Chamomile

While we are on the subject of flowers, I thought it would be a nice time to discuss one of the most popular flowers used in natural skin care and aromatherapy.  Chamomile comes in many different varieties.  The two most commonly used in this field are German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis).  Both species of Chamomile are known for their strong anti-inflammatory properties.  They are often used to sooth sensitized and irritated skin.  Chamomile is also used to sooth and sedate the mind.  It is a key ingredient of aromatherapists and is often used to treat insomnia and anxiety.

Chamomile can be used in many forms.  The particular Chamomile product that you should be using will depend on the type of formula that you are creating.  Dried Chamomile Flowers are quite pretty, and are best used in formulas that can feature their unique appearance.  The little golden spheres can be added to bath teas, bath salts, dream pillows, or body wraps to incorporate their soothing properties.  For a more inconspicuous look, try Chamomile Flower Powder.  These Chamomile Flowers have been ground into a fine powder, allowing you to add them into a larger variety of products.  Chamomile Flower Powder can be included in body powder, scrubs, masks, milk baths and more.

When using Chamomile Essential Oils you may want to pay attention to the particular species that you are using.  German and Roman Chamomile yield two very different oils.  While both Essential Oils possess anti-inflammatory properties, their colors, aromas, and compositions are quite different.

German Chamomile Essential Oil
German Chamomile contains a high amount of a component called Azulene.  This chemical gives German Chamomile its deep blue color.  The color in German Chamomile Essential Oil is actually so strong that it may affect the color of your final product!  Unlike the sweet, apple-like aroma of Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile Essential Oil has a very deep, herbaceous aroma.  It is commonly used in soaps, medicinal salves, body balms, lotions, and more.

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil possesses the classic light and sweet aroma that Chamomile is known for.  The aroma is often compared to the scent of a fresh apple.  It blends very well with Vanilla, Honey, Geranium and Clary Sage.  Due to its pleasant smell, Roman Chamomile is usually favored for use as a sedative.  It is used in dream pillows, milk baths, solid perfumes, balms, and much more.   Roman Chamomile Essential Oil tends to have very little color compared to the German variety.  The oil is often pale yellow, pale gray, or very pale blue.

We are also thrilled to be carrying an Organic Roman Chamomile Hydrosol on FromNatureWithLove.com.  This incredible product can be used as a facial toner that can benefit numerous skin types.  Sensitive skin, acne prone skin, and oily skin can all benefit from the use of Organic Roman Chamomile Hydrosol.  This ingredient can also be used to create an Herbal Hair Rinse that will soothe the scalp while adding shine and softness to the hair.  Blond hair can especially benefit from the use of Chamomile as it is known to lighten and brighten blond hair.  To up the Chamomile power in a hair rinse, try adding some Powdered Chamomile Extract.  This concentrated, water soluble extract makes it easy to incorporate herbal properties into your aqueous formulations.