Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is also known as Anthemis nobilis, camomile, English chamomile, garden chamomile, sweet chamomile and true chamomile.
Origin
Belonging to the Asteraceae family (Compositae), Roman chamomile is one of the oldest herbs with medical reputation in Europe and especially in the Mediterranean region. It was employed by the Egyptians and the Moors almost 2000 years ago and it was held to be the“plant´s physician”, since it promoted the health of plants and herbs nearby. It was also used to help nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and mental stress.
Chemical properties
Its main chemical constituents are esters of angelic and tiglic acids (approx. 85 %), with pinene, farnesol, nerolidol, chamazulene, pinocarvone (ketones), cineol, among others.
Therapeutic properties
Roman Chamomile has several therapeutic properties and indications:
• Antianaemic: anaemia
• Antiinflammatory: eczema, gout, inflamed skin, rheumatic pain, skin irritation, neuritis, etc
• Antispasmodic: migraines, headaches, infantile diarrhea
• Calming, sedative: insomnia, irritability, migraine, nervous depression, nervous shock
• Carminative: gas, intestinal colic
• Digestive: indigestion, loss of appetite
• Emmenagogic: nervous menstrual problems
• Menstrual: menopause, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea
• Ophthalmic: conjunctivitis, sore tired eyes
• Vulnerary: boils, burns, wounds
Plant characteristics and essential oil extraction
Roman chamomile is a small daisy-like plant that grows in Europe and is harvested mainly in France and the Czech Republic.
Its essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flower heads and it is a pale blue liquid (turning yellow on keeping) with a warm, sweet, fruity-herbaceous scent. It blends well with bergamot, clary sage, jasmine, neroli, rose, geranium and lavender.
Volatility
Roman chamomile essential oil is a middle note (balancing), and it will usually last from 1-3 days.
Observations
• There are no known contra-indications for the oil, but chamomile tea may cause anaphylaxis, contact dermatitis or other hypersensitivity reactions in allergic individuals
• No phototoxic effects reported
• The oil mixed with flour is a folk remedy for the liver, stomach and spleen
• Oil is active against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans
References:
• Price, Shirley, Price, Len 2007 Aromatherapy for Health Professionals UK: Elsevier
• Lawless, Julia 2002 The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK: Thorsons
