This is the oil for women and children. There are many types of chamomile in the market. Roman chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile) and German Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla or Chamomilla Recutita) are the true camomiles used in aromatherapy.
Moroccan chamomile (Tanacetum anuum, or Ormenis mixta) is not a true camomile, but it contains large amounts of azulene. It is used for allergic reactions and for burns and sunburns. It should be diluted by adding 1 drop of Moroccan Chamomile to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (like sweet almond oil, for example) before applying on your skin. Like true chamomiles, it is anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic. It is also valuable in aromatherapy.

For general first aid for adults and children, mix 2 drops of lavender oil and 1 drop of chamomile oil in 1 teaspoon of cold pressed sweet almond oil. Keep in a small dark coloured glass bottle for emergencies like the usual knocks and bruises and skin irritations children may encounter in the home. It can also be used for mild pain relief. This mixture is for external use only.

CAUTION.
Artemisia arborescens, a Mugwort is often sold as Blue Camomile as it is very rich in azulene and chamazulene. Mugwort contain large amounts of Thujone, a ketone. Hence Mugwort is poisonous. It can cause abortions.

To be safe, avoid chamomile oil during pregnancy.

Roman Chamomile

Composition and properties

Roman Chamomile mainly esters of angelic and tiglic acids, chamazulene and other components. It is soothing and calming, relieves cramps, spasms and shock It is also used in hair products. It is a good pain killer for dull aching pains.

Uses

For shock, massage 2 drops undiluted onto the chest region. For cramps or spasms, apply a few drops undiluted on the affected region.
To use to relieve dull aching pains, dilute the oil (3 drops in 1 teaspoon of cold pressed vegetable oil eg. sweet almond oil) and apply externally on the affected region. Or, it you are not allergic to it, apply a few drops undiluted externally on the affected region.
To relieve stress, dilute the oil (1 drop in 1 teaspoon of cold pressed vegetable oil) and use as a massage oil for the body.

Caution

Chamomile oil may cause dermatitis in some individuals. This is usually due to impurities found in the oil. Make sure the oil is pure, free of impurities and is from a reputable supplier who supplies to aroma therapists.

German Chamomile

Composition and properties

Contains sesquiterpenes, chamazulene, bisabolol oxide and other components. It is anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic. It is very effective against skin inflammations. Unfortunately, good quality German Chamomile oil (the alpha-bisabolol chemo type) is very expensive and hard to get.

Its properties are similar to Roman Chamomile but it has greater anti-inflammatory properties as it has more azulene in it.

In beauty, it is used in skin care products for sensitive skins.

Uses

This is a great oil for children. It can be used to soothe a child's colic or stomach upsets. Put 1 drop of pure good quality German chamomile oil in 1 tablespoon of cold pressed sweet almond oil. Massage the mixture clockwise on his stomach. It helps soothe the child.

For nappy rash, put 1 drop of pure good quality German chamomile oil in 1 tablespoon of cold pressed sweet almond oil. Apply on a clean bottom.

For skin irritations, apply a good quality pure German chamomile oil on the irritated skin. For burns, apply ice, followed by a few drops of pure German chamomile oil.

Caution

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