There are three types of chamomile oil used in aromatherapy, although only two of them are true chamomile oils. Roman and German chamomile oils have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Moroccan chamomile is a relatively new aromatherapy oil on the market. Each chamomile oil has different uses and properties, although some are similar, so it is important to know the differences among the chamomile aromatherapy oils.
Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile oil, chamaemelum nobile, is used most frequently in aromatherapy. Shirley Price, in her book "Aromatherapy Workbook," states that Roman chamomile oil is the best all-round oil of the chamomile oils. Roman chamomile oil for aromatherapy use is extracted from the flowers of a small perennial herb similar to the German chamomile plant but with larger flowers. According to Julia Lawless, in her book "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," Roman chamomile was medicinally used both by the ancient Egyptians and the Saxons.
German Chamomile
German chamomile oil, matricaria recutica, has similar properties to Roman chamomile oil, as both plants are from the same plant family. They also have a similar chemical makeup. However, German chamomile oil produces a much stronger aroma due to a larger chemical makeup of the component azulene. Lawless states that German chamomile oil has greater anti-inflammatory properties than Roman chamomile oil because of the large presence of azulene. German chamomile oil for aromatherapy use is extracted from the flowers of an annual herb that is larger in size than Roman chamomile but has smaller flowers.
Moroccan Chamomile
Moroccan chamomile oil, ormenis multicaulis, belongs to the same plant family, Asteraceae, as both German chamomile and Roman chamomile, and is similar in appearance to Roman chamomile. However, Price states that Moroccan chamomile is not recognized as a true chamomile oil, and Lawless states that it is both olfactorily and chemically different from German chamomile and Roman chamomile oil in aromatherapy use. Moroccan chamomile oil is distilled from the flowers of the plant.
Uses
Both Roman and German chamomile oils have similar uses in aromatherapy. Lawless lists the uses of chamomile oil for the treatment of acne, dermatitis, eczema, inflammation, toothache, burns, arthritis, muscle pain, indigestion, nausea, headaches, insomnia, stress and menopausal problems. In addition, Shirley and Len Price, in their book "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," list the use of Roman chamomile oil for rheumatism, migraine and menstrual problems. Lawless lists some of the uses of Moroccan chamomile oil as treatment for colitis, headache, irritability, insomnia and sensitive skin.
Cautions
Lawless cautions that Roman and German chamomile oils might cause dermatitis in certain circumstances. However, in general, Roman and German chamomile oils are nonirritating and nontoxic. There are no known cautions for the use of Moroccan chamomile oil, although it is a relatively new oil and research data is limited. In addition, always dilute all types of chamomile oil with a lotion or carrier oil, such as apricot kernel oil, before using it in aromatherapy. Be aware that individual circumstances might differ.
References
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals"; Shirley Price, Len Price; 2002
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
- "Aromatherapy Workbook"; Shirley Price; 2000
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