Chamaemelum nobile flower heads, steam distilled, from India.

Aroma: Bright, warm, sweet, apple-like, fruity, and with a touch of herbaceousness. The relaxing aroma of this essential oil, sometimes described as like 'apples and straw' is an exotic and rich scent.

History: This herb has been used for medicinal purposes and skin therapy for thousands of years, in particular in Europe.

Colour: Gray / Very Pale Blue

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Middle

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium-Strong

Common Uses: Roman chamomile oil is known for its ability to soothe skin problems. It is also beneficial in relieving muscle discomfort after exercise, making it a beneficial addition to massage oils. Other uses of Roman chamomile oil include: Relief for migraines, headaches and nervous complaints when used in vapour therapy.

Roman chamomile oil is widely celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties. It also has anti-spasmodic, anti-septic, antidepressant, antibiotic, carminative, analgesic, tonic, bactericidal and anti-infectious effects.

Possible Uses: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 56-67.]

Constituents: High Ester Content, Pinocarvone, Pinene, Bisabolol, Farnesol, Pinocarveol, Cineole, Azulene, Beta-caryophyllene, Camphene, Myrcene [Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Cautions: No known toxicity. Use well diluted. High doses may trigger skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

Safety Information: May cause dermatitis in some. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 109.]

Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand does not indicate any special precautions when using this oil. [Robert Tisserand, Essential Oil Safety (United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone, 1995), 204.]

Photo thanks to Pew Nguyen