by Amelia E. Hoard, RN
Common Name: Chamomile (Roman)
Synonyms: Chamamelum nobile,Garden chamomile
Latin Binomial: Anthemis nobili
Family: Compositae or Asteraceae
Production Method: Steam distilled from the flowering tops.
Countries of Origin: Native to western Europe, now cultivated in England, Belgium, France and Hungary.
Typical Constituents: Isobutyl angelate (0-37.4%), Butyl angelate (0-34.9%), 3-Methylpentyl angelate (0-22.7%), Isobutyl butyrate (0-20.5%),Isoamyl angelate (8.4-17.9%), 2-Methyl-2-propenyl angelate (0-13.1%), 3- Methylpentyl isobutyrate (0-12.5%), 2-Methyl-2-propyl angelate (0-7.4%), Camphene (0-6.0%), Borneol (0-5.0%), a-Pinene (1.1-4.5%), a-Terpinene (0-4.5%), Chamazulene (0-4.4%), [E]-Pinocarveol (0-4.4%), a-Thujene (0-4.1%), Hexyl butyrate (0-3.9%), Terpinolene (0-3.9%), Isobutyl isobutyrate (0-3.7%), Anthemol (0-3.2%), g-Terpinene (0-3.2%), Isoamyl isobutyrate (0-3.1%), d-3-Carene (0-2.8%), Isoamyl 2-methylbutyrate (0-2.8%), 2-Methbutyl 2-methylbutyrate (0-2.7%), Isoamyl butyrate (0-2.6%),Pinocarvone (0-2.4%), b-Myrcene (0-2.1%), r-Cymene (0-2.0%), b-Pinene (0.2-1.6%), Isoamyl methacrylate (0-1.5%), b-Phellandrene (0-1.4%), Propyl angelate (0-1.1%)
Description of Oil: A pale yellow colored, mobile liquid with a sweet herbaceous, somewhat fruity-warm and tealeaf-like odor.
Description of Plant: A pleasant smelling perennial with feathery fern-like leaves and small daisy-like flowers.
History, Folklore and Myth: Chamomile has long been known for its therapeutic properties.
Properties and Uses: Sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Precautions and Contraindications: None known
Other Interesting Information: Roman chamomile is considered one of the gentlest essential oils and is particularly beneficial for treating children.
References:
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Virginia, Queensland, Australia: The Perfect Potion. 1995
Lawless, Julia. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Shaftesbury, Dorset. Element Books. 1995.
Tisserand, Robert, and Tony Balacs. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. 1995.