Chamomile German Matricaria recutita

Extraction Method:

Steam Distilled

Part of Plant: 

Flower Head

Country of Origin: 

France and Hungary

Growing Method:

Wild

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.

Colour: 

Deep Inky Blue

Aromatic Description: 

The chamomile German essential oil has a strong sweet, straw-like fragrance, with a hint of herbs and apple.

Strength of Aroma:

Medium

Blends well with:

Bergamot, Clary sage, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine, Tea tree, Grapefruit, Rose, Lemon and Ylang Ylang.

Aromatic Note:

Middle

Consistency:

Medium

Common Uses: 

Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, cirrhosis (liver damage), colic, constipation (light), cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, enlarged veins, flatulence, haemorrhoids, hair, headache, indigestion, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rashes, reactive sensitive skin, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, tendonitis, ulcers, wounds. 

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.

Therapeutic Actions: 

Analgesic, anti-spasmodic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, digestive, hepatic and vulnerary.

Works with the following Body Systems:

Analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antipholgistic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, cholagogue, emmenagogue, hepatic, sedative, stomachic, vulnerary

Best form of Application:

To skin - Massage, compress, ointment, bath, sitz bath, douche, skin care

Inhalation – direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporiser, steam inhalation.

Shelf life: 

Users can expect a shelf life of 6 Months to 2 Years with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight).

Cautions: 

Non-toxic and non-irritant, yet since they can be used as an emmenagogue, it should be avoided during pregnancy.

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.