by Amelia E. Hoard, RN
Common Name: Chamomile (German)
Synonyms: Blue chamomile, Hungarian chamomile
Latin Binomial: Matricaria chamomilla
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
Production Method: steam distilled from flowers
Countries of Origin: Native to central and northern Europe; cultivated in Hungary, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Russia, Germany, Belgium and Spain.
Typical Constituents: Farmesene/chamazulene CT (Bulgarian)
Farnesene (27.7%), Chamazulene (17.6%), a-Bisabolol oxide B (11.2%), a-Bisabolol (9.6%), a-Bisabolol oxide A (8.9%), d-Cadinene (5.2%), a-Muurolene (3.4%), [E]-b-Ocimene (1.7%), g-Muurolene (1.3%)
Description of Oil: A deep, inky blue with an intensely sweet herbaceous odor.
Description of Plant: A fragrant, low, annual herb with delicate feather leaves and simple daisy-like white flowers.
History, Folklore and Myth: Used since antiquity internally for digestive disorders and externally for skin and mucous membrane irritations. The Egyptians dedicated this herb to the Sun because it cured fever (heat). Egyptian priests recognized its soothing properties in nervous complaints.
Properties and Uses: Analgesic, anti-alergenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, sedative, stomachic, vulnerary.
Precautions and Contraindications: Chamomile has been used for centuries to highlight and condition fair hair.
References:
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Virginia, Queensland, Australia: The Perfect Potion. 1995.
Tisserand, Robert, and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. 1995
Sellar, Wanda. The Directory of Essential Oils. London: Random House. 2005