This or That: Chamomile Essential Oils
Jenna Jones
Chamomile has been a presence throughout the lives of many, whether as a tea, tincture, or essential oil. Derived from the daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae family, this herb has long been renowned for its healing and restorative abilities. You may have noticed that we offer two main types of the plant as essential oils - German Chamomile and Roman Chamomile.
Both varieties contain antibacterial, sedative, and analgesic properties, and can be useful for soothing skin, inflammation, and calming the digestive system. The major differences between these highly valued oils is evident in their strengths, chemical properties and physical makeup. Let’s take a closer look at these two delightful essential oils.
GERMAN CHAMOMILE
German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the non-perennial variety of the Chamomile plant. It contains chamazulene, which gives the oil its distinctive dark blue color and anti-inflammatory properties. Thick in consistency, its aroma is herbal, sweet, and straw-like. It is ideal for use on sensitive or inflamed skin, as it promotes the regeneration of damaged skin tissue. German Chamomile can also be effective as a calming agent when inhaled or when diluted and applied topically, particularly for menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Try adding it to body butters or salves for use on sore tendons or injured ligaments.
ROMAN CHAMOMILE
With a sweet, herbaceous, more apple-like aroma, Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is extracted from the perennial, low-lying ground cover and is ideal for incorporating into sleep blends. Unlike German Chamomile, this variation is high in esters and has a yellow, blue-tinted color. Due to its gentle, calming effect, it is an excellent option for use with children, and has been found to be beneficial for pregnancy and birth. This oil can ease allergy symptoms and may also relieve headaches, asthma and anxiety. Add 5 drops to a personal inhaler or diffuser during allergy season or times of stress.
What's your favorite Chamomile essential oil? Let us know in the comment section below!
9 comments
Hi Beth! You can learn more about the difference between German Chamomile essential oil and CO2 here: https://www.edensgarden.com/blogs/news/aaa-whats-the-difference-between-co2s-and-essential-oils
Please update this article including the differences between CO2 and steam distilled German Chamomile, not just German vs. Roman, THANKS!
This was an excellent article pointing out similarities and differences between these two chamomiles. Thank you. To Lynne Lott, who ordered Roman Chamomile to be used for diffusion with Lavender with a friend’s 5 year old autistic daughter: did this help in calming the young child? I have a 1-year-old great-nephew who has been diagnosed as autistic. I have bought sandalwood, which helps, but would like some other oils to switch out with that.
I’m ordering Roman Chamomile for a friend’s 5 yr old autistic/add daughter to be used in diffuser with Lavender.