Roman chamomile is a creeping perennial which has feathery, fern-like leaves and branched stems with daisy-like flowers. It is native to Western Europe, and is now also cultivated in England, Belgium, France and Hungary.
Roman chamomile essential oil is distilled from the flowering tops of Anthemis nobilis. It is pale yellow to yellow in colour, runny and has a sweet, herbal, warm aroma.
The main actions of Roman chamomile are as an antispasmodic, analgesic, carminative, sedative and vulnerary * See below for meanings.
Chamomile flowers have long been used internally for digestive disorders, and externally for irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, although it is difficult to be certain which chamomile was used. (ie Roman or German, two different species).
Roman chamomile is one of the gentlest essential oils, and this paired with its therapeutic properties make it a wise (and often one of the first) choices for children. It is particularly helpful for calming children, making it very useful with hyperactivity and tantrums, it can be used to help soothe and alleviate pain when little ones are teething or if they have earache, helps relieve the symptoms of colic and soothes nappy rash - but it must be used at a low dilution, as with all other essential oils used with children.
Roman chamomile essential oil is useful for a range of digestive disorders, including indigestion, bloating, wind, pain, inflammation of the bowel, diarrhoea and poor appetite.
It has a soothing, calming and antidepressant effect on the nervous system, meaning it's very useful for tension, anxiety, irritability, frustration and stress. It is beneficial for insomnia, and can be helpful for migraines and headaches.
Roman chamomile is very helpful for muscular aches and pains, after exercise, sprains and strains, and occupational overuse.
Useful also for PMS, Roman chamomile essential oil eases premenstrual and period pains and soothes the nerves, it helps to regulate irregular periods, and is beneficial for morning sickness and during pregnancy in general, in the second and third trimester.
Roman chamomile soothes dry, red and sensitive skin.
Roman chamomile essential oil harmonises, brings peace and soothes the spirit. It is related to the throat chakra, so it helps with expression and communication. It benefits people who feel grumpy, discontented or impatient, or those who feel short tempered, self-involved, overly sensitive or rarely satisfied.
Non-irritating, non-toxic and non-sensitising. Use a lower dose for people with sensitive skin.
Roman chamomile blends well with other herbal oils, citrus, floral and wood oils.
For free qualified advice on how to use it, email info@GalaxyAromatherapy.com
Always take care when choosing your essential oils. Look for botanical names and expiry dates on the label. They should come in dark coloured glass bottles to protect them, and have dripulator tops. Following these guidelines will help to ensure you're buying good quality, pure essential oils.
*Terms:
analgesic - relieves or diminishes pain
antispasmodic - prevents and eases spasms and relieves cramps
carminative - settles the digestive system and aids with gas
sedative - reduces nervousness, distress or agitation, relaxing and calming the nervous system
vulnerary - prevents tissue degeneration and promotes the healing of wounds.
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