The Egyptian sages dedicated the plant to the sun for its ability to reduce fevers...

Roman chamomile is a versatile and safe oil with a sweet, fruity apple-like scent.

Nature: calming, sedative, balancing

Roman Chamomile is used extensively in skin care for the treatment of acne, boils, burns, cuts, dermatitis, eczema, inflammations, rashes and wounds.

It can be used in a vaporizer for nervous complaints, headaches and migraines.

It is ideal in a massage, bath or compress for arthritis, inflamed joints, muscular pain, rheumatism and sprains.

Principal Actions: Inflammatory conditions; calming to the digestive system; emotional sedative and tonic.

Practical Uses

Methods of Use: application, aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, lightbulb ring, massage, mist spray

Skin Care with Roman Chamomile

Chamomile has soothing properties for sensitive and inflamed skin, acne, boils, burns, diaper rash, sunburn and wounds. In skin care it is especially helpful for sensitive skin and red, dry skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema. Chamomile stimulates cell growth.

For Cracked Skin: Mix 10 drops Roman chamomile, 5 drops lemon, 5 drops lavender, 5 drops rose in 10ml/2tsp jojoba or avocado carrier oil and gently massage into affect ted areas

For Combination Skin: to even out combination skin and to leave your skin feeling soft and supple, mix 4 drops lavender, 2 drops geranium (or ylang ylang) and 4 drops Roman chamomile into 20ml/4tsp of apricot or peach kernel carrier oil and massage into face.  

For Sensitive Skin: Mix 4 drops lavender, 4 drops Roman chamomile and 2 drops neroli into 20ml/4tsp of jojoba oil and massage into the skin. If skin is extremely sensitive, increase the amount of carrier oil in the blend.

For Shaving Rash: Mix 8 drops Roman chamomile, 8 drops lavender, 3 drops peppermint into 10ml/2tsp evening primrose oil and apply gently to area after shaving.

For Dry Eczema: Mix 2 drops Roman Chamomile, 2 drops geranium 4 drops lavender and 2 drops myrrh in 20ml/4tsp jojoba or evening primrose carrier oil and gently massage into affected areas.

For Sunburn:  Add 10 drops of lavender or 10 drops of a lavender/Roman chamomile combination to tepid bathwater and soak for approximately 15 minutes. Additionally, mix 5 drops chamomile and 5 drops lavender in 20g/4tsp Skin Mousse. Gently apply to the affected area.

For a General Skin Tonic: Mix 1 drop Roman chamomile in 50ml water, shake well and apply to sensitive skin after cleansing.

For a Nourishing Lip Balm: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops geranium in 10ml/2tsp aloe vera gel and use as needed.

For Cracked Lips: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops neroli in 10ml/2tsp aloe vera gel and apply regularly.

For Cold Sores: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 1 drop geranium on a tissue and apply to affected area.

For Eye Stress: Mix 5 drops Roman chamomile in 20ml/4tsp equal parts brandy and water. Soak a cotton-wool pad in the mixture and put it on your closed eyelids. Keep the cotton-wool pads on the closed eyelids for approximately 15 minutes.

For Black Eyes: Mix 1 drop Roman chamomile, 1 drop of geranium in 1 dessertspoon of witch-hazel and blend well together. Now add this to 1 tablespoon ice-cold water, mix well and soak some cotton-wool pads in it. Close your eye and apply to the eyelid and surrounding area.

For Styes: First prepare the liquid needed for a hot compress. Boil 10ml rosewater and add 1 drop of Roman chamomile. Strain this through a paper coffee filter and leave to cool slightly. Now put 1 neat drop of lavender on a cotton bud and smear it on the cheek-bone, under the stye, keeping the eye well closed. Soak a cotton-wool pad in the rosewater and chamomile liquid and put it on your closed eyelid. Leave until cool. Repeat the whole procedure twice a day for three days.

For Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) to relieve the burning and itching: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile and 2 drops rose otto in 10ml rosewater. Soak a cotton-wool pad in the rosewater, chamomile and rose liquid and put it on your closed eyelid. Keep the cotton-wool pad on the closed eyelid for approximately 15 minutes.

For Mouth Ulcers:  mouth ulcers are caused by a minor viral infection. Make a mouthwash by adding 1 tsp of the mixture below to a glass of warm water. Swish well around the mouth but do not swallow. Mix 2 drops peppermint, 4 drops lemon, 2 drops geranium, 2 drops thyme diluted in 1 dessertspoon of brandy. Blend the following together and use a little to smooth around the ulcerated area: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 1 drop thyme blend in 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel or liquid.

For Gingivitis: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops peppermint and  1 drop tea tree in a glass of warm water. Use as a mouthwash and gargle. Do not swallow. Alternate oils that could be used: myrrh or bergamot.

For a Toothache: put 1 drop of clove oil on a cotton bud and apply it to the gum around the tooth or into the crevices on either side. Massage the jaw and cheekbone with:  3 drops Roman chamomile, 1 drop clove, 1 drop lemon diluted in 5ml/1tsp vegetable oil. In severe cases a hot compress can also help. Add 3 drops Roman chamomile oil to a bowl of water as hot as you can bear, and soak a piece of absorbent material in the water.  Fold the material a couple of times and place it on the affected side of the jaw. If the nerves are not exposed, applying ice to the cheek can also bring relief.

Earaches in Children: Ear aches are very common in children and are frequently associated with chest infections, coughs, cold and strong wind. For general earaches, warm a teaspoon of olive oil and add 1 drop Roman chamomile and 1 drop of lavender and blend well. Soak a piece of cotton wool in this and use it to plug the ear.  Mix 3 drops Roman chamomile, 1 drop lavender, 1 drop tea tree diluted in 5ml/1tsp vegetable or olive oil and massage this blend around the ear area, up the neck and across the cheek bone. This blend can also be used in a warm compress.

Circulation, Muscles & Joints

Chamomile contains a component called azulene, which is formed after the essential oil is distilled. Azulene has been found to be an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, and is also what gives the oil its characteristic pale blue tinge.

For Gout: Mix 4 drops rosemary, 4 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops Scots pine in a bath, or into a bowl large enough to set the affected foot comfortably in. Soak for 15 minutes.  Alternate oils that can be used:  basil, cinnamon leaf, cajeput, fennel, lemon, thyme.

For Rheumatism: (to ease the pain and swelling) Mix 2 drops rosemary, 4 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops coriander, 2 drops cypress in 20ml/4tsp sunflower or borage seed carrier oil. Note: in cases of nut allergies, do not use sunflower carrier oil.

As a wide spectrum blend for reducing inflammation, mix 6 drops lavender, 3 drops geranium and 3 drops Roman chamomile into 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and apply to the affected area.

Digestive System

Roman chamomile helps to calm the digestive system, settle nervous indigestion and gastritis, eases stomach cramps, vomiting, spastic pain, and has a balancing effect on appetite loss (anorexia).

To Ease Cramping/Nervous Indigestion: Mix 3 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops peppermint, 2 drops fennel, 2 drops ginger into 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage into the stomach and abdominal area in gentle clockwise circular strokes.

For Food-Related Diarrhea:  Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops peppermint, 1 drop eucalyptus into 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage into abdominal area in gentle clockwise circular strokes.

Genito-Urinary System

For Heavy and/or Painful Periods: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops yarrow, 3 drops myrtle,  2 drops clary sage in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage into the abdominal area gentle clockwise circular strokes, or add this mixture into a bath and soak for 20 minutes.

Nervous System

Roman chamomile has antidepressant, calming and sedative properties that are particularly helpful for depression, headache, insomnia, nervous tension, migraine, PMS and stress-related complaints.

For Irritability: Mix 3 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops cypress and 3 drops palmarosa and use in a bath, or add to 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and use as a massage.

For Palpitations: Put the following on a tissue and inhale – 2 drops lavender, 1 drop Roman chamomile, 2 drops geranium. Mix: 10 drops lavender, 10 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops rosemary, 7 drops lemon in 30ml carrier oil and massage over the entire torso every night. Before bed, add 2 drops Roman chamomile and 2 drops lemon to a bath. Alternative oils for palpitations: valerian, neroli, rose.

For Nervous Headaches: Mix 3 drops lavender, 1 drop Roman chamomile in 5ml/1tsp carrier oil and massage temples and base of skull.    

For Tension Headaches:  Mix 2 drops Roman Chamomile, 3 drops rosewood, 3 drops lavender, 2 drops peppermint in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage into the temples, neck and shoulders.

To Help Recover from an Emotional Shock: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops geranium, 1 drop clary sage, 5 drops rose in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and use as a before bed massage, or add these to a bath before bed.

To Ease Insomnia: Mix 2 drops Roman chamomile, 2 drops ylang ylang, 4 drops neroli and 2 drops 2 drops ravensara and use in a bath, or add to 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and use as a massage.

To Promote a Restful Sleep: Add 2 drops Roman chamomile, 1 drop valerian, 4 drops lavender into a bath before bed.

General Relaxation: Mix 5 drops neroli, 2 drops Roman chamomile, 3 drops lemon in a bath or add to 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and use in a massage.

Roman chamomile is an effective oil to help the body remain in balance under conditions of stress.  Three highly powerful oils for helping the body deal with stress are chamomile, lavender and sandalwood, either on their own or in combination.

Roman Chamomile in Aromatherapy

Botanical Name: Anthemis nobilis

Note: Middle - 15

Parts Used: flowers of the herb

Source: steam distillation of the white, daisy-like flower head. Native to southern and western Europe

Description and Odor Effect: a pale blue liquid (turning yellow on keeping) with a dry, yet warm, sweet, fruity-herbaceous aroma. Its odor effect is sedative.

Blends well with: bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rose, cedarwood, Melissa, citrus oils, marjoram

Applications: application, aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, lightbulb ring, massage, mist spray

Therapeutic Properties: analgesic, anti-anemic, antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiemetic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antipruritic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antistress, antitoxic, aperitive, calmative, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrizant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, emollient, febrifuge, hair/scalp tonic, healing, hepatic, hypotensor, laxative, nervine, regenerator (skin), sedative, stimulant (digestive system; spleen, uterine), stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary

Safety Data: Use it in the lowest concentrations as it has a high odor intensity. Avoid during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Although recommended for skin and respiratory allergies, if oil is used in high concentrations it can actually worsen above conditions. Use in the lowest advocated concentration and discontinue use as soon as condition improves.

Roman Chamomile – Quick Reference

Skin: acne, allergies, boils, burns, cuts, chilblains, dermatitis, diaper rash, earache, eczema, hair care, inflammations, insect bites, rashes, sensitive skin, sunburn, teething pain, toothache, wounds

Circulation, Muscles & Joints: arthritis, gout, inflamed joints, muscular pain, neuralgia, rheumatism, sprains

Digestive: dyspepsia, colic, indigestion, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting

Genito-urinary: dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), menopausal problems, menorrhagia (excessive menstrual discharge)

Nervous: depression, headache, insomnia, nervous tension, migraine, PMS, stress-related complaints

 

Keyword: Soothing

Roman Chamomile Magic: Chamomile is used to attract money, and a handwash of the infusion is sometimes used by gamblers to ensure winnings.

Roman Chamomile Harmony

Add these essential oils to 20 ml / 4 teaspoons carrier oil

To soothe irritated skin:

• 4 drops Roman Chamomile
• 4 drops Neroli
• 2 drops Lavender