Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile (Anthemis nobzlis), also called bath chamomile, has a sweet, fresh, herbal fragrance. This essential oil is produced through steam distillation from flowers or the whole plant. Roman chamomile contains 1.7 percent essential oil, unlike true chamomile. The essential oil of chamomile is generally used for treating psychological problems—in an aroma lamp, as a bath oil, or as a massage oil. It aids people with general tension; stomach, intestinal, or menstrual problems; and headaches. The oil is very helpful for women with irregular periods and PMS, when used as a bath oil or liniment. For abdominal pain; gallbladder, ear, and throat infection, and for children suffering from colics, moist warm or hot compresses assist healing.

When someone feels morose, grumpy, discontented, or impatient, chamomile is a good remedy. It is beneficial for people who feel short-tempered, self-involved, overly sensitive, or rarely satisfied. This psychological state indicates the need for chamomile oil, a substance also present in homeopathic remedies for the same symptoms, anger and melancholy.

We read about such “creatures” in fables. In the English children’s book The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham, the badger goes about his daily business grumpily mumbling to himself. When the badger says hello, he really means “leave me alone.”

Chamomile, used in an aroma lamp or the bath helps people who are melancholy feel less so. Nervous stomach and abdominal cramps often accompany such feelings. Chamomile helps by soothing the gastrointestinal system. A person who is susceptible to gallbladder problems, sleeps poorly, or complains of tense, hardened muscles needs a chamomile oil massage. People need not be grumpy all the time, like the badger in Graham’s story, hut when we are in a grumpy mood, chamomile may help. When you’re feeling grumpy or angry, don’t stuff your stomach or your head— reach for gentle chamomile. This oil can be combined well with lavender, neroli, rose, benzoe, or geranium in an aroma lamp or as bath oil.

Chamomile is a traditional medicine for children. They too can have days when they feel impatient, disagreeable, or tense. Teething pain, colics, or flatulence may be the underlying causes. For children who wake up during the night or have nightmares and want to be held or walked, chamomile is very helpful. Add it to the aroma lamp in the child’s bedroom or, if necessary, use it as a massage oil or compress, or give the child chamomile tea. For problems during pregnancy, chamomile oil may prove a useful remedy. Here the oil, used for a massage or in the bath mixed with rose oil, helps relieve the expectant mother’s restlessness, fear, and tension.

Chamomile essential oil is associated with amber. This yellowish precious stone has similar qualities. Even today, parents sometimes give children an amber necklace to wear to help relieve toothaches and colics. We know that amber is a powerful remedy when used to relieve tension and cramps. One of the oldest traditional healing stones, it has been used for centuries to help relieve throat infections, fever, earaches, and gallbladder disturbances. This stone has been thought to absorb negative vibrations. Of the many different chamomile varieties, two are most readily available—Roman chamomile and German or true chamomile.

The essential oil from German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, has a much more penetrating and intense fragrance. This oil is the product of steam distillation of the flowers only. Unfortunately, the plant is sometimes treated with the defoliant Agent Orange, like that used in the Vietnam war, for easier harvesting of the flowers. This is a highly toxic substance and some of its residue usually remains in the chamomile oil. It is therefore imperative that the supplier or wholesaler has tested the chamomile oil offered for sale for any Agent Orange residue.

The essential oil of German chamomile receives its deep blue color, sometimes called blue chamomile, from the presence of azulen. It is the main active substance in this oil and, when isolated, appears in the form of deep blue crystals. It is only through distillation or when brewed as a tea that azulen is created from its prior form, pro-azulen. Because of its fever-reducing quality, azulen in isolated form is used in many pharmaceutical preparations. Azulen is present in both Roman and German chamomile oil, but it is found in greater quantities in the latter.

The oil from German chamomile is therefore preferred over Roman chamomile for treatment of infections, wounds, and skin disorders. Taken orally, the oil may be used to treat colitis, gastritis, and infections of the small intestines. It aids healing and helps relieve pain and colics. Chamomile helps soothe chronic gastritis. When used as a poultice, compress, salve, or douche, chamomile may be very effective. For wounds difficult to heal, like open leg sores, abscesses, eczemas, gingivitis, and infected ingrown nails, the essential oil of chamomile is an often chosen remedy.
Chamomile oil has also been used for treating shingles. It may be applied in combination with balm, geranium, lavender, and bergamot.

Both chamomile oils are valued in aromatherapy. Roman chamomile in the aroma lamp may help relieve allergies. Also, German chamomile may be applied topically with balm to relieve allergic reactions. Chamomile oil is widely used in the cosmetics industry, especially for dry, inflamed, irritated skin. It is commonly used in shampoos and conditioners that lighten hair.