Chamomile
Latin Name
Figure 1: Chamomile Roman Chamaemelum nobile. © 2005
Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. (formerly Anthemis nobilis (L.))
Family
Asteraceae
According to the British Pharmacopoeia, the cultivated double variety of C. nobile is the variety used for oil extraction. Do not confuse it with German or blue chamomile Matricaria recutita (L.)[1]or chamomile maroc Ormenis multicaulis (Braun-Blanq. & Maire). (Chamomile maroc should not technically be called chamomile. Botanically and chemically it is not related. It should not be considered a replacement for either C. nobile or M. recutita.)
Common Names
Roman chamomile, English chamomile, chamomile romaine, and camomile
Sources
Chamomile Roman C. nobile is grown for oil extraction in Europe, Britain, Italy, France, and the United States.
Images
Note: This image set is dynamically generated from photos uploaded to flickr tagged with the Latin binomial. This list is dynamic, so the images change as new images are uploaded. While most of the photos are likely to be of this botanical, there is also a good chance that some of them have been mislabeled by flickr users. This is an authentic and valuable opportunity to enhance your critical thinking and identification skills as there are many “look a likes” in nature and out in the digital ‘wild’ of flickr.
History
In Egyptian times, chamomile Roman C. nobile was a sacred flower and was used as an offering to the sun god Ra. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a strewing herb, scattered through houses and along walkways to improve air quality and reduce the insect population.
Parts Used
Flowers
Cultivation
Chamomile Roman C. nobile is a perennial that prefers dry, sandy soil. Propagation is by seed or root cuttings.
Harvesting & Production
The oil is distilled from recently dried flower heads. Once the plants start to flower, they can be harvested every two weeks.
Characteristics
Open your sample of chamomile Roman C. nobile. See if you can identify the following. Note your own experience of the aroma, color, and feel in your notebook.
Active Constituents
Both chamomile Roman nobile and chamomile German M. recutita oils are said to contain the highest ester content of any essential oil, approximately 85%. The three main esters are isobutyl angelate, 2-methylbutyl angelate, and methallyl angelate. Esters are renowned antispasmodics.
Chamomile Roman nobile oil contains chamazulene, an anti-inflammatory substance. It is often used as an ingredient in skincare preparations because of this action.
Chamomile Roman nobile also contains the terpene pinene, the alcohols farnesol and nerolidol, the ketone pinacarvone, and the oxide 1,8 cineol, which is antiseptic and antimicrobial, along with a range of constituents in smaller quantities.
Storage
It is prone to oxidation[2] and should be stored at cool temperatures and in well-filled containers protected from light.
Therapeutic Uses
Chamomile Roman C. nobile essential oil may provide support for: Acne, allergies, anger, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, bites, boils, burns, bronchitis, Candida, capillaries (broken), chilblains, cold sores, colic, conjunctivitis, cuts, depression, dermatitis, eczema, gastritis, headache, indigestion, infection, insect bites, insomnia, irritability, menstrual cramps, migraine, nervousness, sores, sprains, stings, stomach cramps, stress-induced asthma, teething, tinea, toothache, and wounds.
Chamomile Roman C. nobile essential oil’s analgesic (pain relieving) action makes it invaluable for pain relief from a variety of causes, including: Arthritis, burns, headaches, insect bites and stings, migraines, sprains, teething, and toothaches. For headaches and migraines, rub one drop onto the temple, avoiding the eyes, and one drop into the hollow at the base of the neck. For arthritis, burns, and sprains, apply a cold compress. For stings and insect bites, apply undiluted with a cotton ball. For teething, dilute one drop in one-half teaspoon of vegetable glycerin and apply with a cotton ball. For older children (five years and older) and adults with toothache, apply the oil directly to gums using a sterile cotton swab.
Chamomile Roman C. nobile is antibacterial and antiseptic, making it useful for many skin problems. Its anti-inflammatory action (attributed to the chamazulene content) helps to relieve irritation, while addressing the cause. It is also vulnerary, helping to promote healing of fresh cuts and wounds. Use a warm or cold compress.
For conjunctivitis, add one drop of chamomile Roman C. nobile essential oil in one-half cup of warm water and bathe the eye. Be sure to use sterile cotton and discard after each application.
It’s antifungal action means chamomile Roman C. nobile can destroy fungi or suppresses their reproduction or growth. Therefore, it’s useful with Candida overgrowth and tinea. Add three drops to a full bath or use a foot or hand bath.
As an astringent, chamomile Roman C. nobile is also useful for any condition where you need to contract tissues and arrest discharges, such as: Allergies, broken capillaries, dermatitis, insect bites, sores, and sprains.
Chamomile Roman C. nobile is an antidepressant oil, and it can be used in cases of depression or stress-induced asthma. Add three drops to a bath.
It is also well-known for its anti-inflammatory action, which makes it a wonderful choice for counteracting and suppressing any inflammation. Chamomile Roman C. nobile is also an antispasmodic. The combination of the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions makes it useful for allergies, asthma, bronchitis, and eczema. Add three drops to a full bath or use a foot or hand bath.
Chamomile Roman C. nobile essential oil’s antispasmodic action also makes it useful with a wide range of body systems, including stomach cramps, headaches, irritability, nervousness, and stomach cramps. Add three to five drops of essential oil to a full bath.
Further, chamomile Roman C. nobile is carminative; it stimulates intestinal peristalsis and relieves and promotes the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this action, it assists with a range of gastrointestinal problems, including colic, indigestion, gastritis, and stomach cramps. Add five drops of essential oil to a bowl of warm water and soak the feet.
In addition, chamomile Roman C. nobile is an emmenagogue; it tones and regulates the female reproductive system. This action makes it useful for amenorrhea (absence of a menstrual period), dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual period), and menopause. Add five drops of essential oil to one ounce of a base oil and massage the abdomen. Alternatively, use in a hot compress placed over the uterus.
Lastly, chamomile Roman C. nobile is also a sedative; it calms and tranquilizes the nerves. A study with 56 ICU patients showed the patients who inhaled an aromatherapy blend of lavender L. angustifolia, chamomile Roman C. nobile, and neroli C. aurantium var. amaraessential oils slept better after surgery and had lower levels of anxiety[3]. Use with anger, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, or anytime you need to cultivate a calming influence. Add chamomile Roman C. nobile essential oil to a diffuser or in the bedroom; use three drops on a cotton ball placed inside a pillowcase.
Household Uses
Chamomile Roman C. nobile flowers make a pleasant tea. Usually the tea is imbibed as a nightcap. It calms the nervous system, soothes digestion, and prepares you for a revitalizing night’s sleep. As an alternative, place a few drops of the essential oil on a cotton ball and place the cotton ball inside a pillowcase. In the garden, chamomile herb lawns give a sweet apple scent when walked on.
Perfumery
Chamomile Roman C. nobile has a warm, sweet, herbaceous, fruity aroma, but it does not last long. It is used extensively in cosmetics, detergents, perfume, soaps, and hair care products. It is said to impart a warm, fresh note with a natural depth.
Oils that blend well with chamomile Roman include:
Chamomile Roman C. nobile blends well with benzoin S. tonkinensis, bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia, citrus oils, clary sage S. sclarea, geranium P. graveolens, jasmine J. grandiflorum, lavender L. angustifolia, neroli C. aurantium var. amara, oakmoss Evernia prunastri (L.), patchouli P. cablin, and rose R. damascena.
Cautions & Contraindications
Chamomile Roman C. nobile has FDA Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the U.S.[4].
Avoid chamomile Roman C. nobile during the first trimester of pregnancy. For topical applications, conduct a skin patch test as it may cause dermatitis in some individuals[5].
NOTE: Coumarins, linalool, and linalol are potential photosensitizers however Tisserand says it is non-phototoxic[6]. Refer to the section Photosensitivity for use guidelines.
Formulas
Oil for Muscle and Joint Pain
Prepare an infused oil with chamomile Roman C. nobile flowers and peanut oil using the standard formula for an infusion (see recipe in Module 4++). Use either the water bath or solar method.
Essential oil of chamomile Roman C. nobile can also be added to the final product.
Add rosemary R. officinalis essential oil for additional pain-relieving effects.
Facial Oil
Chamomile Roman Chamaemelum nobile oil: 2 drops
Camellia oil: 2 teaspoons
Prepare a small amount of facial oil at a time to ensure it stays fresh. Mix the oils in a small, clean glass jar (or an inert plastic jar) with a tight-fitting lid. Apply a small amount to your cleansed face and neck nightly using light upward strokes.
Notes and References
[1] Chamomile German and chamomile Roman can be easily distinguished in nature. Chamomile Roman is a perennial with scented foliage that smells extremely strong, somewhat like green Granny Smith apples. Chamomile German is an annual and the foliage has no scent. Chamomile Roman has slightly hairy stems, while those of chamomile German are smooth. The flowers of chamomile Roman sit singly atop the stem, while those of chamomile German are on divided stems in a comb-like arrangement. Another distinct characteristic is the cone in the center of chamomile German, which distinctly domes out, whereas chamomile Roman is flat.
[2] Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2013). Essential Oil Safety. (2nd. ed.). Churchill Livingstone: 244.
[3] Cho, M.Y., Min, E.S., Hur, M.H., & Lee, M.S. (2013). Effects of aromatherapy on the anxiety, vital signs, and sleep quality of percutaneous coronary intervention patients in intensive care units. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2013:381381.
[4] See: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=182.20
[5] Paulsen, E. & Andersen, K.E. (2012). Patch testing with constituents of Compositae mixes. Contact Dermatitis, 66(5):241-6.
[6] Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2013). Essential Oil Safety. (2nd. ed.). Churchill Livingstone: 245.
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