Essential Oil of the Week: Chamomile

What is Chamomile? Chamomile oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant, which is a very popular flowering plant. There are two different types: Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. Although the essential oils extracted from both are quite similar in the way they are used, their composition is quite different and they possess certain specific qualities worth noting. Roman Chamomile oil is composed of Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Camphene, Caryophyllene, Sabinene, Murcene, Gamma Terpinene, Pinocarvone, Fasenol, Cineole, Propyl Angelate and Butyl Angelate. German Camomile oil is composed of Azulene, Alpha Bisabolol, Bisabolol Oxide A & B and Bisabolene Oxide–A. While these names are long, confusing, and hard to pronounce, it demonstrates how different Roman and German Camomile really are and works to explain their varying effects. While Roman Camomile oil is more calming and works better as an emenagogue, German Camomile oil is a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of a compound called Azulene. While you may not need to remember the compounds, you should know when to use which!   Health Benefits of Chamomile The health benefits of chamomile essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, antidepressant, sedative, digestive, bactericidal, anti inflammatory, and anti infectious. WOW. If that wasn’t enough, chamomile essential oils are also anti-allergenic, and they help cure acne by removing toxins and cleaning endrocrine glands through sweating. As a diuretic, they clean up the urinary system and the kidneys by stimulating increased urination and detoxifying the blood. They can also help cure viral infections like mumps or measles. German Chamomile, specifically, is a vasoconstrictor , reducing blood pressure by relaxing the constriction of vessels, thereby protecting heart health. And last but not least, they can be used in mouthwash to help cure bad breath and illuminate oral infections. For more information please visit :info@tijon.com. You can also find our schedule of classes and store hours on www.tijon.com.