Confused by Chamomile?We carry two chamomiles; Roman and German. Both are from flowers that look similar, both are from the same family (Asteraceae), and both are often referred to as just 'chamomile'. THEY ARE VERY THERAPEUTICALLY DIFFERENT! Here is a simple chart to clear things up:German(Matricaria recutita)Best Used For:Pain, Inflammation, Swelling, Redness, Bug Bites (Itching), Rheumatism, Arthritis Roman(Chamaemelum nobile) Best Used For:Calming (sedative), muscle spasms or tightness (menstrual, digestion, or tight muscles in general)CHEMISTRYGerman Chamomile is rich in SESQUITERPENES. These are part of a chemical family best known for pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties.Chamazulene and farnesene, specifically, are highly anti-inflammatory and are able to reduce histamine-induced reactions. a-bisabolol is a Sesquiterpenol (an alcohol) that has been researched to be even more anti-inflammatory than chamazulene and farnesene and contributes to German Chamomile's antifungal and antimicrobial activity as well. CHEMISTRYRoman Chamomile is rich in ESTERS.Esters make up a chemical family of molecules that have been researched as being calming to the central nervous system and relaxing to muscles. Roman Chamomile has a whopping 80% Esters! Ester molecules often end in "-etate" such as linalyl acetate (in lavender) or bornyl acetate (in Siberian Fir).Other essential oils that are super high in Esters areClary Sage (68% linalyl acetate), Jasmine (40% total esters, Lavender (38% linalyl acetate), Bergamot (26% linalyl acetate), Bergamot Mint (29% linalyl acetate), and Siberian Fir (29% bornyl acetate). German ChamomileGC/MS SummarySesquiterpenes (34.25%)β-farnesene (27.37%)Oxides (32.03%)bisabolol oxide (8.96%)bisabolol oxide A (12.02%)bisabolol oxide B, (8.49%) Sesquiterpenols (13.91%)α-bisabolol (8.24) Roman ChamomileGC/MS Summary Esters (80.57%)Isobutyl angelate (32%)Isoamyl angelate (14.49) Monoterpenols (7.15%) HELPFUL HINTRemember that German Chamomile is Blue.Blue oils generally are highly anti-inflammatory (Blue Cypress, Blue Tansy (we'll be offering these soon). HELPFUL HINTRemember ROMAN= REST, as in sleepy time tea. This will help you remember which one is the best choice for a sleep aid blend. From the Pompeii Patio:Earlier this summer I was so excited to see both varieties available at our local garden center and was curious to see how they would do in the "Pompeii Patio". I planted the Roman directly into the ground because it is a perennial and would come back (hopefully flourishing) for years to come. The German, however, is an annual plant so I put it in a planter. If you have a lot of Chamomile in your garden at the end of summer, consider making an oil infusion. Here is an interesting infusion tutorial by Liz Fulcher. The post is about infusing Calendula, but the same process can be used to make a Chamomile infused oil. The infused oil would also be great for homemade children products, like baby oil, diaper solutions, and restful nights.RECIPE:SLEEPY TIME PURE ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDThis combination of pure oils (loaded with calming Esters) fills a 5 ml dropper bottle. Once combined, you can use this blend in an array of recipes (see below):11 drops Roman Chamomile55 drops Lavender (angustifolia)27 drops Bergamot27 drops Clary Sage= 120 total drops.Relaxing Bath - Add just 5-6 drops of the above blend to a handful of Dead Sea or Himalayan salts to your warm bath water. Relax and soak in the tub.Calming Spray - Add 20-22 drops of the above blend to a 2 ounce spritzer bottle. Top off with water and shake well before each use. Mist over bedding before going to sleep.Calming Massage Oil/Lotion - Add 10 drops of the above blend to an ounce of lotion or carrier oil. Massage into your neck and shoulders before bedtime.GET BLENDINGwith Pompeii Organics Essential Oils!
