The Many Uses of German Chamomile
BODY
For inflammatory pain: Add 2 drops to 1 tsp base oil and apply to areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis or chronic tension. Sweet marjoram amplifies the pain-relieving effect.
Compress for swelling: Add 2 drops to cool water, soak a cloth, and apply to reduce sprains and localized inflammation. Use within 48 hours of injury for optimal effect.
Steam inhalation for hay fever: Add 2 drops to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale for 5–10 minutes to relieve nasal congestion and irritation. Lavender enhances the soothing effect.
SKIN
First aid for acute irritation: Dab 1 drop directly onto inflamed, itchy patches for immediate relief—eczema flare-ups, contact dermatitis, or heat rash respond particularly well.
Sunburn relief: Combine 2 drops each of German chamomile, lavender, and helichrysum to 1/2 cup of cold aloe vera gel and apply generously to soothe minor sunburn and prevent peeling.
For inflammatory pain: Add 2 drops to 1 tsp base oil and apply to areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis or chronic tension. Sweet marjoram amplifies the pain-relieving effect.
Compress for swelling: Add 2 drops to cool water, soak a cloth, and apply to reduce sprains and localized inflammation. Use within 48 hours of injury for optimal effect.
Steam inhalation for hay fever: Add 2 drops to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale for 5–10 minutes to relieve nasal congestion and irritation. Lavender enhances the soothing effect.
SKIN
First aid for acute irritation: Dab 1 drop directly onto inflamed, itchy patches for immediate relief—eczema flare-ups, contact dermatitis, or heat rash respond particularly well.
Sunburn relief: Combine 2 drops each of German chamomile, lavender, and helichrysum to 1/2 cup of cold aloe vera gel and apply generously to soothe minor sunburn and prevent peeling.
How to Use
DIFFUSION
Add 2–3 drops to a diffuser or burner.
Mind & Mood
For emotional intensity: Diffuse 2 drops of German chamomile with 4 drops of bergamot during moments when anger or overwhelm threatens composure—a practice that helps pacify strong emotion without suppressing it.
TOPICAL
Dilute to 1–3% (3–9 drops in 10mL) in a base oil or lotion.
Add 2–3 drops to a diffuser or burner.
Mind & Mood
For emotional intensity: Diffuse 2 drops of German chamomile with 4 drops of bergamot during moments when anger or overwhelm threatens composure—a practice that helps pacify strong emotion without suppressing it.
TOPICAL
Dilute to 1–3% (3–9 drops in 10mL) in a base oil or lotion.
Specifications
Botanical Name: Matricaria recutita*
Common Names: Blue Chamomile
Botanical Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part: Flower heads dried at 40–45°C to preserve matricarin integrity
Origin: Egypt
Aromatic Scent: Soothing, sweet, herbaceous with fresh, fruity undertone
Aromatic Note: Middle
Aromatic Strength: Medium
Colour: Deep, inky blue
Blending Factor: 1
Shelf Life: 4-5 years (Stored in a dry & shaded place)
*Certified organic ingredient
Common Names: Blue Chamomile
Botanical Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Plant Part: Flower heads dried at 40–45°C to preserve matricarin integrity
Origin: Egypt
Aromatic Scent: Soothing, sweet, herbaceous with fresh, fruity undertone
Aromatic Note: Middle
Aromatic Strength: Medium
Colour: Deep, inky blue
Blending Factor: 1
Shelf Life: 4-5 years (Stored in a dry & shaded place)
*Certified organic ingredient
Safety
Non-toxic and non-irritating when diluted. Possible drug interactions exist with medications metabolized by CYP2D6, including tamoxifen, chlorpheniramine, promethazine, amphetamine, and certain antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs.
If pregnant, nursing, or suffering from a medical condition, consult your physician. If you are on long-term medication, please consult your practitioner.
Store out of reach of children. German chamomile is prone to oxidization; store in a cool place below 25°C (77°F) in a shaded environment to preserve its potency and shelf life. Your careful storage ensures its effectiveness. For external use only. This is not a medicinal remedy.
*See pediatric essential oil dilution table.
** Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
If pregnant, nursing, or suffering from a medical condition, consult your physician. If you are on long-term medication, please consult your practitioner.
Store out of reach of children. German chamomile is prone to oxidization; store in a cool place below 25°C (77°F) in a shaded environment to preserve its potency and shelf life. Your careful storage ensures its effectiveness. For external use only. This is not a medicinal remedy.
*See pediatric essential oil dilution table.
** Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
FAQs
German chamomile delivers potent anti-inflammatory action to calm both mind and body, making it particularly effective for acute skin irritations, inflammatory pain, migraines, and emotional intensity without inducing drowsiness.
Yes—when properly diluted to 1–3% in a carrier oil or lotion, German chamomile is non-toxic and non-irritating; it is particularly effective for acute flare-ups of eczema, contact dermatitis, and inflamed conditions, though patch testing is recommended for sensitive skin.
No—APTIVA'sGerman Chamomile is formulated for external use only (aromatic and topical application); ingestion of essential oils should only be done under professional guidance and is not recommended for home use.
Whilst we know of customers taking our oils internally, we remind Aptiva oils has not been approved by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), HKSAR for consumption. Ingestion can be toxic, especially for children.
German chamomile blends harmoniously with bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemon, neroli, rose, and ylang ylang, allowing for personalized therapeutic formulations.
German chamomile is non-toxic when used as directed; however, those taking medications metabolized by CYP2D6 (including certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and tamoxifen) or those who are pregnant, nursing, or on long-term medication should consult their practitioner before use.
A Plant with Ancient Wisdom
The tiny daisy-like flowers of German chamomile bear white collars circling raised, cone-shaped yellow centers—less than an inch wide, growing on long, thin, light green stems. Native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, it reaches merely 10 centimeters high, yet its potency belies its modest stature.
The name "German chamomile" derives from its apple-like smell and ground-hugging growth. In scientific terms, it is known as Matricaria—meaning "caring for the womb"—a designation that speaks to centuries of folk medicine practice. Women's health, digestive problems, and inflammation: chamomile addressed them all, passed down through generations with quiet certainty.
Historical figures recognized its worth. Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Galen incorporated chamomile into medicinal preparations, validating what intuition had already known. This is not marketing invention—this is documented practice spanning millennia.
