Chamomile – most people associate this daisy-like ingredient with tea, but it's also available as an essential oil.
Chamomile oil is derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant, which is related to daisies (hence the visual similarities) and is native to South and West Europe, as well as North America.
There are two types of chamomile plants available. There are two types of chamomile plants: Roman chamomile (also known as English chamomile) and German chamomile. Both plants appear similar, but the German variety contains more of the active ingredients, azulene and chamazulene, which are responsible for the blue colour of chamomile oil.
How is it created?
Chamomile oil, like most essential oils, is extracted from chamomile plant flowers via a process known as steam distillation. According to reports, Roman chamomile yields about 1.7 percent chamomile extract from fresh flowers, while German chamomile yields between 0.2 and 0.4 percent.
For how long have people used chamomile oil?
Chamomile oil has been used for centuries. In fact, it is said to be one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to mankind. Its origins can be traced back to the time of the Ancient Egyptians, who dedicated it to their Gods for its curative properties and used it to treat fever. Meanwhile, it was used by the Romans to make medicines, drinks, and incense. The Chamomile plant was scattered on the floor at public gatherings during the Middle Ages. This was done so that when people stepped on it, its sweet, crisp, and fruity fragrance would be released.
Uses for Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile oil has numerous applications. You may:
Spray it - Make a spray bottle with 10 to 15 drops of chamomile oil per ounce of water, fill it with water, and spritz away!
Disperse it – Put a few drops in a diffuser and let the crisp aroma refresh the air.
Massage it – 5 drops chamomile oil diluted in 10ml Miaroma base oil, gently massage into skin
Bathe in it – Fill a warm bath with 4 to 6 drops of chamomile oil. Then soak in the bath for at least 10 minutes to let the aroma work its magic.
Inhale it – Directly from the bottle or sprinkle a few drops on a cloth or tissue and gently inhale.
Apply it – 1 to 2 drops in your body lotion or moisturiser and rub into your skin. Make a chamomile compress by soaking a cloth or towel in warm water and then adding 1 to 2 drops of diluted oil before applying.
Advantages of Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is both calming and antioxidant.
As a result, there are numerous advantages to using it, including the following:
- Address skin concerns – Chamomile essential oil's anti-inflammatory properties can help calm skin inflammation and redness, making it a useful natural remedy for conditions such as acne.
- Promotes sleep – Chamomile has long been associated with improving sleep quality. One study of 60 people who were given chamomile twice a day found that their sleep quality had improved significantly by the end of the study.
- Reduce anxiety – According to research, chamomile oil reduces anxiety by acting as a mild sedative due to the compound alpha-pinene interacting with the brain's neurotransmitters.
How to Use It Properly
Always perform a patch test to ensure that it does not irritate your skin, and always dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use it.
Some interesting chamomile/chamomile oil facts
- Chamomile is known by a variety of names, including Chamomile (or Camomile), Roman chamomile, English chamomile, Garden chamomile, ground apple, low chamomile, mother's daisy, and whig plant, to name a few...
- Chamomile is Greek for "apple of the ground."
- Chamomile oil is an excellent hair moisturiser, aiding in the retention of moisture and the strengthening of hair from within.
- Chamazulene, an anti-inflammatory found only in chamomile essential oil,
- Chamomile essential oil is ideal for sensitive skin because it is so gentle.
