Matricaria chamomilla, commonly known as chamomile (also spelled chamomile), German chamomile, Hungarian chamomile, wild chamomile or scented mayweedis an annual plant of the composite family Asteraceae. It has the most popular source of the herbal product chamomile, although other species are also used as chamomile.
The flowers are borne in panic late flower heads (Capitola). The white ray florets are furnished with ligules, while the disc florets are yellow. The hollow receptacle is swollen and lacks scales. This property distinguishes German chamomile from corn chamomile, which has a receptacle with scales. The flowers bloom in early to midsummer, and have a strong, aromatic smell.
German chamomile is used in herbal medicine for a sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome and as a gentle sleep aid. It is also used as a mild laxative and is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal. It can be taken as an herbal tea, two teaspoons of dried flower per cup of tea, which should be steeped for 10 to 15 minutes while covered to avoid evaporation of the volatile oils. The marc should be pressed because of the formation of a new active principle inside the cells, which can then be released by rupturing the cell walls, though this substance only forms very close to boiling point. For a sore stomach, some recommend taking a cup every morning without food for two to three months. It is also used as a mouthwash against oral mucositis.
Blue chamomile oil is distilled from the German chamomile plant, and it gets its name from its blue color. Chamomile may add a pleasant scent to your skin cleanser, but it's probably best known for its soothing abilities. It's generally held that blue chamomile helps the body relax and fall asleep, and people also use it to treat digestive problems. It's also known for its ability to alleviate skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and eczema.
Blue Chamomile essential oil is derived from the German Chamomile plant and is considered by some chamomile enthusiasts to have a cleaner, fresher scent. Blue Chamomile costs more to grow and harvest which is why it is more expensive than Roman Chamomile essential oil. Both oils have very similar properties but Blue Chamomile is considered a collectors essential oil and all aromatherapy enthusiasts should experience it as part of their aromatherapy journey.
Benefit & Uses: The most commonly used varieties of chamomile are Roman chamomile and German chamomile. Though we do use both, we favor the German variety, known as chamomile blue and scented mayweed. It is a sweetly scented annual or biennial with branched stems and finely divided leaves. Daisy-like flowers are produced from early summer to autumn. Flowers are collected when first fully opened and used in many ways.
The oil is extracted by steam distillation. It is strikingly blue. This blue color is due to chamazulene, its main constituent. The vibrancy of the blue hue is an indicator of the oils freshness - the older the oil, the greener it becomes. Chamomile is one of the gentlest essential oils, making it suitable for children. It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal and sedative.
Aroma therapists have used it to treat bruises, allergies, stress and depression. It is helpful for sensitive skins. It is used in aromatherapy to help hormone fluctuations and to ease period pains. Chamomile can be used as an alternative to lavender, but works well with it in blends.
Many believe it to be calming for the mind, body and soul, soothing for both the emotions and the skin. It is referred to as the oil for everything. Chamomile oil is also used to soothe sore, irritated scalp conditions in our shampoos and hair and scalp products. We use chamomile blue oil in our The Hair Doctor hair moisturizing treatment and Squeaky Green shampoo bar to improve the condition and appearance of both the hair and scalp.
Blue Chamomile has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is soothing and calming for skin allergies such as eczema and other skin rashes Blue Chamomile is calming and soothing and can help with irritability and depression.