There are three types of chamomile oil commonly used in medicine and cosmetology. Let’s find out from what raw material each of them is obtained, and what is included in their composition.
Types of chamomile oil
Chamomile oil of the apothecary (classic)
The plant extract is obtained from the flowers of the apothecary chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), an annual plant in the Composite family, or Asteraceae. It grows in Russia, North America and the British Isles and is cultivated in Morocco, India, Australia, Germany and France.
It has branched stems up to 60 cm high and pinnately dissected leaves.
It blooms in many different ways depending on the location and climate. In the Moscow area for example Camomilea apothecary blossoms in June and blooms by the end of the month. The flowers are small, with yellow midrib and white narrow petals.
The composition of chamomile aphidum oil, which is colored blue in its pure form, includes:
- cumin aldehyde, a cumin-scented substance used in perfumery,
- Azulene, an antimicrobial and anti-allergenic substance.
- The oil has a pleasant fruity smell with apple notes.
Blue chamomile oil
The oil is obtained from the flowers of the blue chamomile (Matricaria recutita) from the Asteraceae family. It is distinguished from the previous species by its dark blue flowers. Blue chamomile grows throughout Russia and is cultivated in Hungary, Czechoslovakia and a number of other European countries.
Blue chamomile oil has a deep aroma with tart herbal, tobacco, balsamic, spicy and fruity notes.
The extract consists of the following components:
- limonene, which gives it a refreshing pine or lemon aroma;
- Chamazulene, a substance with antimicrobial, analgesic, healing and anti-allergenic properties;
- farnesol – tonic and antimicrobial component with lily of the valley scent that removes a greasy film from the skin;
- esters and other substances.
Moroccan Chamomile Oil
The oil is derived from the flowers and leaves of the Moroccan chamomile (Chamaemelum mixtum), which belongs to the same family as its pharmacy counterpart. The plant is also called yellow chamomile.
The Moroccan chamomile has herbaceous stems up to 125 cm tall with pinnate leaves. It grows in southern Spain and northwestern Africa and is actively grown in Israel. It blooms with pale or golden yellow flowers.
Moroccan chamomile oil is made in Morocco.
It consists of limonene, pinene (a substance with pine aroma), cineole (which gives expectorant and antimicrobial effect), azulene and other useful components.
Judging by the properties of the substances in the composition of chamomile oil, it bears a benefit incredible.
The useful properties of chamomile oil
Beneficial effects on the mind. Chamomile oil has a strong sedative effect: it eliminates anxiety, relieves emotional tension, calms and relieves fear. Because of its relaxing properties, it gives rest to the brain and successfully copes with insomnia.
To go to sleep quickly, use an aroma lamp: light a candle and pour a few drops of chamomile essential oil into the diffuser. The water will evaporate with the oil as it heats up, and a wonderful, calming scent will spread throughout the room.
- Beneficial effect on the skin. Chamomile essential oil heals all kinds of skin lesions: burns, boils, sores, infected wounds. With the same success helps to cope with acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, herpes, allergies and rosacea. It improves skin elasticity, cleanses the skin, reduces swelling, nourishes dry and flaky skin.
- Beneficial effect on the body. Chamomile oil helps with lower back and muscle pain, especially caused by nervous tension. Relieves toothache, earache, menstrual, headache, and neuralgia. Restores the menstrual cycle and eliminates the negative effects of PMS and menopause.
- Helps to normalize the gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile oil helps with diarrhea, exacerbations of gastritis and ulcers, colitis, nausea and vomiting, flatulence and other ailments.
- The oil is successfully used for urogenital dysfunctions and liver diseases, such as jaundice.
It fights anemia and pathogenic bacteria, as it improves the production of immune cells of the body.
Chamomile oil: side effects
Chamomile oil should not be taken simultaneously with homeopathic remedies, because it suppresses the action of many substances.
Chamomile extract can cause individual intolerance, so before taking it, it is better to conduct a test to see if the oil will cause allergies, headaches or other signs of aversion.
Chamomile oil should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy, as it can cause uterine contractions and, consequently, provoke miscarriage.
Chamomile oil: how to apply
How to use chamomile oil for body skin
Chamomile oil is ideal for nourishing and rejuvenating body skin. If the skin has ceased to please its appearance (peeling, sagging, drying), an oil massage will help.
- Mix in equal proportions of olive and chamomile oils.
- Soak your fingertips in the oil and rub into skin with gentle massaging movements.
To prevent the appearance of cellulite or stretch marks, do an even more effective massage.
- Mix in equal parts walnut oil, chamomile oil and olive oil.
- Massage problem areas every day with the mixture of oils.
Chamomile oil is good for children’s skin, relieving any irritation. It can even be used under the diaper: there will be no diaper rash and chafing.
Also, the extract softens the skin of the feet, relieves heaviness, cures fungus and prevents infection with it, eliminates swelling.
- Add the oil to a basin with warm water, put your feet in it and sit for about 15 minutes. Fatigue will disappear, and your feet will be light and soft.
- Chamomile oil is excellent for nourishing the skin of the hands. Add two drops of the oil to the hand cream in the morning and evening, and dab the skin. If it is rough, make oil masks for hands.
How to use chamomile oil on hair
To strengthen the hair
Chamomile oil strengthens hair and promotes fast growth. If you start to lose more hair than usual, use the following recipe.
- Mix 12 drops of cedar oil, 8 drops of rosemary oil, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and chamomile oil.
- Apply the mixture of oils to the hair, rubbing lightly on the scalp.
- Wait 20 minutes and wash out with shampoo.
- If your hair is dry and brittle
Chamomile oil helps to nourish hair with vitamins and gives it a healthy shine.
- Mix 10 drops of lavender oil, 3 drops of chamomile oil and 50 ml of olive oil.
- Warm it up a little, put it on your hair, wrap it in polyethylene and wrap with a warm towel.
We wait for half an hour and then wash it off with a shampoo. If you don’t want to bother with a mask, shampoo it every time and add three drops of chamomile essential oil: the hair will be healthier and stronger.
If you have dandruff
- Mix five drops of chamomile oil, one egg yolk and one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Rub the mixture into the scalp and massage the hair.
- After applying the mask, wait for half an hour and wash your hair with shampoo. Repeat the procedure two times a week.
How to use chamomile oil for the face
Chamomile oil for moisturizing
Chamomile oil not only nourishes but also moisturizes the skin.
To mix 4 drops of chamomile oil and grated cucumber. Make a 20-minute mask, wash it off and enjoy the effect, getting soft skin with a pleasant complexion.
It is good to use chamomile oil for acne
Soak a cotton pad in chamomile oil and put it on the problem areas for 20 minutes.
If Your Skin Is Beginning to Fade
Prepare a chamomile rejuvenating face and neck cream.
- Mix 50 ml of distilled water, 25 ml of camomile essential oil, 30 ml of beeswax, 2 g of borax and 5 drops each of bergamot and cypress oil.
- Melt the mixture in a water bath until the consistency of sour cream. Stirring constantly, remove it from the steam and cool it, continuing to stir.
- After 20 minutes, put the cream in a glass jar and store in the refrigerator. Use the cream in the morning and evening.
For a brighter complexion
- Crush a glass of strawberries with a fork or in a blender and mix the berries with chamomile and jojoba oil (10 drops each).
- Apply to the skin, wait a quarter of an hour and wash off with cool water. If you do the mask regularly, pigment spots disappear.
