German Chamomile Essential OilBotanical Nomenclature: Matricaria recutita German chamomile essential oil and its role in traditional medicine has been the subject of much debate among serious aromatherapists. The family to which it belongs, Asteraceae, is a large botanical family that has seen many re-classifications among its various species. But today, German chamomile oil is always distilled from the the flowering head of Matricaria recutita. Most aromatherapy oils aren't known for (or judged by) their appearance. But German chamomile's deep blue color is hard to miss. Given this oil's ability to stain just about anything it touches, it may surprise you to learn that German chamomile is immensely important to the cosmetic industry. Widely believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, this intensely-scented oil is also one of the few oils considered safe enough for even young children.
Characteristics of German ChamomileGerman chamomile essential oil should be noticeably blue in color and perhaps just a bit more viscous than other distilled oils. It has an overwhelming "herby" scent with sweet, almost fruity, undertones.Psychological AromatherapyAccording to popular aromatherapy texts, German chamomile is a good oil for "opening up the flow of energy" and easing blocks in the various chakras. This makes German chamomile a good oil for stress, anxiety and tension.German chamomile people are said to be emotionally deep people who are sturdy and reliable. Aromatherapists will diffuse this type of chamomile into the air to combat anger or nervous tension.
Traditional Uses for German Chamomile OilIt's hard to know exactly how German chamomile was used in generations past because until fairly recently, many similar plants were known simply as "chamomile". But Salvatore Battaglia assigns the following therapeutic actions to German chamomile essential oil:
Scientific Studies on German Chamomile OilWound HealingThe various chamomiles have long been considered effective skin soothers and in 2007, a study from Trinidad found that German chamomile oil added to the drinking water of animals sped healing of open wounds. How (or even if) this will someday translate to human use has yet to be seen. Colic While few researchers advocate the practice of giving essential oils to infants, a popular herbal remedy containing German chamomile oil has been found effective at relieving symptoms of colic in mice. This product, ColiMil®, may someday enjoy widespread acceptance as a natural colic remedy for human infants. Inflammation & Arthritis Human studies of German chamomile's alleged anti-inflammatory actions are rare but a 2006 review of past chamomile studies supports the theory that this oil may have what the researchers called "potent anti-inflammatory action".
Safety IssuesMost popular aromatherapy texts list German chamomile as non-toxic and non-sensitizing. However, people who use German chamomile and take the prescription medication warfarin should consult their physician about interactions.Of course, allergic responses to chamomile are certainly possible, too.
References: Battaglia, S. (2005). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Nayak, B., et al. (2007). Wound healing activity of Matricaria recutita L. extract. Capasso, R., et al. (2007). Effects of the herbal formulation ColiMil((R)) on upper gastrointestinal transit in mice in vivo. Segal, R., et al. (2006). Warfarin interaction with Matricaria chamomilla. McKay, D., et al. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.). Leave German Chamomile Essential Oil & return to Essential Oil Directory
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