Latin (Botanical) Name: Matricaria recutita
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Common Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Typically Used Plant Part: Flower
Color: Clear, light yellow
Aromatic Characteristic: Mild, sweet, herbaceous aroma
The roots of camomile go back to ancient times. Its name is derived from the Greek word "chamomaela" meaning "ground apple". This name is thought to refer to the shrub's habit of growing close to the ground and its pleasant aroma.
The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans used camomile flowers for wound healing and as a cold remedy. Indeed, classical scholars make abundant references to camomile in the writings of ancient Greek physicians as a treatment for a wide variety of ailments. It has been found that camomile has been used as a cure in the historical documents of almost all ancient civilizations.
In Egypt, camomile was an omnipotent symbol associated with the sun god Ra. Camomile was revered among medicinal herbs, and nobles used it in beauty rituals in keeping with its elite status. Indeed, the camomile had such an important role in Egyptian society that its depiction can be found in hieroglyphs dating back 2,000 years.
The healing reputation of camomile continued long after the ancient world gave way to more recent history. In the Middle Ages it was a popular treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including asthma, colic, fever, inflammation, nausea, and skin diseases. In medieval Europe, it is considered one of the nine sacred herbs in the Lacnunga, an Ancient Anglo-Saxon herbal guide.
Because camomile can grow in many soil types and withstand a variety of temperatures, it has proliferated wherever it spreads and has become an integral part of many traditional medicinal practices. It is now grown all over the world. Different varieties of camomile are still popularly used in teas and natural beauty products, especially in Europe and Latin America.
Camomile water is a byproduct of the camomile oil production process. It is much less concentrated than camomile oil. Therefore, it can be applied directly to the skin without the need to dilute it with a carrier oil. It also has a milder, more subtle scent.
It offers many benefits thanks to the active ingredients it contains.
KEY COMPONENTS / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
BENEFITS
When chamomile water is smelled, it helps to relax, calm down, manage feelings of anxiety and sleep easily [2].
Chamomile juice helps soothe irritated, inflamed skin.
WARNINGS
ACADEMIC STUDIES
[1] Y. Lou, J. Zhu (2016). Carboxylic Acid Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Bioactive Carboxylic Compound Classes: Pharmaceuticals and Agrochemicals, 28 June 2016.
[2] N. S. Sotiropoulou, S. F. Megremi, P. Tarantilis (2020). Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity, Toxicity, and Phenolic Profile of Aqueous Extracts of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Prepared at Different Temperatures. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 2270.
[3] A. Cvetanović, J. Švarc-Gajić, P. Mašković, S. Savić, L. Nikolić (2015). Antioxidant and biological activity of chamomile extracts obtained by different techniques: perspective of using superheated water for isolation of biologically active compounds. Industrial Crops and Products, Volume 65, March 2015, Pages 582-591.
[4] H. Ebrahimia, A. Mardanib, M. H. Basirinezhadc, A. Hamidzadehd, F. Eskandarie (2020). The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older communitydwelling people: A randomized controlled trial. EXPLORE · January 2021.
