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Chamomile essential oil is a fragrant plant that has been used for centuries in a variety of ways. It can be used topically, in aromatherapy and diffusers, or ingested as a tea. This blog post will cover information on chamomile essential oils including where it comes from, what health benefits are associated with it and how to use it. We will also talk about some potential safety concerns with the oil.
Table of Contents
What is Chamomile Oil?
Chamomile oil is derived from a plant known as chamomile. Chamomiles are flowering plants that belong to the daisy family and have about 40 species in total, but only six of those varieties produce oils used medicinally. It’s also sometimes called German chamomile or true chamomile to separate it from Roman chamomile which is a different plant.
What is the difference between Roman and German chamomile? One comes from the plant Chamaemelum nobile and the other comes from chamomile Matricaria chamomilla.
Roman chamomile is typically used as a mild sedative to help with anxiety or insomnia, while German chamomile is more often used to make chamomile tea and for its anti-inflammatory properties to treat skin irritations such as eczema and psoriasis.
What are the health benefits of chamomile essential oil?
Chamomile essential oils has a number of health benefits and ways that it has traditionally been used.
Improves Digestion
The study’s authors found that the chamomile oil offered protection against diarrhoea and fluid accumulation in the intestines.
Chamomile oil is a soothing, natural remedy for post-cesarean recovery. A study found that patients who used chamomile oil got their appetite back more quickly and also passed gas sooner than those who didn’t use it.
Thanks to a recent study, it is now known that chamomile extract can relieve muscle pain. This could help explain why people use this oil for digestive conditions like indigestion and cramping!
Skin irritation
Researchers in a 2010 study assessed the effectiveness of German chamomile oil in relieving sensitive skin condition atopic dermatitis by applying it to mice’s skin. Focusing on markers associated with allergy, they found that those who received chamomile had significantly lower levels compared to those who didn’t receive any treatment.
Pain relief
Chamomile essential oil may be the key to pain relief for people with osteoarthritis.
People who suffer from this painful condition often need to take medication just so they can get through their day-to-day activities, but a promising new study suggests that chamomile essential oil might help them with positive effects on their pain levels and alleviate some discomfort in everyday life.
Help with depression and anxiety
The power of smell is underestimated. Not only can it bring back memories, but also positive ones that help eliminate feelings such as sadness and depression thanks to the sense’s connection with our limbic system which controls moods – in moments like this a whiff or two from these oils works wonders on helping people overcome their blues!
Removes Toxic Agents
Chamomile oil is well known for its purifying properties, and can be used as an effective tool to fight fever. It does this by inducing profuse sweating which removes toxins and infections while cooling the body down at the same time!
Boosts Nervous System
One of the effects of chamomile is that it has a calming effect and that makes it an excellent remedy for individuals experiencing nervousness, convulsions and spasms. It is also a nervine which helps to keep the nerves in good health
How to use chamomile in aromatherapy
You can use chamomile essential oil in aromatherapy by adding a few drops to your diffuser.
To use as an inhalant, add chamomile essential oil to hot water and inhale the steam or put it on a towel in front of you and take slow breaths from that area.
You can also use chamomile in a bath either by adding it to the water or using a blend of essential oils. Inhale from your steamy bath for best effects.
Chamomile is also found in some skin care products like lotions or some bath products. You can also make your own products such as bath bombs and add the oil to them.
How to use chamomile oil topically
Add four drops of chamomile oil to a small bowl. Add warm water and mix until the liquid turns cloudy-this should only take about 30 seconds. Apply onto skin with cotton swabs or hands, avoiding sensitive areas such as eyes or mouth.
Keep in mind that each person is different when it comes to how their skin reacts so always spot test a little area first.
Add four drops of chamomile essential oil with two tablespoons of liquid Castille soap into a palm-full of warm water. Mix and then apply to a cotton ball or pad. You can also pour it directly onto the skin after diluting it with water if you like being in the bathtub or shower.
You can also add chamomile oil to bath water or massage oils, dilute in a carrier oil such as coconut oil before massaging onto the skin.
Chamomile essential oil diffuser blends
Add four drops of chamomile oil into your diffuser for aromatherapy benefits that will help induce restful sleep, improve concentration, calm nerves and reduce anxiety.
You can also mix chamomile with other essential oils in blends. A few blends include:
- chamomile, lavender and frankincense for skin care
- chamomile with peppermint in a diffuser to reduce headache pain
- add rosemary or anise oil to chamomile tea blends
Are there any side effects?
As with any essential oils, sometimes you get people who don’t respond to it or who have a problem with it. That’s why being careful when you first start using any essential oil is always important.
Skin irritation
Using essential oils can be a fun way to pamper yourself, but it’s important to know how your skin will react before you apply them. Some people may experience an allergic reaction such as redness and irritation on their arms if they are sensitive which is why testing the oil beforehand is imperative so that there’s no problems when applying the oils elsewhere.
Allergies
Some people may be allergic to chamomile oil. This can happen if you have a reaction to plants related to allergies such as daisies, ragweed and marigolds. Severe reactions are rare but they include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or chest tightness along with other signs like rash, vomiting and diarrhoea which could result in medical emergencies.
Drug interactions
Chamomile may interact with the drugs cyclosporine and warfarin that are used for a variety of conditions. If you’re taking prescription medications for a medical condition, speak to your doctor before using chamomile oil.
Use while pregnant or breastfeeding
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and would like to use chamomile oil, speak to your doctor first about whether it’s safe for you to use the oil.
Soothing and helpful
Conclusion paragraph: We hope we’ve given you a better understanding of what chamomile essential oil can do for you. Not only is it an effective way to soothe pain and relieve tension, but it also has some amazing benefits for your digestion! You may want to try using this versatile oil in the bathtub or diffuser at home. But as always, be sure to talk with your doctor if you have any questions before beginning any new health regimen. What’s your favourite way to use chamomile essential oil?
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