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Roman chamomile is often used in skincare products due to its soothing properties. It can help reduce inflammation, redness and irritation, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. This essential oil can also be used to help relieve anxiety and stress, promote restful sleep and ease tension headaches.
In this guide, we'll explain all the different ways you can use Roman chamomile essential oil, as well as the potential risks and side effects that you need to be aware of before using this essential oil for the first time. We'll also provide some safety guidelines to help you to use Roman chamomile essential oil safely and effectively.
What is Roman chamomile essential oil?
Roman chamomile essential oil is extracted from the chamomile plant, which is a member of the daisy family. The plant is native to Europe, North America and South America, and has been used medicinally since the Middle Ages. In fact, chamomile is one of the oldest recorded medicinal herbs.
The Latin name for Roman chamomile is Chamaemelum nobile. This is derived from the Greek word chamaimēlon, meaning "earth apple", thanks to its apple-like aroma. The plant itself is a small, perennial herb that grows to around 20-30 cm in height. It has delicate, white flowers with a yellow center, and its leaves are finely divided.
Nowadays, Roman chamomile is used extensively in skincare and aromatherapy products. This is thanks to its wide range of potential benefits, which we'll explore in more detail below.
Roman chamomile essential oil - quick facts
🌼 Latin name: Chamaemelum nobile (previously Anthemis nobilis)
🌼 Country of origin: Europe, North America and South America
🌼 Scent note: Middle
🌼 Annual production: 200 metric tonnes per year
🌼 Popular uses: Promotes relaxation and calmness
How is Roman chamomile essential oil made?
Roman chamomile essential oil is usually extracted from the plant's flowers using steam distillation. After harvest, the flowers are allowed to sun dry before undergoing the steam distillation process.
During this process, steam is passed through the dried flower heads to extract the essential oil. The essential oil is then collected and cooled before being bottled for use.
Benefits of Roman chamomile essential oil
Roman chamomile essential oil has a wide range of benefits, which is why it is one of the most popular essential oils in the world.
Some of the main benefits of Roman chamomile oil include:
🌼 Being soothing and calming
🌼 Improving sleep quality
🌼 Reducing symptoms of hayfever and other allergies
🌼 Soothing abdominal or menstrual cramps
🌼 Reducing inflammation
Let's take a look at each of these benefits of Roman chamomile oil in more detail.
Roman Chamomile oil for relaxation
Roman chamomile oil is most commonly used for its calming and relaxation-promoting properties. This essential oil can be used to help ease anxiety, stress and tension.
In fact, a study published in 2021/22 found that chamomile essential oil helped to improve the depression rating scores in participants who were suffering from both depression and anxiety. This demonstrates the powerful calming effect that Roman chamomile essential oil can have.
If you're feeling down or struggling to relax, then consider using Roman chamomile oil in a diffuser or as a massage oil. The soothing fragrance of this essential oil can help to promote feelings of calmness and relaxation, helping you to destress and unwind.
Roman Chamomile oil for improving sleep quality
Roman chamomile oil can also be used to improve sleep quality. This essential oil has a sedative effect on the body, which can help to promote restful sleep.
A 2017 study investigated the effect of chamomile essential oil on the sleep of 60 elderly patients in a nursing home. The study found that chamomile was a safe and effective way to improve sleep quality and promote healthy sleep patterns.
If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, then diffusing Roman chamomile essential oil in your bedroom before bedtime could help you to drift off to sleep more easily. You could also add a few drops of this oil to a warm bath before bed to help you relax even further.
Roman Chamomile oil for hay fever and allergies
Seasonal allergies such as hay fever aren't just an inconvenience - they can seriously disrupt your life. If you suffer from hay fever or other allergies, then using Roman chamomile essential oil could help to reduce your symptoms.
This is thanks to the antihistamine effect of this essential oil. Histamine is a compound that is released by the body during an allergic reaction, and it is this compound that causes many of the symptoms associated with allergies, such as sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes.
The antihistamine effects of Roman chamomile can help to ease the symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies, allowing you to enjoy life with less worry about your allergy symptoms.
Roman Chamomile oil for abdominal cramps
Whether you're suffering from IBS pain or menstrual cramps, using Roman chamomile oil can help to soothe your stomach and ease cramping. This essential oil has antispasmodic effects, which means that it can help to relax the muscles in the intestine and relieve pain.
A 2015 study found that chamomile oil was effective at reducing abdominal pain in participants with IBS. Chamomile oil helped to reduce both the intensity and frequency of abdominal pain.
If you're suffering from stomach cramps, then consider using Roman chamomile essential oil in a diffuser or as a massage oil. You could also add a few drops of this oil to your bathwater for an even more relaxing experience.
Roman Chamomile oil for reducing inflammation
Roman chamomile essential oil can also help to reduce inflammation. This is thanks to the presence of compounds such as alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene in this oil, both of which have anti-inflammatory effects.
In fact, many research papers have investigated the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of Roman chamomile essential oil, with one study finding that it was even more effective than the anti-inflammatory drug hydrocortisone.
If you're suffering from inflammation, then using Roman chamomile essential oil could help to ease your symptoms.
How to use Roman Chamomile essential oil
Roman chamomile essential oil can be used in a variety of ways, depending on its intended purpose.
Here are some of the most common ways to use Roman chamomile essential oil:
🌼 Aromatherapy massage
🌼 Topical application
🌼 Pillow mist
Let’s take a look at each of these uses of Roman chamomile essential oil in more detail.
Inhalation of Roman Chamomile essential oil
Inhaling Roman chamomile essential oil is one of the most effective ways to enjoy the benefits of this essential oil. You can inhale Roman chamomile essential oil in a few different ways, such as:
🌼 Using an electric essential oil diffuser
🌼 Using a traditional essential oil burner
🌼 Spraying a diluted essential oil blend on your clothes or bedding
🌼 Adding a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water to inhale the steam
Whichever method you choose, inhaling the vapors of Roman chamomile essential oil can help to ease a wide range of symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, stomach cramps and seasonal allergies.
Aromatherapy massage with Roman Chamomile essential oil
Aromatherapy massage is another popular way to use Roman chamomile essential oil. This type of massage involves adding a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil, such as jojoba, sweet almond or grapeseed oil, and then massaging it into the skin.
Not only is aromatherapy massage incredibly relaxing, but it can also help to ease a wide range of symptoms like pain, inflammation and anxiety. If you're looking to give yourself an aromatherapy massage at home, then simply add a few drops of Roman chamomile essential oil to a carrier oil and massage it into your skin to enjoy its topical benefits as well as its wonderful, calming scent.
Topical application of Roman Chamomile essential oil
Roman chamomile essential oil can also be applied directly to the skin. Similar to aromatherapy massage, this is an effective way to target specific areas of pain or inflammation.
If you're going to apply Roman chamomile essential oil to your skin, then it's important to first dilute it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil. This will help to prevent any skin irritation.
Once you've diluted the essential oil, simply apply it to the desired area and massage it in. You can reapply this oil as often as necessary.
This is also an effective way to reduce the symptoms of hay fever and other seasonal allergies. If you suffer from hay fever, try mixing a few drops of Roman chamomile essential oil with your favorite carrier oil and massage it into your forehead, cheeks and temples.
Pillow mist with Roman Chamomile essential oil
Roman chamomile essential oil can also be used to make a pillow mist. This is a great way to enjoy the relaxing benefits of this essential oil before bed.
To make a pillow mist, simply add a few drops of Roman chamomile essential oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Then, spritz your pillow with the mixture and inhale the calming vapors.
This is an effective way to ease insomnia and promote a restful night's sleep.
Roman Chamomile essential oil research
Thanks to the popularity of Roman chamomile essential oil, there has been much research into its therapeutic benefits.
In this section, we'll take a look at some of the key studies that have been conducted over the years, investigating the benefits and use of Roman chamomile essential oil.
Roman chamomile and sleep - 2017
The benefits of Roman chamomile for sleep are well known, which is why chamomile tea is one of the most popular herbal teas on the market. In 2017, a study in Iran set out to explore the effectiveness of this essential oil on the sleep of 60 elderly patients in a nursing home.
The study found that the group that used chamomile oil had better quality sleep than the group that didn't. The study concluded that Roman chamomile oil could be an effective treatment for insomnia.
Antibacterial effects of Roman chamomile - 2018
A study published in 2018 investigated the impact of Roman chamomile essential oil on the healing of wounds. It found that the essential oil was effective at reducing the growth of bacteria, helping to speed up the healing process.
The study concluded that Roman chamomile essential oil could be used as an effective treatment for wounds.
Roman chamomile for mood - 2017, 2019
Roman chamomile is known for its relaxing properties, so there's no wonder that many people rely on this essential oil for reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Several studies have looked at the effects of Roman chamomile inhalation in mice and rats. A 2017 study investigated the effectiveness of Roman chamomile in reducing the symptoms of depression in rats and found that both Roman chamomile and its main component, α-pinene, are effective in reducing the symptoms of depression.
A 2019 study combined Roman chamomile inhalation with another drug for treatment-resistant depression in mice, and found that the Roman chamomile offered the treatment boost needed where drugs alone were ineffective.
Roman chamomile for pain relief - 2016, 2021
In 2016, a study was undertaken to investigate the impact of applying Roman chamomile oil topically to patients suffering from oral lichen planus, an inflammatory condition affecting the mouth.
The study found that, after four weeks of treatment, 92% of those who had applied Roman chamomile oil experienced varying degrees of reduction in pain, itching and stiffness, compared to just 17% of the placebo group who had not used the essential oil.
A recent study in 2021 found that mothers who inhaled Roman chamomile essential oil after delivering their baby via c-section experienced significantly less pain and requested less pain medication than mothers who inhaled a placebo.
These are just two examples of the powerful effects of Roman chamomile oil when it comes to reducing pain and inflammation.
Side effects of Roman Chamomile essential oil
As with anything, there are some side effects of Roman chamomile essential oil that you should be aware of. These side effects can include:
- Headache: If you experience a headache after using Roman chamomile essential oil, it's likely that the blend is too strong. Try diluting the essential oil with more carrier oil.
- Nausea: Some people may experience nausea after using Roman chamomile essential oil. If this happens to you, it's best to discontinue use.
- Drowsiness: One of the most common side effects of using Roman chamomile essential oil is drowsiness. This is because this essential oil promotes sleep and relaxation. If you feel tired or drowsy after using Roman chamomile essential oil, avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until the effect wears off.
- Skin irritation: In some cases, Roman chamomile essential oil may cause skin irritation, especially if it is not properly diluted with carrier oil. If you experience any redness, itching, or swelling after applying this essential oil to your skin, discontinue use immediately and wash the area with soap and water.
- Allergic reactions: As with any essential oil, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. If you experience any swelling, itchiness, or difficulty breathing after using Roman chamomile essential oil, seek medical help immediately.
If you experience side effects of Roman chamomile essential oil, you should stop using it immediately. If the side effect is serious or doesn’t go away, it's important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Contraindications of Roman Chamomile essential oil
Roman chamomile is known for being one of the most gentle essential oils on the market, making it suitable for almost everyone. This includes children, pregnant women, the elderly, and even some pets! However, there are some contraindications of Roman chamomile essential oil that you should be aware of.
Roman Chamomile oil and asthma
There are anecdotal reports that chamomile can worsen the symptoms of asthma. If you suffer from asthma, it's best to seek advice from your healthcare provider before using Roman chamomile essential oil. If you experience any difficulties in breathing while using this essential oil, discontinue use and seek medical advice immediately.
Roman Chamomile and cyclosporine
It's thought that there may be an interaction between Roman chamomile essential oil and cyclosporine, a drug that is taken to prevent an organ transplant being rejected. So, if you are taking cyclosporine, it's best to avoid Roman chamomile.
Roman Chamomile and blood thinners
There is a small chance that Roman chamomile could increase the risk of bleeding. For this reason, it's recommended that you avoid using Roman chamomile essential oil if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel.
Roman Chamomile allergy
Although it is rare to be allergic to Roman chamomile, it is vital that you avoid this essential oil if you know that you have an allergy to the plant. There are many other essential oils to choose from if this is the case. If you need help choosing an alternative essential oil to Roman chamomile, email us at volant and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Roman Chamomile and pets
Roman chamomile essential oil is also considered to be safe for use around most domestic pets, including cats and dogs. However, it is essential that you do not allow your pets to ingest this essential oil, as it is a highly concentrated substance. Before using essential oils topically on your pets, it's important to seek advice from a qualified veterinarian.
Where to buy Roman chamomile essential oil
You'll find that Roman chamomile essential oil is widely available online and in stores. However, it's important that you look for an oil that is 100% pure and organic rather than an extract. This will help to make sure that you're receiving the full benefits of Roman chamomile, without any toxins or additives, which is especially important when you’re inhaling something or absorbing it through your skin!
Here are some of the places where you can purchase Roman chamomile essential oil.
Volant
Here at volant, we believe that essential oils should be pure and organic. That's why our essential oils are made using only the highest quality plants, with no additives or synthetic ingredients. So, when you buy Roman chamomile essential oil from volant, you can rest assured that you're getting a pure, natural and organic product.
