There are three types of Chamomile essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy. Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica) and Maroc Chamomile (Ormensis multicaulis). Our Consultant Aromatherapist, Christine Fisk, profiles the two most popular varieties sold by Base Formula.

Botanical name:

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica / recutita)

Botanical family:

Asteraceae (formerly known as Compositae)

Synonyms: 

Roman Chamomile: Camomile, English Chamomile, Garden Chamomile, Sweet Chamomile, True Chamomile

German Chamomile: Camomile, Hungarian Chamomile, Wild Chamomile, Blue Chamomile, Sweet False Chamomile

Geographical origin, habitat and plant morphology: 

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is a small aromatic, perennial herb with feathery fern-like leaves and branched creeping stems with daisy-like flowers; it is native to southern and western Europe and is found in fields and in cultivated grounds.  

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica) is native to central and northern Europe.  The herb usually grows near populated areas; it is annual, strongly aromatic, and has tall, hairless, erect, branching stems, with delicate feathery leaves and simple daisy-like white flowers on single stems. The flowers are smaller than those of Roman Chamomile.

Common method of extraction:

Steam distillation 

Part typically used: 

Flowering tops

Colour: 

Roman Chamomile: Pale blue turning pale yellow on keeping.

German Chamomile: Deep, inky-blue viscous oil, due to higher levels of chamazulene*.

Odour: 

Roman Chamomile: Strong, warm, herbaceous, apple-like aroma.

German Chamomile: Intensely sweet, herbaceous odour with a fresh, apple-like undertone.

Perfumery note:  

Both essential oils are middle notes

Yield: 

Roman Chamomile: 1.5%

German Chamomile: 2.0%

1% yield means that 100 kilos of plant yields approximately 1 litre of essential oil

Chemical composition: 

Roman Chamomile: Typical notable chemical composition of Esters 75%, Aliphatic aldehydes 2.0%, Ketones 3.0%, Sesquiterpenes 3.0%, Lactones and coumarins yes, Remainder 2.0%, Oxides 5.0%, Acids yes, Monoterpenes 5.0%, Alcohols 5.0%.

German Chamomile: Alcohols 20.0%, Sesquiterpenes 35.0%, Lactones and coumarins yes, Remainder 9.0%, Oxides 35.0%, Monoterpenes 1.0%, (Caddy, 1997).

*Roman Chamomile contains 5% of chamazulene, a sesquiterpene, and German Chamomile contains about 50%. (Sharafzadeh & Alizadeh, 2011). Chamazulene is not present in the plant but is produced during the distillation process. It gives the oil its blue colour and is a strong anti-inflammatory agent.

Historical facts and traditional uses:

Use of this herb dates back as far as ancient Egypt where it was dedicated to their gods, and used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.  The herb has also been used medicinally in Europe for over 2000 years. 

Therapeutic properties and indication uses relevant for both essential oils:

Integumentary system

Therapeutic properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic
• Bactericidal
• Cicatrizant
• Vulnerary

Therapeutic uses:

• Bruises
• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Minor wounds  

Digestive system

Therapeutic properties:

• Anti-spasmodic
• Carminative
• Stomachic

Therapeutic uses:

• Colic
• Indigestion
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Musculoskeletal system

Therapeutic properties:

• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory

Therapeutic uses:

• Muscular pain,
• Joint pain
• Rheumatic pain

Nervous system

Therapeutic properties:

• Nervine
• Sedative

Therapeutic uses:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Migraines
• Stress
• Tension Headaches

Reproductive system

Therapeutic properties:

• Anti-spasmodic
• Emmenagogue

Therapeutic uses:

• Amenorrhoea (lack of periods)
• Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)

Cautions and contra-indications:

Both oils are reputed to be non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitising.  Although sensitisation potency is moderate and frequency rare the use of both Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile should be avoided if allergies to this oil or other Asteraceae oils exist (Blumenthal et al 1998, cited in Battaglia, S. (2007).  Known allergens include: Limonene, Linalool and Citronellol.  A patch test is recommended for individuals with sensitive skin, as follows: A) Put 1 drop of carrier oil below the crease of the inner elbow, covering with a bandage and leaving for up to 24 hours before checking the area for indication of irritation.  B) Blend 1 drop of Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) in 2ml of carrier oil and repeat the same process again. Repeat steps A) and B) for German Chamomile Matricaria recutica.

Interaction with drugs:

Currently there is no reliable data available although due to the coumarin content in both essential oils, care should be taken to avoid potential drug interactions with blood thinners.

Blends well with:

Most other essential oils including Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Rose (Rosa centifolia), Sweet Orange (Citrus aurantium sinenis).

Research studies:

The antimicrobial activity of Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) was tested against various strains of Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella sp.) as well as against the yeast Candida albicans using a modified agar dilution and agar diffusion method.  Results showed that the sample showed high antimicrobial activity against the strains of tested microbes but not Escherichia coli (Bail, et al., 2009).

In 2014, a randomized clinical trial was carried out which included 152 participants, all of whom were identified as requiring an Endoscopy, with endoscopy related anxiety known to affect results.  The participants were divided into an intervention and control group.  The intervention group inhaled German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica), whilst the control group inhaled a placebo (Sesame oil).  The results indicated that the essential oil effectively reduced the anxiety of patients awaiting the medical procedure (Gholami, Tabaraei, Ghorat, & Khalili, 2014).

In a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 86 patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome received a wrist splint plus topical application of chamomile oil or a placebo for 4 weeks. The dynamometry (power output), functionality and symptom severity scores showed a significant improvement in patients receiving chamomile versus the placebo. Compound latency of the median nerve was also significantly decreased in chamomile patients (Hashempur et al, 2017).

In a double-blind randomised controlled trial, 90 infants less than 12 months old, were treated for nappy rash with chamomile and calendula ointments for seven days.   Findings indicated that the severity of the nappy rash for infants in the Chamomile group was reduced to zero by the seventh day (Afshari, Jabraeili, Asaddollahi, Ghojazadeh, & Javadzadeh, 2015).

Methods of application and suggested recipes:

May be used in massage, bathing, inhalation, compresses.

Stress-relieving blend

• 2 drops of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• 4 drops of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica)
• 1 drop of Rose Otto (Rosa centifolia)
• 12 ml of Calendula oil

Place up to 5ml of the blend in a warm bath and soak for up to 20 minutes.  Alternatively, place the essential oils in a aromatherapy diffuser or candle burner and inhale the aromatic odour. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea prior to retiring for the night may also help ensure a good night’s sleep.

Nappy rash blend

• 5 drops of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica)
• 20ml of Sunflower Seed oil (Helianthus annuus)

Apply twice a day to the affected area. 

Tension headaches

Make a cold compress. Take approximately 100ml of refrigerated water and add 2 drops of German Chamomile (Matricaria recutica) and 3 drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Place a folded piece of material on top of the water and allow it to soak. Wring out the excess water and place the cloth on the forehead or back of neck. The compress can be replaced when it has warmed up to body temperature but should not be left on the affected area for more than 10 minutes.

Menstrual cramps

Make a warm compress. Take 100ml of hot water, as warm as can be comfortably tolerated, and add 3 drops of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and 2 drops of Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis).  Place a folded piece of material on top of the water and let it soak. Wring out the excess water and place it over the abdomen or lower back.  The warm compress may be covered with cling film and a towel placed on top.  The compress should be replaced with a new compress as soon as it has cooled to body temperature.

Glossary of terms:

Analgesic: Relieves or reduces pain

Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation

Antiseptic: Destroys or controls pathogenic bacteria

Anti-spasmodic: Counters spasms and cramps

Bactericide: Prevents growth of or kills bacteria

Carminative: Settles digestion, eases gripes and relieves flatulence

Cicatrizant: Promotes healing via the formation of scar tissue

Emmenagogue: Promotes and regulates menstruation

Nervine: Nerve tonic, stimulates and strengthens nervous system

Sedative: Calming, allaying excitement or pain

Stomachic: Promotes appetite or assists in digestion

Vulnerary: Promotes healing of wounds and sores

Christine Fisk
Consultant Aromatherapist

Disclaimer & Safety Advice

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References:

Afshari, Z., Jabraeili, M., Asaddollahi, M., Ghojazadeh, M., & Javadzadeh, Y. (2015). Comparison of the Effects of Chamomile and Calendula Ointments on Diaper Rash. Journal of Evidence Based Care, Vol.5(2), pp.49-56.

Bail, S., Buchbauer, G., Jirovetz, L., Denkova, Z., Slavchev, A., Stoyanova, A., . . . Geissler, M. (2009). Antimicrobial Activities of Roman Chamomile Oil From France and Its Main Compounds. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 21(3), 283-286. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2009.9700171

Battaglia, S. (2007) The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd Ed. Australia: The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy

Caddy, R. (1997). Aromatherapy Essential Oils in Colour. Amberwood Publishing Ltd.

Gholami, A., Tabaraei, Y., Ghorat, F., & Khalili, H. (2014). The effect of inhalation of matricaria chamomile essential oil on patients’ anxiety before esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Govaresh, Winter 2018, Vol.22(4), pp.232-238.

Hashempur MH, Ghasemi MS, Daneshfard B, Ghoreishi PS, Lari ZN, Homayouni K, Zargaran A. (2017) Efficacy of topical chamomile oil for mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 26: 61-67. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.11.010.

Sharafzadeh, S., & Alizadeh, O. (2011). German and Roman Chamomile. Journal of Applied Pharmaecutical Science, 1(10), 01-05. Retrieved December 31, 2019, from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/adb1/ba5a6ab84d31fa67eace93609984cfbd48a3.pdf