There are two main varieties of chamomile: German chamomile (Chamomilla recitita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Both varieties are relaxing and gently soothing so they have a mildly sedating action and can relax nervous tension without undue sedation and side-effects. The difference lies inherently in their medicinal strength; German chamomile is stronger, more suited to reducing inflamed mucous membranes such as the gut, skin, mouth and respiratory tract whereas Roman chamomile is less bitter, more soothing to the lungs and more directly accelerating menstrual flow.
Both types are excellent for external use and can now be found in a wide variety of skincare preparations and toiletries. Medicinally however, a compress of the fresh, pulped flowers is used for lumbago, joints affected by gout, sciatica, nerve pain and local inflammation. It is one of the few herbs that is considered safe for children and is generally well tolerated. Both types are used interchangeably, particularly in skincare but due to stronger and more specific actions, medical herbalists will select that type that best suits the presenting complaint.
The flower heads of both varieties are uses to make a tea, tincture, cream, ointment or essential oil. The active constituents in chamomile are attributed to apigenin (German) and chamazulene (Roman) amongst other components such as flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids and coumarins. These, in their whole form, act synergistically to confer health and cosmetic benefits associated with this herb. A particularly important component of the German chamomile is the volatile oil which contains alpha-bisabolol and proazulene which not only gives it the characteristic blue colour of the essential oil but also the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties associated with this herb.
Medicinal Uses: IBS, nausea, vomiting, irritability and fretfulness (especially in children), nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, acid stomach, period pain, sciatica
Skincare (external) Uses: sore, inflamed skin, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis, very minor burns, scalds that do not require emergency treatment
Suggested Tips
Face: recommended
for oily skin, deep cleansing, blackheads or problem skin (add a few drops of
essential oil in a facial steam bath). Combines well with lavender for an
anti-blemish night cream
Eyes: as a
compress to soothe tired, sore and inflamed eyes
Hands: as a
skin softener combined into a rich cream made with moisturising ingredients
such as rosehip oil, evening primrose oil or avocado oil amongst others
Feet: use
the fresh flower heads or the essential oils in a soothing foot bath
Hair: recommended
for dry, sensitive hair, and as a colour enhancer for blonde/fair hair. It is a
valuable ingredient in natural hair lightener preparations especially as a
paste
Body: the
infusion is great as a hair rinse. Try adding the dried flowers in a relaxing
bath infusion or as a skin softening milk bath
Caution:
Those
who are allergic to the pollen of other members of the Asteraceae or sunflower
family (eg. dandelion, ragweed) should take care. Chamomile can cause rare
dermatitis and may interact with prescription drugs especially anticlotting
agents. Seek professional advice from a medical herbalist or your doctor before
self-medicating. You can find your nearest herbalist at: www.phytotherapists.org
