Roman Chamomile Anthemis nobilis

Picture credit: Erich Westendarp

Most are familiar with the chamomile flower with its white petals, yellow centre and furry leaves. It was an important plant in Ancient Egypt and was dedicated to the sun god Ra. In ancient Britain it was strewn on the floors of houses to release it’s scent once trodden upon. Today, there are several varieties of chamomile used in aromatherapy and it is widely found in perfumes and cosmetics.

Chamomile’s name is derived from Greek and means “ground apple” due to its apple-like scent. The tea is well known to help with digestive complaints and sleep problems. In the not too distant past, people made a hair rinse with the tea to lighten blond hair. The tea can also be taken to help with menstrual pain, cystitis and nervous complaints. Did you know that the chamomile plant cures any ailing plants and shrubs nearby? In olden times chamomile was well known as the ‘plants’ physician’.

Chamomile essential oil contains a chemical constituent not found in the plant but created during the distillation process. Azulene or chamazulene is a fantastic anti-inflammatory which makes chamomile essential oil so valuable in treating any inflammatory condition.

Physical Healing

As well as being an anti-inflammatory, chamomile is an analgesic and antispasmodic essential oil which means that it eases pain and relieves spasm. It can be used diluted in an unrefined vegetable oil, cream or lotion to massage into muscular pain or arthritic joints. It is very helpful for low back pain, sprains, strains, headaches, neuralgia and ear pain. Its soothing anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice to use in hot compresses for boils, abscesses, blisters, ulcers, inflamed wounds and tooth abscesses. I automatically think of using Roman chamomile if anything is hot, red and sore!

Diluted in an unrefined vegetable oil, it can be massaged over the abdomen for menstrual issues and it is also worth drinking the tea in such cases. Both the essential oil and the tea will not only alleviate the pain and discomfort but will also help to address the tension and anxiety which often lies behind these complaints.

If you are pregnant, Chamomile should be avoided for the first trimester as it is an emmenagogue which means it brings on menstruation. It also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate period pain. It’s a disinfectant for the urinary tract so drinking the tea in copious amounts while also massaging some of the diluted essential oil into the pelvic region (front and back) can be very soothing. Using 2-4 drops of this essential oil in the bath will help with any discomfort or pain associated with cystitis, urinary tract infections, kidney infections, menstrual pain or menopausal symptoms.

Chamomile, whether drinking the tea or using the essential oil topically, is a natural diuretic which helps to reduce fluid retention. Using the oil and taking the tea can help with any digestive complaint such as vomiting, diarrhoea, IBS, wind, ulcers, colitis and liver problems. It is also a very helpful essential oil for asthma.

You will find chamomile is used in a lot of commercial skin care blends as it is top of the list for helping with skin issues such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, allergic skin reactions, broken capillaries and any dry, flaky, itchy, inflamed or sensitive skin conditions. In such cases, I would use it in a cream or lotion and not a vegetable oil base. The cream or lotion ensures that it penetrates the skin faster.

For conjunctivitis or inflamed eye conditions you can use cold chamomile tea bags over the eye(s) several times a day. I would make the tea and drink it and put the tea bags in the fridge for a couple of hours before using them for this. Never use essential oils near the eyes.

This beautiful essential oil is so gentle that it can be used with babies and young children. When babies are teething, you can dilute 1 drop of Roman chamomile in a teaspoon of lotion and massage into the outside of the cheeks or make up some weak chamomile tea and give them a couple of teaspoons when needed. There are also homeopathic and herbal remedies available for teething babies which include chamomile. For childhood earaches, you would dilute it as detailed above and massage the blend behind the ear. Always have an earache treated by your doctor. Of course, Roman chamomile essential oil can help babies and children with sleep difficulties or digestive issues too.

Emotional Healing

Chamomile is a very soothing and calming essential oil. It is an anti-depressant and works exceptionally well for anxiety, nervous tension, irritability, depression, anger, fear, frustration, resentment and stress. It helps to bring acceptance and release expectations either of ourselves or others. It is one of the top oils to use for insomnia. Taking a bath with 3-4 drops of Roman chamomile or a blend of it with other oils can aid a peaceful nights’ sleep.

Spiritual Healing

Chamomile is associated with the solar plexus. It connects us with our inner child and a sense of harmony. Its gentleness brings feelings of peace and comfort helping to ease us into a calm state. This allows us to access more of our innate inner stillness and serenity. Roman chamomile can bring us a sense of understanding and stability in ourselves.

Some blend suggestions:

Dry/Flaky/Itchy Skin

Blend together in 10ml* of base cream and massage into the skin twice daily.

For Insomnia

Place 1 drop of neat Roman chamomile essential oil onto a cotton wool ball and put underneath your pillowcase. Alternatively, put 1 drop on the collar of your nightwear. Having an Epsom salts bath with 2-3 drops of the essential oil in it will help you to relax into a luscious sleep. If you cannot have a full body bath, try a footbath instead…similar effect!

Aches and Pains

Blend together in 10ml* of pure unrefined and preferably organic vegetable oil or a lotion and massage into the affected area 2-3 times daily.

Menstrual Pain

Blend together in 10ml* of pure unrefined and preferably organic vegetable oil or a lotion and massage into the lower abdomen and back twice daily. Alternatively, put on a warm or hot compress and place across the abdomen.

Important Notes 

Essential oils may be toxic to some pets so keep your diffuser and essential oils away from them

Some essential oils have contra-indications so please consult a good aromatherapy book (written by a qualified aromatherapist) before use.

Essential oils are toxic to aquatic life so please do not flush them down the toilet or the sink. Instead, wipe away any surplus essential oils in cream or diffuser with some kitchen paper and put in the bin.

The above blend dilutions are suitable for teenagers and adults.

*5ml = 1 teaspoon.

Holistic Wellbeing has a wide range of essential oils you can view when visiting the Centre. I am always happy to answer any questions so do feel free to get in touch.

---

She also uses flower and tree essences as a support to the psycho-emotional aspects of treatments when needed. Eileen is passionate about holding space for others in their healing and spiritual journeys. Her website is www.eileendoody.com. Her Facebook page is Eileen Doody Therapies.