Essential chamomile oil comes from an extract from the flowers of the plant. For its preparation, you can use German and Romanian chamomile. The oils of the two have different properties though.
German chamomile oil has many anti-inflammatory properties and is great for inflamed skin, wounds, scalp and so on.
Roman chamomile oil has more calming effects and is great for aromatherapy, relaxing massage or 2 drops for relaxing bath.
Both types are for external use, but only if diluted with another carrier oil. If used internally, be careful to keep it to 1-2 drops of extract in water or tea.
First, let’s start with how to use it. Then, a brief description of the benefits depending on the specific method of use. Last come the benefits in detail with scientific studies.
Table of Contents
How to use Chamomile Essential Oil?
Before I begin, I would like to highlight one interesting fact. It’s about where the name of the Romanian chamomile originated. Because of its soothing properties, Romanian soldiers took this essential oil during the war to soothe and give them courage. Over time, its use has spread around the world but the name has remained. The following uses and benefits are mainly for it.
Apply it to Your Feet Before Going to Bed
Dilute it with another curing oil and apply it to your feet before bedtime. You can also do a small massage. Or, if you have an essential oil diffuser, take it to the bedroom and add the oil.
This will relax you after a hard day and give you a better sleep.
One Drop in a Cup Water
If you have a stressful situation or for whatever reason need something to calm you down, put 1 (optional, but not recommended, 2) drop of extract in the water and drink it.
Thanks to its composition, it will soothe your whole body.
Drop in Tea
Add a drop in any other herbal tea or hot beverage to give it a flavor and complement its soothing benefits.
In the morning, while you are on a break from work, after work, make a tea with a drop of chamomile extract. This is excellent for having a good and peaceful day.
Put One or Two Drops in Hand
Not only for anxiety and stress, but this oil also helped in times of irritability and anger. Drop 2 drops on both hands and pour. Inhale for 30 seconds.
This will calm you down very fast. You can also use an essential oil diffuser, but this is a slower procedure.
Use it For a Relaxing Massage
Dilute it with another carrier oil and you can massage the neck, chest, around the heart, hands, and feet.
It will relax your muscles as well as your soul.
Two Drops in a Bath
After a long day, fill the tub and add 2 drops of oil. Besides relaxing you, it will also regenerate your skin.
German Chamomile Oil Topical Application
Chamomile oil has more anti-inflammatory than calming properties. Dilute it with another carrier oil or body lotion is very recommended. It is highly concentrated.
You can use it for irritated skin, back pain, stomach, muscles. Apply diluted to the skin with irritation or pain. Or, on a warm, damp cloth, drop two drops and place it on the sore spot.
It will soothe and protect the skin from bacteria and inflammation. And in places with pain, it will reduce it.
Chamomile Oil Health Benefits
There are scientific studies on the benefits that follow. Many of these are at the beginning and need further research.
If you consume the oil internally, you have to be careful because it is very concentrated. It is advisable to be under the supervision of an expert.
It Relieves Pain and Improves Physical Function
A study in which the efficacy and safety of chamomile oil in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis showed positive results.
Patients with knee osteoarthritis applied chamomile oil 3 times a day for 3 weeks. After that period, they reported a decrease in pain medication use. They also had a decrease in physical stiffness and function.
The second study examined how topical chamomile oil works for carpal tunnel syndrome. The patients diagnosed with mild to moderate CTS took topical chamomile oil treatment for 4 weeks. After that period, chamomile treatment group symptoms were lower than other groups.
Calming the Digestive System
There is a study about how after cesarean section. In that study, patients took topical treatment by applying the oil to their abdomen.
They recover much faster than others who were not treated with the same oil. Appetite, vomiting, hospital stay abdominal pain got reduced for quite a shorter time.
A study examining whether Romanian chamomile affects smooth muscles has confirmed this. The study also includes people and shows that the oil has calming properties for the muscles. So, it has a positive effect on problems in the digestive system like cramping and indigestion.
Anti-diarrhea and antioxidant activities of chamomile extract protect against fluid accumulation in the intestine. This proved to be the result of a 2014 study in animals.
Reduces Skin Irritation
The efficacy of German chamomile oil for the treatment atopic dermatitis is the subject of this study. It showed significant improvement when applying the oil to the irritated skin of mice.
They also noted that mice with allergies had significantly reduced markers compared to those who did not receive the treatment.
Can be an Aid for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Respondents with moderate to generalized anxiety disorder received chamomile extract as a short-term therapy for the needs of the study.
After 8 weeks, more than half of the respondents reported a reduction in symptoms of anxiety.
A decrease related to a previous study due to anxiety disorders in the morning showed the hormone cortisol decreases. Because of this treatment with chamomile extract and the reduction in symptoms of anxiety, the secretion of this hormone increases, this study has shown.
Wound Healing Activities
Chamomile oil has healing of wounds and antibacterial activities. This is the result of a study done on mice. Those treated with oil had their wounds heal faster.
Chamomile does not count on other antibiotics against wound infection. But, it accelerates the healing process. The reason is that many medicines are from herbs.
Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Cancer Properties
In anticancer and antioxidant activities of German chamomile study, the extract reduces the growth of blood vessels that nourish the tumor and keep it alive. The chamomile extract killed the cancer cells.
There is a study which studied apigenin as a component of chamomile. Apigenin has contributed to the death of human cancer cells.
Can be a Help For Depression
Respondents with depression received an extract of German chamomile for 8 weeks for study purposes. After that period, they reported a significant improvement in mood.
Helps for a Better Sleep
And in earlier blogs I wrote that chamomile tea improves sleep. This time there is a study of how German oil works on sleeping.
Respondents in the study were divided into two groups. One got a placebo and the other got capsule extract twice daily.
At the end of the study, the result was that chamomile extract improved sleep quality.
Chamomile Side Effects and Precautions
Essential oils should not be taken orally. They are very concentrated and can be toxic. You can consume chamomile extract can only in small quantities prescribed by a doctor.
The best way to consume orally is in the form of tea.
Other precautions you need to know are:
- It can cause allergies and is very likely if you are allergic to ragweed and marigold from daisy family
- It can cause irritation so it is important to dilute it with a carrier oil. Still, before you apply it, check on a small part of the skin and do not apply it if redness occurs.
- If you are taking any medications, consult a doctor before you start using it. Chamomile can interact with warfarin and cyclosporine.
- Also during pregnancy consult a doctor before you start using it.
Final Words
There are so many ways you can use essential oils and chamomile extract. Essential oil is from Romanian chamomile and the extract is from German. You can use the first oil externally and it has a calming effect. You can use the second oil or German chamomile internally.
It can help with better sleep, muscle relaxation, digestive system, pain, sores and so on.
If you are not sure before you start using it, seek medical advice.
Learn how to make chamomile infused oil at home with a cold infusion method.
You might also be interested in Chamomile Tea Benefits and Side Effects and Chamomile – What Makes It Healthy?
