Chamomile Essential Oil
Most of us are familiar with Chamomile for its calming effects when served as a tea so it will perhaps come as no surprise that one of the main benefits of Chamomile essential oil is its sedative properties which can help relieve stress and tension and help to relieve insomnia.
But Chamomile also has antiseptic, analgesic, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which means it has more benefits than just being able to help you get a good night’s sleep. It can ease digestive issues, allergies and skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema. It can also ease menstrual problems such as cramping due to its anti-spasmodic properties. It can also ease headaches and migraines and eye conditions such as conjunctivitis.
SYMPTOMS
Chamomile essential oil has the following healing properties:
Antiseptic, Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic, Anti-inflammatory and Sedative
Insomnia – Chamomile has sedative properties which can calm and relax the mind and help the mind to switch off from the day and get a restful sleep.
Depression and anxiety – due to its calming properties Chamomile can help soothe and relieve feelings of stress and anxiety and help relieve low mood and depression.
Fights infections – due to its antiseptic and antibiotic properties Chamomile helps the body fight infections and increases recovery time.
Improves digestion – with its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties chamomile improves digestions and brings relief from digestive issues such as IBS.
Pain relief – Chamomile has analgesic properties which can bring relief to pain in muscles and joints and for conditions such as arthritis.
BLENDS
Whilst most essential oils can be used together, some oils can overpower other oils. Chamomile goes particularly well with oils such as:
Lavender
Peppermint
Mandarin
Neroli
Rose
Cedarwood
Geranium
Clary sage
Bergamot
Ylang Ylang
Lemon
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Chamomile essential oil can be used in diffusers or oil burners. Using Chamomile essential oil in this way is particularly beneficial in calming and relaxing the mind and helping bring about a restful night sleep. It is also good for helping to lift low mood depression and anxiety. If you don’t have a diffuser you may find it helpful to put a few drops on a tissue/handkerchief and put it under your pillow.
Add 1 - 3 drops of Chamomile essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
Note: This may be too strong for children, it is advisable not to have the diffuser in the room they sleep in.
BATH
Chamomile essential oil can be added to a warm bath to relieve muscle aches and arthritis and to soothe and relieve skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Add 1 - 3 drops of Chamomile essential oil to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
MASSAGE
Massage is a great way of relaxing the body and mind and easing aching muscles.
Adults - up to 7 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
Children over 2 years old - up to 3 drops in 1 tbsp of carrier oil.
CREAM
Adding a few drops of Chamomile to a base cream is a great way of harnessing its antiseptic and antibacterial properties to soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne.
Add up to 12 drops of essential oil to 30 ml of base cream.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist.
Avoid using Chamomile during the early months of pregnancy. Do not administer oil directly into the eyes when treating conditions of the eyes such as conjunctivitis.
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room.