(Matricaria chamomilla, Matricaria recutita)
Family : Compositae or Asteraceae
Description : German chamomile is an annual herb with delicate feathery leaves and simple, daisy like white and yellow flowers on single stems. The viscous, inky-blue essential oil is steam-distilled from the flower heads.
Country of origin : England, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain
Characteristics : German chamomile has an intense odor that some people find overwhelming until it is diluted. The fragrance has strong, sweet, green herbal top notes with an almost fruity but slightly bitter undertone. It blends well with most other floras, citruses and herbs, and also with patchouli, frankincense, petitgrain and benzoin.
Main therapeutic properties : Analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-viral, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, nervine, sedative.
German chamomile is the first choice to treat inflammation. The presence of azulene-which gives german chamomile its deep-blue color – makes this essential oil a powerful anti-inflammatory. Avoid buying it if the blue is turning to green, as this is a sign of ageing and means the essential oil is no longer fresh. Overall, german chamomile is soothing, calming and balancing.
It is especially valuable in treating cystitis. Hot compresses over the abdomen relieve the hot, burning symptoms and calm the nerves, allaying the anxiety and exhaustion that often accompany cystitis. Drinking copious quantities of chamomile tea alongside the aromatherapy compresses is of great benefit and the two forms of chamomile work in harmonious synergy.
Skin allergies, such as eczema and other rashes, respond well t german chamomile, which should be mixed into a base cream or lotion. Avoid using base oils, as these can aggravate skin allergies, worsening the symptoms of hot, red, dry flaky skin. The gentle action of german chamomile calms, heals and soothes the skin condition while simultaneously alleviating the causes of the allergy.
Psychologically, german chamomile is calming and soothing, especially for irritability and depression, and helps to cool the heat of anger. However this essential oil does need to be blended carefully with others to make it appealing and aesthetic.
Contraindications : avoid in early pregnancy, especially if there is a history of miscarriage.
0 responses so far ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.
Leave a Comment