Chamomile Roman Essential Oil Profile

There are several types of chamomile essential oil used in aromatherapy, and this makes it vital that you choose the correct type of oil for the therapeutic properties that you require. In this article we are studying Roman chamomile essential oil which is the most popular of the three types of chamomiles, possibly due to its vast range of healing properties and amazing versatility.

Most people seem to prefer the fragrance of Roman chamomile oil to that of either the German or Maroc, and it certainly blends well with a very wide range of essential oils.

The Latin name for Roman chamomile is most commonly given in aromatherapy and botanical books as Anthemis nobilis (Linnaeus), but there has been a growing trend of late to refer to this plant as Chamaemelum nobile. Both names are correct and do refer to the same plant and not a different sub-species.

Physical description

Originally native to southern and western Europe where it grows wild in all the temperate regions, A. nobilis is an aromatic, herbaceous perennial with strong fibrous roots and long fibres. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is a low growing, creeping plant with flowers and leaves reaching a height of up to of 25 centimetres (10 inches).

The fibrous root is perennial, the stems are freely branching, hairy and covered with feathery pinnate leaves. The wild growing variety has single white flowers similar to a daisy but larger, with a convex, yellow disk and numerous white, spreading, or reflexed rays. The cultivated variety has double white florets arranged around the yellow centre, which is known as the receptacle.

History and folklore

Also known as English chamomile, true chamomile and common chamomile, the ‘noble’ chamomile plant has been used since ancient times for its healing properties. Its history dates back as far as the ancient Egyptians who dedicated it to their Gods due to its curative properties, particularly when used for the acute fever known at the time as the Ague. Chamomile was also used by the Romans in medicines, beverages and incense.

During the middle ages this particular species of chamomile was commonly used as a ’strewing’ herb which helped to create a fragrant atmosphere at public gatherings and celebrations. When walked upon, the essential oil sacs in the flowers would release their wonderful fragrance into the air. If you have ever strolled through a field of chamomile you will have experienced this for yourself.

Chamomile was employed for its bitter taste in beer during the middle ages, but was replaced by hops at a later time. I’m not sure if this was a good or a bad idea! Of course chamomile is still in popular use today to make the soothing and calming herbal tea. My preference would still be for the chamomile ale though!

Roman chamomile is now cultivated for the production of essential oil in many countries, and in particular Argentina, Belgium, England, France, Hungary, Italy and the USA. Of all these origins, the essential oil produced in England is considered by many experts to be the finest quality, and I am of the same opinion.

Harvest preparation

Depending upon the prevailing weather conditions in the U.K., harvesting takes place during late June or July although heavy rain often causes havoc to the schedules of the unfortunate English farmer. And as if that were not enough, the crop must be harvested at the precise time that it contains the highest yield of essential oil, so this can be quite a challenge to say the least.

To determine when the time is precisely right for harvesting, a small test distillation must be done every few days so that the resulting oil can be analysed using gas chromatography. If the oil is to meet the desired therapeutic quality for use in aromatherapy, certain constituents within the oil must also be at a particular level within the plant prior to distillation.

Harvesting and distillation

Harvesting will not begin until the results show that the oil meets the predetermined quality parameters, and the forthcoming weather is suitable. My experience with farmers indicates they have developed an amazing ability to predict the weather, often more accurately than even the met office with whom they check daily.

Once all the conditions are right, harvesting begins and for one large producer in the U.K it can take up to two weeks to cut the chamomile in all of his fields. After cutting, the crop is allowed to sun-dry for a short period before being steam distilled to extract the beautiful pale blue essential oil. The flowers typically yield between 0.4 and 1.0% of essential oil.

Aromatherapy uses

Roman chamomile essential oil is one of the most versatile of all oils used in aromatherapy, coming only second, in my humble opinion, to our beloved lavender. It is a powerfully soothing and calming oil which imparts this quality to both physical and emotional conditions alike. Although more expensive than lavender, a little goes a long way with this oil and its calming and sedating properties will out-perform lavender any day of the week.

Although this oil does not contain the large amounts of chamazulene found in German chamomile it still has a noticeable anti-inflammatory effect that soothes sprains and swellings when used with a cold compress. Aching muscles and joints benefit tremendously to massage, baths and compresses using this essential oil. It has an antispasmodic effect that is highly effective for soothing abdominal or period cramps as well as nausea.

During the hay fever season Roman chamomile essential oil offers some welcome relief to sufferers when inhaled from a tissue due to its anti-allergen effect. It offers similar relief to allergic rhinitis and dust allergy sufferers, bringing soothing comfort to irritated and inflamed nasal passages. In a similar way it calms and soothes the airways for asthma sufferers too.

And finally, when vaporised it is the perfect oil to quieten noisy children, angry partners and your frazzled nerves - without inducing a catatonic state. That sounds to me like aromatherapy at its absolute best!

Learn more about Quinessence Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

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