Chamomile Roman MNB
Manzanilla Romana
- Essential Information
- Chemistry
- Therapeutic Properties
- Subtle Aromatherapy and Energetics and Personality
- Blending and Perfumery
- History – Herbal – Folklore
- Safety Information and Shelf Life
- Related Products
Botany
Roman chamomile is a pleasant-smelling perennial with feathery, fern-like leaves and branched stems of a creeping habit with daisy-like flowers. It is a native of western Europe and is now cultivated in England, Belgium, France and Hungary.
Roman chamomile’s common name is derived from the Greek word chamaimelon – chamai meaning on the ground, and melon and apple, referring to its distinctive smell when fresh. The botanical name of Anthemis is derived from the Greek word anthos which means a flower. The plant’s specific name of nobilis means noble or noted – referring to its healing virtues.
Flowers are abundant in the springtime and represent new growth. Flowers are beautiful, colorful and gentle. They produce aromas to attract insects for pollination. The oils made from flowers are often used for emotional support. Giving flowers, or blends made from flowers, is about supporting love, friendship, forgiveness and soothing the heart and mind. Flowers are associated with the head, good for facial skin care, and to calm the mind.
Steam distillation of fresh or partially dried herb in flower, usually in July
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.1 kg oil yield from 80-100 kg of fresh herb (a good yield)
35.5 oz yield from 80,000 to 100,000 grams of fresh herb
1 drop oil yield from 4.72 grams of fresh herb.
Calming, soothing, sedative, emotionally uplifting
Antispasmodic; regulating and balancing action on the sympathetic nervous system; anti-inflammatory; effective on skin rashes and irritations.They are adaptogenic (helping the body adjust to, and deal with stress)
Some are analgesic (like Clary sage, Jasmine, Lavender, Lavandin, Roman chamomile and Ylang Ylang)
Some are good digestive aids (like Cardamom, Roman Chamomile, and Bergamot)
Analgesic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antineuralgic, antispasmodic, calmative, cicatrizing, immuno stimulant, nervine, sedative, vulnerary.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.
Muscular spasm and contraction, rheumatism, menstrual cramp, rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin irritation, inflammatory skin infections, sunburn, dental and teething problems, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, depression, stress-related conditions, insect bites and stings.
Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library, 2016.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.Nervous tension, oversensitivity, agitation, irritability, moodiness, agitated depression, emotional frustration, anger, resentment, rage, anxiety, aches and pains, headaches, dizziness, muscle pains, shooting nerve pains, skin rashes, restless sleep, nightmares, insomnia, muscle tremors and spasms, painful periods, pelvic pain, all symptoms worse with stress.
Essential PNEI function and indication: Relaxant in overstimulation conditions; regulating in dysregulation conditions.
Possible brain dynamics: Reduces basal ganglia and deep limbic system hyperfunctioning; resolves temporal lobes dysregulation.
Fragrance category: Middle tone with sweet, green notes.
Indicated psychological disorders: Bipolar disorder, anxiety states, depression, phobias, panic attacks, PTSD.
PROMOTES EMOTIONAL FLEXIBILITY AND STABILITY
- Emotional conflict with lack of flexibility, rigidity, worry.
- Irritability, mood swings, anger management issues.
- Emotional instability with distressed feelings (including negativity, cynicism, jealousy, self-deprecation, guilt, suicidal tendencies)
CALMS THE MIND AND PROMOTES RELAXATION
- Nervous tension, restlessness, distraction; impulsivity
- Anxiety, including with depression; fear, panic, phobia.
- Agitated depression.
TOPICAL – Compress, liniment, lotion and other cosmetic preparations
Skin care: Sensitive and oily skin types
Anti-inflammatory, antiallergic: skin irritation or inflammation, incl. From allergy, incl. Dermatitis, eczema; scalds, burns, acne, boils, gum inflammation.
Vulnerary, antiseptic: cuts, wounds, sores, ulcers (all esp. slow-healing), broken capillaries, cracked nipples.
Analgesic, antipruritic: muscle cramps and pains. Painful or itchy dermatitis, insect bites, teething pain, toothache
Precautions: Although Roman chamomile is non-irritant and non-sensitizing to the skin, and is able to treat allergic dermatitis, it has also been known to cause an allergic rash (i.e. contact dermatitis) very occasionally in individuals who are generally hypersensitive to plants in the daisy family.
Preparations:
- Diffusor: 2-3 drops in water
- Massage oil: 2 – 4 % dilution in vegetable oil
- Liniment: 2- 8 % dilution in vegetable oil.
Tropism: Nervous, digestive, urinary, respiratory systems
Essential functional and diagnostic indication: Relaxes hypertonic/tense conditions
Systemic nervous relaxant: Hypertonic (tense) conditions with nervous tension, pain, irritability; all acute stress-related conditions.
Strong analgesic, spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory: a large range of acute spasmodic, pain and inflammatory conditions, of both smooth and striated muscles; incl. Tension and vascular headaches, incl. Migraine; acute and chronic pain conditions
- Strong cerebral sedative, hypnotic: insomnia, agitation, anxiety, PMS, nightmares.
- Strong neuromuscular relaxant: muscle spasms, aches and pains, arthritic and rheumatic pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, bursitis, neuritis, plantar fasciitis, CTS, neuralgia, lumbar and back pain, gout; sore throat, toothache, earache, painful or itching dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, shingles, conjunctivitis.
- Uterine relaxant: spasmodic dysmenorrhoea, ovarian pain, orchitis.
- Biliary and gastrointestinal relaxant: nervous indigestion, intestinal colic, IBS, colitis, gallstone colic, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gastritis.
Moderate antihistamine, anti-allergic: conditions of immediate allergy, incl. Dermatitis, atopic asthma, urticaria, rhinitis, etc.
Aperitive, carminative: appetite loss, flatulence
Antipyretic: intermittent fevers
Anthelmintic, vermifuge: Giardia lamblia, hookworm (Ankylostoma)
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.Digestion: Roman Chamomile is a gentle remedy for stress-related digestive discomfort, spasm, or gas. Use it in compresses, massage oils, creams, and baths. I’ve used Roman Chamomile hydrosol with babies that have colic. Just add one capful to a warm wash cloth and place on their belly for a few minutes. Adding some gentle massage on the belly before eating can be helpful too.
Menstrual cramps: See Blending Ideas.
Musculoskeletal: For aches and pains related to stress and muscle spasm, Roman Chamomile can be blended with Lavender, Clary Sage, Bergamot, and Geranium.
Skin: Roman Chamomile hydrosol is fantastic for irritated skin.
Stress, tension and PMS: The gentle, sedative qualities of Roman Chamomile can alleviate stress and anxiety, encourage relaxation, and support sleep. Try blending it with Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Ylang Ylang, or Frankincense for calming, or with Jasmine and Sweet Orange to reduce anxiety without causing low energy or fatigue.
Analgesic
Roman Chamomile was traditionally used to relieve pain (Gordon 1980, Grieve 1992).
Anti-inflammatory
Price and Price (2007) suggest that Roman Chamomile has anti-inflammatory action.
Antispasmodic
Pénoël and Franchomme (1990) state that the esters in Roman Chamomile have antispasmodic activity.
CNS sedative
The scent of Roman Chamomile has a calming, sedating effect (Moss et al. 2006).
Digestive aid
The antispasmodic action can be helpful in alleviating digestive discomfort.
Skin healing
Roman Chamomile may help counteract inflammation and support the healing process.
Tonic
Traditionally used as a tonic to strengthen and restore vitality
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.Children’s remedy: Fischer-Rizzi refers to Roman chamomile oil as a traditional medicine for children. She recommends the oil whenever children are feeling impatient, disagreeable, tense or have nightmares.
Roman chamomile is considered one of the gentlest of essential oils and is particularly beneficial for treating children. It may be used to alleviate the pain associated with teething infants.
Digestive system: Roman chamomile oil is used in treating colic, diarrhea, poor appetite and indigestion.
Nervous system: The sweet scent of Roman chamomile oil is soothing, calming and antidepressant. It is particularly beneficial for alleviating migraines and headaches, and for insomnia.
Reproductive system: Roman chamomile is very helpful for treating amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and PMS.
Respiratory system: Roman chamomile oil is recommended as an emergency remedy during an asthma attack. Schnaubelt recommends rubbing the oil in the solar plexus, wrists and temples until more specific help becomes available.
Skin care: Roman chamomile oil is beneficial for sensitive, red or dry skin.
Calms and comforts the mind. It helps ease strong and negative emotions.
Roman chamomile connects us with our inner child, allowing us to come closer to the spiritual realms for comfort and uniting. She explains that it should also be used when the spirit is sad.
Roman chamomile assists us in hearing our inner voice in order to discern our individual path. They explain that it will help us to receive the teaching that has the most meaning for us and that speaks most directly to who we are.
Roman chamomile personality like someone who is full of sunshine and joy, with a harmonious disposition and emotional life. While they are serene and gentle, they someitmes appear to be in a dreamlike state.
Roman chamomiles can have a strange power over ordinary mortals, on whom they have a calming, almost mesmerizing effect. People will follow them anywhere and believe implicity in everything they say
she states that the inner peace that they appear to have can be misleading because they may have inner conflict, which can torment them. As a result, they are likely to have mood swings, particularly in relationships. This can cause much emotional stress. When this happens, they tend to isolate themselves from others
… someone who feels grumpy, disconnected or impatient, chamomile is a good remedy. It is beneficial for people who feel short tempered, self-involved, overly sensitive or rarely satisfied.
gentle, calm, easygoing and affirming. Integrity and commitment to what they believe in is essential. They like time alone for their many interests. They like learning and reseraching new things and interests. They are highly reflective, especially in understanding the mysteries and meaning of life. They have little need to impose their values on others. They prefer to gently influence and inspire. They value authenticity and depth in their relationships.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.Woorwood states that Roman chamomile connects us with our inner child, allowing us to come closer to the spiritual realms for comfort and uniting. She explains that it should also be used when the spirit is sad.
Keim Loughran & Bull state that Roman chamomile assists us in hearing our inner voice in order to discern our individual path. They explain that it will help us to receive the teaching that has the most meaning for us and that speaks most directly to who we are.
It relates to the throat chakra and can be used to help individuals to express their highest spiritual truth.
Keim, J., & Bull, R. (2016, November 10). Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Revised & Expanded: Spiritual Blessings, Ceremonies, and Affirmations (2nd ed.). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.
- Calms, soothes, and sedates
- Reduces anxiety and over-thinking
- Harmonizes
- In plant lore, Chamomile symbolises ‘patience in adversity.’
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
- Aroma energy: Sweet, green
- Movement: Circulating and descending
- Warmth: Neutral to cool
- Meridian tropism: Liver, Heart
- Five-Element affinity: Wood, Fire
- Essential Function: To regulate the Qi, calm the Liver and harmonize the Shen.
Liver Qi constraint with Shen disharmony, with moodiness, frustration, irritability, indigestion aches and pains
Mandarin / Petitgrain / Blue Tansy / Helichrysum
Liver-Spleen disharmony with abdominal colicky pains, irregular loose stool, digestive symptoms worse from stress:
Bergamot / Lavender / Peppermint
Liver and Uterus Qi constraint with menstrual cramps, symptoms of PMS:
Lavender / Marjoram / Sage / Helichrysum
Liver Yang rising (floating Yang) with Shen agitation, with tension, headaches, muscle tension, restlessness:
Clary sage / Lavender / Blue tansy
Internal Liver wind with spasms, tremors, convulsions, low-grade fever:
Marjoram / Spikenard / Laurel
Liver Yin deficiency with Shen agitation with irritability, frustration, agitated depression, restless sleep, insomnia, nightmares:
Clary sage / Helichrysum / Vetiver
Wind-damp-heat obstruction with joint or muscle pain, swelling, redness:
Lemon eucalyptus / Basil / Wintergreen.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.Worwood describes the Roman chamomile personality like someone who is full of sunshine and joy, with a harmonious disposition and emotional life. While they are serene and gentle, they sometimes appear to be in a dreamlike state. She explains that Roman chamomiles can have a strange power over ordinary mortals, on whom they have a calming, almost mesmerizing effect. People will follow them anywhere and believe implicity in everything they say.
On the other hand, she states that the inner peace that they appear to have can be misleading because they may have inner conflict, which can torment them. As a result, they are likely to have mood swings, particularly in relationships. This can cause much emotional stress. When this happens, they tend to isolate themselves from others.
Fischer-Rizzi describes the type of person who might benefit from Roman chamomile oil.
… someone who feels grumpy, disconnected or impatient, chamomile is a good remedy. It is beneficial for people who feel short tempered, self-involved, overly sensitive or rarely satisfied.
According to Myers-Briggs personality types the Roman chamomile personality is likely to be an INFP. INFP are gentle, calm, easygoing and affirming. Integrity and commitment to what they believe in is essential. They like time alone for their many interests. They like learning and reseraching new things and interests. They are highly reflective, especially in understanding the mysteries and meaning of life. They have little need to impose their values on others. They prefer to gently influence and inspire. They value authenticity and depth in their relationships.
Mojay, G. (2000). Aromatherapy for healing the spirit: Restoring emotional and mental balance with essential oils. Healing Arts Press.
Holmes, Peter, et al. Aromatica: a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Singing Dragon, an Imprint of Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016.
- Roman chamomile + Lavender: relaxant analgesic – spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory in a variety of acute tense, spasmodic and/or inflammatory conditions, incl. Headache, colitis, colic, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, neuromuscular pain / spasm / inflammation.
- Roman chamomile + Lavender + Clary Sage: uterine spasmolytic- analgesic for acute spasmodic dysmenorrhea; ovarian and pelvic pain in general.
- Roman chamomile + Clary sage: relaxant and restorative analgesic – spasmodic gynaecological and neuromuscular conditions with neurasthenia, fatigue, insomnia, chronic stress.
- Roman chamomile + Marjoram: relaxant and hypnotic analgesic – spasmolytic in many acute hypertonic, spasmodic painful conditions, esp. In stress-related conditions with anxiety, agitation, insomnia.
- Roman chamomile + Blue tansy: anti-inflammatory and analgesic for acute neuritis, neuralgia, dermatitis.
- Roman chamomile + Peppermint: biliary- gastrointestinal spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory for acute gallstone colic, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, colitis, intestinal colic.
Rhind, Jennifer. Aromatherapeutic Blending: Essential Oils in Synergy. Singing Dragon, 2016.Psyche: for stress, tension and anxiety, insomnia, consider blending Roman chamomile with lavender, clary sage, neroli, sweet orange, ylang ylang, hay absolute, labdanum.
Expanded practice: Roman chamomile has a modifying effect on powerful green scents, such as galbanum and violet leaf; an absolute is also available and this has a sweet, warm fruity, herbal aroma which is more robust than the essential oil, sweeter and warmer, and also slightly floral. Blend Roman chamomile with small amount of tagetes (pungent, warm herbal, sweet, fruity and apple-like, with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties) to augment its apple-like and fruity notes.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.To alleviate insomnia, consider blending Roman chamomile oil with essential oils such as lavender, neroli, sweet marjoram or sandalwood..
For the relief of anxiety, nervous tension or stress, consider blending Roman chamomile oil with essential oils such as bergamot, fragonia, frankincense, geranium, lavender sweet orange or sandalwood.
For the relief of the symptoms associated with PMS or dysmenorrhea consider blending Roman chamomile oil with with essential oils such as clary sage, lavender, sweet marjoram, rose or ylang ylang.
For the relief of indigestion, consider blending Roman chamomile oil with essential oils such as black pepper, coriander seed, sweet fennel, sweet marjoram or sweet orange.
Roman chamomile oil imparts a warm, yet fresh note with a natural depth, which is difficult to obtain by other means. It blends well with bergamot, labdanum, neroli, clary sage and oakmoss absolute.
“Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute.” Aromatherapy School and Courses – Aromahead Institute, www.aromahead.com/.6 drops Roman Chamomile
1 drop Rose
3 drops Lavender (angustifolia)
2 drops Bergamot
3 drops Ylang YlangBlend into 1 oz (28 gm) cream or carrier oil. Massage into cramped area several times daily.
Worwood, V. A. (2016). In The Complete Book of Essential Oils and aromatherapy. Over 800 natural, nontoxic, and fragrant recipes to create health, beauty, and safe home and Work Environments. story, New World Library.
Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Foundations & Materia Medica. Third ed., I, Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2018.Since antiquity, chamomile flowers have been used both internally for digestive disorders and externally for skin and mucous membrane irritations.
Grieve explained that when walked upon, its strong, fragrant scent reveals its presence before it is seen. For this reason, it was used as one of the strewing herbs in the Middle Ages and is often purposely planted in green walks in gardens.
Roman chamomile has long been known for its therapeutic properties. In ancient Egypt, it was used for the treatment of fever and as a sign of dedication to the Gods. Ancient Greek texts described the extensive therapeutic uses of the herb by Hippocrates and Dioscorides. The Romans used Roman chamomile to treat intestinal and rheumatic disorders.
Culpepper was familiar with the pronounced effect that chamomile had on the mind and nervous system. He suggested that it comforts both the head and the brain.
Grieve states that chamomile tea is an old fashioned but extremely remedy for hysterical and nervous affections in women, and is also used as an emmenagogue.
Chamomile flowers are recommended as a tonic in dropsical complaints for their diuretic and tonic properties. The flowers may be used in a poultice and for external swelling, inflammatory pain or congested neuralgia.
Tisserand, Robert, et al. Essential Oil Safety: a Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, 2014.Hazards: None Known
Contraindications: None known
5 years
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