When someone says, "Chamomile", most people think of a tea that you drink before bedtime to help you relax and go to sleep, but along with this ability it has a list of other beneficial health uses. The practice of aromatherapy makes use of this chamomile essential oil for its ability to calm and sooth the client with a relaxing and nurturing effect. You may not realize that there are three types of this plant.
Aroma is the first consideration for healing oils and with this herb the Roman strain has a brighter aroma that its German cousin. However, they both have the same sweet crisp and fruity aroma which relaxes and calms the nerves. They are both used in making perfumes, but their other cousin, Wild Chamomile, managed to earn its own place in the fragrance industry because its scent lasts longer.
For centuries, its mild and fruity aroma made it a choice of massage oils for calming the nervous system, and its use of the plant for a tea to promote peaceful, and restful sleep. It's not only used to relieve anxiety, but is also used as a tea to treat diarrhea and complaints of intestinal disorders. When used on the skin it becomes a cleanser, and is used for reducing inflammation.
Over the years this plant has been used to treat wounds, and fight fevers when taken as a tea. Its somewhat apple aroma makes it a desired ingredient in shampoos, cosmetic creams and lotions. It even has large quantities of antioxidants which help counteract the harmful effects of free radicals, which is why it is used to enhance the immune system.
The massage therapy industry uses this oil to bring about the same results of relaxation as drinking the tea provides, while its direct contact with the skin, and its abundant antioxidants, help heal dry skin and the result is a smooth, soft and supple skin texture. These antioxidants are an additional reason this plant is used by the skin care industry.
The oil can be added to a diffuser, either by itself or with other oils, to provide its healing properties to the air in every room of your home. It is often used in Potpourri to help with establishing that sense of balance which promotes being able to relax and unwind at the end of a long difficult day. Because of its properties for relieving anxiety, it can be used on a pillow to help promote sleep.
Aromatherapy has been practiced for thousands of years, and those ancestors knew well the benefits of herbs and spices, which have since become part of modern medicine. A few drops of this oil can be kept on a tissue or handkerchief and used throughout the day to assist you in getting through those stressful moments at work, or other anxious situations. It can be comforting to have something to help you relax.
This plant is affectionately referred to as the "plant doctor" due to its ability to intensify the flavor and aroma of other plants, and it is also used in making a yellow dye. It grows just about anywhere that there is loose soil and being so prevalent, it was easy to obtain. Now days, chamomile essential oil is used to provide comfort for many human ailments.
The author is the owner of Ananda Aromatherapy, a source for world-class organic lavender essential oil, and tools like an aromatherapy essential oil diffuser.
