Botanical Name Matricaria chamomilla L. - syn. Matricaria recutica, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria recutita
Plant Part Flower head
Extraction Method Steam
Origin Hungary
Description The Chamomile German is an annual, reaching up to 60cm in height. From May to August it flowers, sporting top-heavy flower heads with a fragrance similar to apples.
Color Deep blue
Common 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. The therapeutic properties of Chamomile German oil include analgesic, anti-spasmodic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, digestive, hepatic and vulnerary. German Chamomile contains Azulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This blue crystal is not actually present in the plant, but forms in the oil and only a small quantity is needed. The quality is generally graded by the azulene content and good quality oil should contain between 4.5 – 5%. It is this azulene that gives it a deep blue color.
Strength of Aroma Medium
Blends well with Bergamot, Clary sage, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine, Tea tree, Grapefruit, Rose, Lemon and Ylang Ylang.
Aromatic Scent The chamomile German essential oil has a sweet, straw-like fragrance.
History Derived from the Greek word meaning ‘ground apple’ and the Latin word ‘nobilis’, referring to a noble flower, it certainly is a plant of many uses. To the Egyptians it was a herb dedicated to the sun to cure fevers and to the moon for its cooling ability.
Cautions Non-toxic and non-irritant, yet since they can be used as an emmenagogue, it should be avoided during pregnancy.