Chamomile is a type of flower/herb that includes several plants in the Asteraceae family. It is a popular herb that comes in several forms, but one of the most popular is an essential oil. There are several types of chamomile essential oil, but the two most popular are Roman and German strand.
German chamomile is made from a flower in the daisy family and is known as “blue chamomile oil” because of its deep blue color. German chamomile is best for treating internal and external inflammation and certain skin conditions. Roman chamomile comes from an evergreen plant and is best used for muscle pain and cramps and to relax the body and mind. Keep these differences in mind when choosing which essential oil best suits your needs.
Benefits of chamomile essential oil
1. A natural way to treat anxiety
Recent studies have shown positive results when using chamomile oil to treat generalized anxiety disorders. A 2017 study found that chamomile extract reduced symptoms of GAD over the course of 8 weeks and was comparable to conventional anxiety medication treatment. More research needs to be done, but chamomile oil may be a medicine alternative to treat anxiety and high cortisol levels.
2. Improves sleep quality
Chamomile is a mild sedative, so it can relax the nervous system and make you drowsy. Multiple studies have found that drinking chamomile tea before bed can help improve sleep in people with insomnia, menopausal women, and post-pregnancy women. This is all due to a flavonoid, apigenin, which serves the same function as prescription drugs that treat insomnia. Chamomile is one of the highest natural sources of apigenin and therefore one of the best holistic treatment options to improve sleep.
However, because chamomile is so good at making you sleepy, it’s important to remember to take it at the right time of day. Taking chamomile if you don’t want to be tired is not recommended.
3. Chamomile soothes sensitive skin
German chamomile oil has a long history of improving skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. This is because this particular type of oil contains three organic compounds that have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects. More Western medicinal testing needs to be done to confirm this scientifically, but if you suffer from sensitive skin and/or a skin condition but are not bothered by the side effects of topical steroids, try diluted chamomile essential oil.
Please note that if you apply chamomile to your face to treat your skin, make sure that it does not get near your eyes as this will irritate your eyes significantly.
4. Relieves gas and indigestion
Many suffer from indigestion, gas and bloating, and chamomile oil may help alleviate digestive problems. Several studies have shown that topical application of chamomile oil had muscle relaxing effects on the intestines, helping patients pass gas more quickly and providing protection against fluid buildup in the intestines. If you suffer from digestive problems or gas, try rubbing some diluted chamomile oil on your abdomen to relax your intestinal muscles.
5. Reduce menstrual pain
Heavy bleeding and pain during menstruation are common effects that almost everyone who has had their period has experienced. Besides over-the-counter pain relievers, there are not many other treatments to relieve women’s menstrual symptoms, which is why many turn to alternative methods of pain relief, such as chamomile oil. Several studies have been conducted on the effect of chamomile on menstrual pain. The general consensus is that chamomile, when taken in an oral capsule, can be used to reduce menstrual pain and bleeding. So if you want to reduce menstrual bleeding and cramps, talk to your doctor about using chamomile.
6. Wound healing
A study showed that Roman chamomile improved wound healing of infected wounds compared to a traditional antibiotic. The study found that chamomile actually had a higher healing rate than the antibiotic; however, more studies need to be done to substantiate this claim. So if you’re off antibiotics or leading a more holistic lifestyle, give diluted chamomile oil a try the next time you need a disinfectant.
7. Joint and muscle pain
The topical application of chamomile oil to inflamed joints can significantly reduce the need for pain medication. Tested on people with osteoarthritis, patients noticed that they did not need painkillers if they regularly applied chamomile oil to their inflamed joints.
8. Hair health
Chamomile is a fairly well-known hair and scalp strengthener. There isn’t much formal research to prove this; However, hundreds of years of use have shown that chamomile has benefits for the hair. These benefits include stimulating the scalp to promote hair growth; brightening hair color, preventing split ends and reducing dandruff. Specifically in tea form, chamomile tea works as a natural exfoliant that reduces dandruff and contains vitamins that promote healthy hair follicles. It also has the natural ability to lighten and nourish the hair as it enhances the natural golden color of blonde hair and prevents dryness and brittle ends.
Chamomile warnings and side effects
- Remember to always dilute your concentrated essential oil with a carrier oil, as applying concentrated essential oil directly to the body can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
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Possible chamomile allergy: The chamomile plants are in the same family as ragweed, marigolds and daisies, so if you are allergic to any of these other plants, chances are you will also be allergic to chamomile plants. It is recommended not to use any form of chamomile until you are sure that you are not allergic to it either.
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Medication: Be careful using chamomile oil if you are taking blood thinners, sedatives and/or anti-anxiety medications, as chamomile may interfere with the effects of these medications. If you want to start using chamomile but are taking one or more of these medications, talk to your doctor before using chamomile so that you are aware of all possible side effects and symptoms.
References:
Chamomile Oil: 20 Benefits, Side Effects, Uses and How to Make
Chamomile: a herbal remedy from the past with a bright future – PubMed
Does Chamomile Tea Help You Sleep?
4 Amazing Benefits of Using Chamomile for Hair
Roman vs. German Chamomile Oils: How to Choose and Use | Essential 3
In vivo antibacterial and wound healing activities of Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) – PubMed
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