Chamomile, also known as German chamomile, scientific name Matricaria chamomilla, belongs to the Asteraceae family that includes also arnica and marigold. From the small flowers of chamomile, through steam distillation, one of the most powerful essential oils is obtained, the so called blue chamomile essential oil. This essential oil is characterized by anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the presence of a particular active substance, the chamazulene (Safayhi et al, Plant Med 1994), it has also an antispasmodic, relaxing and soothing effect (Srivastava et al, Mol Med Report, 2011). It should be always used diluted because it is a very strong essential oil. Let’s see the main applications.
In case of skin problems
Blue chamomile essential oil is soothing, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory (Miraj et al, Electron Physician, 2016) and results useful to treat wounds, acne, red skin, sensitive skin, burns, sunburns but also nappy rash. You can dilute 1 drop of essential oil in a tablespoon of a plan based oil, such as jojoba oil, or in a little body or face cream, apply on the part. Also in case of irritations and eczema in the ear you can use the blue chamomile essential oil, dilute a drop of essential oil in a plant based oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond oil, soak a gauze in this lotion and put in the ear.
Cramps and spasms
Blue chamomile essential oil, thanks to its antispasmodic action, helps in case of abdominal cramps, poor digestion but also period pains. Mix 2-3 drops of essential oil in a massage oil, such as wheat germ or sweet almond oil, and apply on the part with a circular massage. The antispasmodic action is also able to decrease the contractility of the muscles of the urinary tract and the remedy has demonstrated to be able to counteract, or at least, limit, nocturnal enuresis in children after the application of a blue chamomile extract on the lower abdomen (Sharifi et al, J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med, 2017).
Depression and anger
This essential oil results calming and useful in case of nervousness, anger or depression (Mao et al, J Clin Trials, 2014 or Amsterdam et al, Altern Ther Health Med, 2012) because it brings harmony and serenity. Blue chamomile essential oil results useful also in case of insomnia. You can benefit from the relaxing action of the essential oil in this way, pour 7-8 drops of essential oil on a handful of sea salt, add to the warm water of the bath and have a wonderful and calming bath. In alternative you can add two drops on a handkerchief and breathe during the day.
Rheumatism, muscle pain, headache
Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties the chamomile essential oil can be used to counteract rheumatic and muscle pain. In 100 ml of a plant based oil, such as sweet almond oil or wheat germ oil, add about ten drops of blue chamomile essential oil and use this lotion for massages on the part. But blue chamomile essential oil is also helpful to soothe the headache. You can soak a towel in fresh water, add 2-3 drops of essential oil and put the towel on the forehead, relax.
