Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil can be made from several different flower species in the genus Chamomile (Matricaria), but the most popular and used species are without a doubt the following:

• Fragrant Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Fragrant chamomile is also called blue chamomile. Chamomile oil is made from fresh chamomile flowers and is extracted by steam distillation.

In this article you can read about the many properties and practical uses of chamomile oil.

Properties of chamomile oil

Chamomile has been used as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years and the flower has been used across borders and cultures. Medical science today recognizes that chamomile can be used for certain medicinal purposes and there are a number of studies to support this. A 2011 publication from phcogrev.com, for example, includes this in their conclusion:

“Chamomile is in high demand in the world market due to its extensive medicinal values and impeccable pharmaceutical properties…”

“Chamomile is a well-known medicinal plant species from the basket flower family and is often referred to as the ‘star of medicinal plant species' (…) Its multi-therapeutic, cosmetic and nutritional values have been established through years of traditional and scientific applications and studies.”

Although the translations may sound a bit clumsy, the words speak for themselves. Keep in mind, however, that you can't lump chamomile oil and chamomile flowers together, as they obviously don't have exactly the same properties.

Despite all the fine words above, there are still no scientific studies that have been able to prove that chamomile oil can be used to treat disease.

Undocumented properties

There is no scientific evidence that chamomile oil can be used to treat the following health problems:

Researched properties with lack of evidence

Although the effects of chamomile oil on the following health problems have been investigated in scientific studies, there is no evidence yet that chamomile oil can be used to treat the following:

• Anisakiasis: This condition is caused by infection with the larvae of the fish roundworms Anisakis simplex or Pseudoterranova decipiens. The infection can be avoided by frying, boiling or freezing fish. Today, 9 out of 10 cases occur in Japan where people eat a lot of raw fish, such as in sushi. A 2012 study has indicated that chamomile oil is likely to be used as an anthelmintic against Anisakiasis simplex and thus a possible solution to this health problem

• Eczema/rash: Several studies have indicated that chamomile oil is likely to have a remedial effect on eczema and other skin rashes. However, these studies have so far only been conducted on laboratory animals and therefore cannot be assumed to also apply to humans

• Nervous system: A 2012 study showed that chamomile oil (and peppermint oil) can stimulate the nervous system in mice, which may be interesting for the treatment of mental disorders. However, the basis of the study is far too flimsy to draw a parallel between chamomile oil and the treatment of mental disorders in humans

• Wound healing: Studies on rats have shown that chamomile extract can speed up the wound healing process. As the study was based on rats (not humans) and chamomile extract (not chamomile oil), it is in no way proof that chamomile oil has the same effect in humans

Documented properties

• Biocidal: Chamomile and chamomile oil have been proven in numerous studies to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. A 2012 study suggests that chamomile oil may be used as a preservative in food and cosmetics and perhaps even as a new type of antibiotic

• Insect repellent: Several studies have shown that chamomile oil can be used as an environmentally friendly repellent against insects – especially wasps and blowflies. We also know from other research that many other essential oils are suitable as organic insecticides

Chamomile oil uses

Cosmetics and cosmetics

In cosmetics, chamomile oil is mainly used in soaps, shampoos, creams and ointments. 

Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy, chamomile oil is used in massage oil, hot baths and for diffusion in the air. In aromatherapy, chamomile oils are commonly divided into two types, each with different properties:

• Fragrant Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – other names include: Blue Chamomile, Hungarian Chamomile, Wild Chamomile

• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile oils are suitable for blending with the following oils:

Precautionary measures

• Chamomile oil should not be used by pregnant women

• People who are allergic to flowers in the basket flower family should avoid chamomile oil (or at least proceed with caution)