Chamomile German essential oil information
German chamomile essential oil is extracted from Matricaria chamomilla (M. recutica) of the Asteraceae family and is also known by the names of Blue Chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, Sweet False Chamomile and Single Chamomile.
Properties of Blue (German) Chamomile essential oil
Chamomile German has a sweet, straw-like fragrance, is dark blue/blue-green in color and its viscosity is medium.
Origin of German Chamomile essential oil
This Essential Oil is mostly cultivated in Hungary, Egypt, Eastern Europe and France.
The plant grows about 60 cm high and has a hairless branching stem, with delicate feathery leaves and simple daisy like white flowers on single stems.
Extraction of German Chamomile essential oil
Steam distillation of the flower heads
Chemical Composition of German Chamomile essential oil
Various chemotypes (CT) of the essential oil are available – this is not an exhaustive list and other types of Chamomile may be found in each of the mentioned countries:
- α-Bisabolol oxide A/(E)-β-farnesene CT (Egyptian)
- α-Bisabolol oxide A CT (Egyptian, German, Dutch)
- α-Bisabolol oxide A/α-bisabolol oxide B CT (Brazilian)
- Farnesene/chamazulene CT (Bulgarian)
- α-Bisabolol/(E)-β-farnesene CT (Finnish)
- α-Bisabolol oxide A/chamazulene CT (German)
A chemotype that has a high (-)-α-bisabolol content should be sourced if using the essential oil for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects.
Precautions when using German Chamomile essential oil
There is a theoretical possibility that all chemotypes of this oil may interact with drugs that are metabolised by the CYP2D6 enzyme:
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (eg Donezepil, Tacrine)
- Adrenalin β-receptor antagonists (eg Alprenolol, Carvedilol, Propranolol)
- Analgesics, non-opioid (eg Phenacetin)
- Analgesics, opioid (eg Codeine)
- Antiarrhythmic drugs – eg Lidocaine (class 1b), Mexiletine (class 1b), Spartene (class 1a)
- Serotonin 5-HT3-receptor antagonists (eg Ondansetron, Tropisetron)
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine)
German Chamomile essential oil is generally found to be non-toxic and non-sensitizing, and relatively safe for use on the skin. A few studies suggest an unfavourable reaction to high dilution rates of this oil when applied to the skin – specifically amongst people with known sensitivity to fragrances.
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Therapeutic properties of German Chamomile essential oil
The therapeutic properties of the German oil are analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-spasmodic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, cholagogue, emmenagogue, hepatic, digestive, sedative, stomachic, vermifuge, vasoconstrictor and vulnerary.
Uses
To the Egyptians it was a herb dedicated to the sun, to cure fevers, and to the moon, for its cooling ability. It was also recognized as a soother of nervous complaints and was used in shampoos, cosmetics and perfumes.
German chamomile contains chamazulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This blue crystal is not actually present in the plant, but forms in the oil during distillation and only a small quantity is needed to be effective.
German chamomile is superbly effective on the skin, not only to sooth and calm, but to heal and to encourage tissue regeneration.
German chamomile essential oil has calming and relaxing abilities, especially on the nervous and digestive systems, regulating and easing the menstrual cycle. The oil has a soothing and healing influence on the skin, as well as being a potent remedy for inflammatory conditions.
German or Blue Chamomile has a calming effect on the mind and body and is excellent in treating any type of inflammation – be that internal or external – and is very effective on urinary stones (bladder gravel) as well. It stimulates the liver and gall bladder, thereby improving digestion and is valuable in treating menstrual and menopausal problems.
On the skin, it is a miracle worker and calms red, dry and irritated skin, as well as calming allergies, eczema, psoriasis and all other flaky skin problems. It is high in -(-a)-bisabolol which promotes granulation (healing) and is also a great tissue re-generator.
On the skin
This Essential Oil can be used for asthma, measles, mumps, PMS, menopausal symptoms, as well as rheumatism.]It is useful in general skincare, especially in treating allergic skin.
Burners and Vaporizers
Use in inhalation therapy to treat Asthma, irritability, nervous tension, headaches and stress
Suggested dilution rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 3%
Bath: 1.5% to 5%
3 to 24 months:
Face: 0.1% to 0.25%
Body: 0.25% to 0.5%
Bath: 0.25% to 0.5%
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.25% to 1.5%
Body: 0.25% to 2%
Bath: 0.25% to 2%
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 1.2% to 3%
Bath: 1.2% to 3%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Burners and Vaporizers
Use 4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary
German Chamomile essential oil has calming and relaxing abilities, especially on the nervous and digestive systems, regulating and easing the menstrual cycle. It has soothing and healing influence on the skin, as well as being a potent remedy for inflammatory conditions.
Chamomile German (Blue) essential oil blends well with
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine, Tea tree, Grapefruit, Rose, Lemon and Ylang-ylang.
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