Chamomile is one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to humans. Records of its use date back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, who believed that the tiny white and yellow flowers, with their sweet, apple-like aroma, contained magical and healing properties. Chamomile is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family and is commonly found in two varieties: German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). While both varieties have remarkable medicinal properties, Roman chamomile is often preferred due to its lack of strong pigmentation. While German Chamomile may stain clothing and surfaces blue, Roman Chamomile’s light, golden color is easy to work with.
Most of us associate chamomile with tea, and for good reason. Chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal preparations, with more than one million cups consumed daily across the globe. However, many people are unaware that Roman chamomile essential oil retains the same therapeutic benefits as tea, but in a more concentrated form. This makes it a more effective choice in some cases, but also requires proper usage and know-how. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of this gentle extract, exploring the benefits of chamomile essential oil and its various applications. Let’s begin!
What is Roman Chamomile Oil?
Roman chamomile essential oil is a delicate oil extracted from the flowers of the Roman chamomile plant. It is known for its soothing and calming properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy and natural skincare products.
The classic method for extracting Roman chamomile essential oil is steam distillation. First, the freshly harvested chamomile flowers are steamed, which helps release their aromatic compounds without damaging the plant’s chemical composition. As the steam passes through the flowers, it carries the essential oil molecules along with it. The steam is then cooled and condensed, separating the essential oil from the water. The resulting product is pure Roman chamomile essential oil, ranging from pale yellow to clear in color, with a sweet, fruity aroma, including hints of honey.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil Benefits
So, what is chamomile oil good for? It has a wide range of uses and applications, making it a staple for health and wellness routines. Here are a few benefits of chamomile oil, highlighting its versatility in promoting overall wellbeing.
1. Creates a Relaxing Atmosphere
The soothing nature of Roman chamomile essential oil can help create a peaceful atmosphere, easing stress and nerves while encouraging relaxation. After a long day, mix a few drops of Roman chamomile essential oil with your favorite carrier oil or Epsom salts. Add it to a warm bath to calm your mind and body and promote deep, restful sleep.
2. Provides Calming Support On-The-Go
When applied topically to pulse points, diluted Roman chamomile essential oil offers an effective and easy way to keep your cool wherever your day takes you. Stressful meeting at work? A test at school? Tricky traffic? Roman chamomile is a reassuring ally. Blend with lavender for added benefits.
3. Nourishes & Calms The Skin
Another chamomile oil benefit is that it can help improve the appearance of your skin by targeting redness and irritation. The esters in Roman chamomile, including angelic acid and tiglic acid, support healthy inflammatory response and have antioxidant properties. They encourage skin regeneration and repair, which can promote a more radiant complexion.
4. Supports Respiratory Health
There’s some evidence that inhaling the soothing aroma of Roman chamomile essential oil may support respiratory health by supporting ease of breath. Its calming properties can help support the body as it deals with certain respiratory conditions, including coughing and congestion. However, it’s important to note that if you’re allergic to asters, ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies, you may also be allergic to chamomile.
5. Soothes Occasional Stomach Upset
Studies show that Roman chamomile oil has muscle-relaxing properties that may help soothe occasional stomach discomfort when applied topically or inhaled. Its mild yet effective properties can be applied in the case of digestive spasms to help calm the gastrointestinal tract, easing symptoms such as occasional bloating, gas, and indigestion.
6. Relieves Muscle Soreness
Gently massaging achy muscles with diluted Roman chamomile essential oil may help alleviate muscle soreness and tension. Gentle on the skin and deeply calming, Roman chamomile is the perfect natural remedy for soothing sore muscles and joints after physical activity.
7. Eases Morning Sickness
Roman chamomile oil's gentle aroma can help support and calm the body as it deals with nausea and discomfort associated with morning sickness. Dispersing its comforting scent with a diffuser or applying diluted oil to pulse points helps to promote a sense of rest and tranquility.
How to Use Roman Chamomile Oil
Because Roman chamomile essential oil is so versatile, it is a staple ingredient in many aromatherapy blends, skincare products, and natural remedies. Depending on how you use it, you can reap the many chamomile essential oil benefits without having to ingest it. Here are some of our favorite ways to include this relaxing oil in our daily routines:
- Topical application: Use a 1% dilution rate (9 drops of essential oil to 1oz of carrier oil) and massage the blend directly into areas of concern to soothe irritation and promote relaxation.
- Aromatherapy: Add a few drops to a diffuser filled with water to create a calming atmosphere. Perfect for relaxation or bedtime.
- Inhalation: Inhale directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.
- Natural bedtime spray: Mix 10 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Mist over pillows and bedding in the evening to promote sleep and relaxation.
Discover the Benefits of Roman Chamomile Oil with Pranarôm
Ready to try Roman chamomile oil out for yourself? Explore Pranarôm’s curated selection of essential oils and blends for the entire family, including our pure, certified organic Roman chamomile essential oil and our Sleep Aid Wellness Blend.
All of our products at Pranarom are certified organic, sustainably sourced and meticulously tested to meet the highest standards of quality. We’re committed to providing natural solutions that not only support your health, but that of our farmers and environment, as well.
