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Roman Chamomile: Product Highlight

Roman Chamomile: Product Highlight

Plant Details 

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is a flowering perennial plant in the Asteraceae family.  It is native to areas of southern and western Europe and can be found growing wild in a variety of climates.  Roman Chamomile is sometimes also referred to as English chamomile, low chamomile, garden chamomile, or ground apple.  Chamomile is a low-growing plant whose foliage remains under six inches while solitary flower stalks reach ten to twelve inches in height.  The leaves of the plant are bipinnate and finely dissected, growing alternately along the ground crawling stems.  Roman Chamomile leaves can vary from bright to dark green in color and have a soft downy texture.  The daisy-like flowers grow on stems that extend tall above the leaves.  Roman Chamomile flowers have prominent yellow centers surrounded by white ray petals.  The flowers typically bloom in June and July with some continuing into early fall. 

History

The word Chamomile is derived from the Greek term “chamaimēlon” which means "earth apple" and it is said to be inspired by the sweet apple-like scent of the plant.  Roman Chamomile obtained the Latin name "nobilis" because of its believed therapeutic properties.  Roman Chamomile is able to grow in many types of soil and withstand a range of climates, proliferated in areas where it was spread, and became an integral part of the traditional medicinal practices in many cultures.  Roman Chamomile was used by the Ancient Egyptians in dedications to their gods because it was thought to have healing properties.  It was viewed as a symbol of omnipotence associated with the sun god, Ra.  They also used Chamomile in the treatment of an acute fever illness they called Ague.  Hieroglyphics show Ancient Egyptian women of nobility using Roman Chamomile oil in skincare and it was also used in the embalming process to preserve nobility in tombs.  Roman Chamomile was described as one of the nine sacred herbs by the Anglo-Saxons in the herb guide, ‘Lacnuga’, and they used it heavily in ceremonies and healing practices.  During the Middle Ages, Roman Chamomile herbs and oil were used in tinctures and salves meant to treat a wide range of ailments, including coughs, fevers, inflammation, nausea, and skin conditions.  It was popular during this time as a strewing herb, which helped create a fragrant atmosphere at large gatherings and celebrations.  When stepped upon, the essential oils in the Chamomile flowers would release their sweet floral fragrance into the air.  Chamomile flowers were also added to beer during the Middle Ages to give the brew a bitter flavor, later being replaced by hops in this capacity.  

Extraction

When Roman Chamomile flowers begin to bloom in the summer, they can be harvested every fourteen days, up to six times per season.  After harvest, the Chamomile flowers are quickly transported to kilns to be air dried before distillation.  Ten pounds of fresh flowers will reduce to around five pounds of dried plant material.  Roman Chamomile essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant through steam distillation, with the oil yield being 0. 3% to 1% of the weight of the plant matter.  The resulting essential oil is thin and clear, with a fruity sweet, and herbaceous aroma.  

Benefits & Uses

Used in aromatherapy, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil has been found to possess soothing properties for the mind and body.  It is believed to diminish stress and anxiety and help to encourage feelings of calm and relaxation for a tranquil and refreshed mood.  Roman Chamomile Essential Oil has been found to enhance sleep, helping to relieve the effects of insomnia and other sleep disorders.  It is known to speed up sleep onset and extend sleep duration for a more restful and rejuvenating night. 

When diluted and used topically, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil is thought to be calming and cleansing for the skin.  It has been found to combat dark spots and signs of aging and encourage skin cell regeneration for a smooth and youthful complexion.  Roman Chamomile Essential Oil may help to nourish and moisturize the skin while helping to improve skin tone and texture.  It is believed to cleanse the skin to diminish acne and blemishes while being gentle enough for all skin types.  Roman Chamomile is known to contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe irritated skin while also working to decrease redness and swelling.  It may help to encourage quick healing of minor cuts and scrapes and combat bacteria that may lead to infection.  In haircare, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil is believed to cleanse and moisturize the scalp to alleviate dry flaky skin and support healthy hair strands.  


Here are some recipes using Roman Chamomile Essential Oil that we love. . .  

Tranquil Meadow Diffuser Blend

Tranquil Meadow Diffuser Blend

Ingredients

Instructions

Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line.  Add drops of the essential oil blend.  This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser.  Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser.  

Blemish Block Skin Calming Roll On

Blemish Block Skin Calming Roll On

Ingredients

Instructions

Add the essential oils to the bottle.  Fill the rest of the bottle to the top with fractionated coconut oil.  Replace the rollerball and cap, gently shake, and roll across spots and blemishes.  

Gentle Cleanse Facial Cleanser  

Gentle Cleanse Facial Cleanser 

Ingredients

Instructions

Measure Liquid Castile Soap, Vegetable Glycerin, Sweet Almond Oil, and essential oils into a bowl and stir thoroughly to combine.  Add water, a little at a time, while stirring gently to avoid the formation of too many bubbles.  Allow any bubbles to dissipate and pour the mixture into the bottle.  Shake well before each use.  Pour a small amount into the hand or a soft washcloth.  Gently rub all over the face, forming a lather, to cleanse.  Rinse thoroughly and follow with toner and moisturizer.   

Rest & Relax Bath Bomb

Rest & Relax Bath Bomb

Ingredients

Instructions

Combine all the citric acid, baking soda, sweet almond oil, and fragrance oil in a bowl and mix using gloved hands.  Spritz a small amount of witch hazel onto the top of the powder mixture and stir it in.  Repeat this process until the mixture packs together easily with a texture similar to wet sand.  Scoop the mixture into each mold one at a time and pack them down tightly.  Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours.  Store them in an airtight container.  While running water, drop one into the bath and allow it to fully dissolve.  

Goodnight Moon Linen Spray

Goodnight Moon Linen Spray 

Ingredients

Instructions

Add 2 ounces of alcohol to the bottle.  Add the essential oils and fill the remainder of the bottle with witch hazel, leaving a little space at the top.  Shake well before each use.  Spray on linens and around the bedroom before sleep. 


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