs from German chamomile in its thicker leaves and lower growth.

Much confusion has been caused between C. nobile (Roman chamomile) and Matricaria recutita (German chamomile). Both have sunny, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and white petals. Both have softly scented foliage used for medicine and chamomile tea.

Roman chamomile is a small perennial that prefers cool summers. Harvesting is at the exact time when the essential oil yield is highest. The crop is cut and sun-dried briefly before being steam distilled to extract the beautiful pale blue essential oil. On average, the flowers yield 0.4-1.0% essential oil.

Chamomile has been used and admired by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Egyptians associated the sunny daisy flowers with the sun and dedicated it to their sun god, Re. The Greeks named it Kamaimelon, meaning "ground apple." Romans, probably influenced by Britain, used chamomile in bathing, walking, and medicine.

Roman chamomile essential oil is highly versatile in aromatherapy. It has powerful soothing and calming effects on both physical and emotional conditions. Like German Chamomile, the anti-inflammatory properties ease sprains and swelling when used with a cold compress. It's beneficial for massage, baths, or compresses to relieve muscle and joint discomfort. Its antispasmodic effect is helpful for abdominal cramps, menstrual cramps, and nausea.

Inhaling Roman chamomile essential oil from a tissue provides relief from hay fever and allergies, soothing irritated nasal passages. It also calms asthma symptoms (unless the person is allergic to ragweed).

When vaporized, it's a great oil for calming noisy children, anger, and frayed nerves without inducing a catatonic state.

During World War II, chamomile was used as a disinfectant.

Aromatic: Add 1-2 drops to a diffuser or burner
Topical: Dilute to a 0.5-3% (1-9 drops to 10mL) in a base oil or unscented lotion.

BODY
Pre-operation rub: Add 2 drops to 1 tsp base oil and apply to hands and wrist to calm the nerves.
Bathe: Add 2 drops to some base oil and soak for 10 minutes to prepare for sleep. Boost with rose and bath salts.
Compress: Add 2 drops to warm water. Soak a face cloth and apply to the lower abdomen to ease painful periods. Boost with clary sage.

SKIN
Lotion: Add 2 drops to 1 tbsp unscented lotion to treat dry eczema. Boost with myrrh.
Floral water: Add 6 drops to a spray bottle with filtered water to hydrate sensitive skin. Shake well before misting. Avoid the eye area.

MIND/MOOD
Diffuse 2 drops of Roman chamomile and 4 drops of helichrysum when suffering from sleep deprivation.

Botanical Name: Anthemis nobilis*
Common Names: Chamaemelum nobile
Botanical Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part: Flower heads dried at 40-45 °C
Origin: U.K.

Aromatic Scent: A comforting, warm, sweet and fruity aroma
Aromatic Note: Middle
Aromatic Strength: Medium
Blending Factor: 1

Shelf Life: 4-5 years (Use within 1 year after opening)

*Certified organic ingredient

Non-toxic and non-irritating after dilution. There are no known safety precautions (Tisserand & Young, 2014).

If you are on long-term medication, please consult your practitioner.

Store out of reach of children. Please remember to store our products in a cool place below 25°C (77°F) to prevent oxidation and preserve their shelf life. Your care will ensure its effectiveness. For external use only. This is not a medicinal remedy.

*See pediatric essential oil dilution table.