German Chamomile Essential Oil (Blue Chamomile) (Matricaria chamomilla)

Overview

Chamomile, German (Blue Chamomile) may also be referred to as Matricaria recutita, Blue Chamomile. It is typically processed using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the flowers/buds.

Summary

Although German Chamomile Essential Oil possesses numerous beneficial actions (see the section below), I first think of German Chamomile oil as a powerful anti-inflammatory for use in topical applications.

German Chamomile Essential Oil is a deep, dark blue hue due to the presence of the sesquiterpene chamazulene. During steam distillation of the essential oil, the natural matricin that is present in German Chamomile reacts to form the chamazulene that we find in the oil. As with Yarrow or Blue Tansy Essential Oil, the hue can sometimes be a deterrent when working with the oil. For example, I make and take my own blends when I travel. To minimize discoloration to clothing if it leaks in my luggage, I tend to leave out the German Chamomile Essential Oil from my anti-inflammatory travel blend and instead substitute Roman Chamomile Oil. For room sprays and body mists where essential oil color can again be a consideration, I use Roman Chamomile Oil. I prefer to use German Chamomile strictly for direct topical applications (i.e. wound care, inflamed skin, etc.).

German Chamomile Essential Oil (Blue Chamomile)

Essential Facts

Aroma Description:
Fruity Herbaceous Sweet
Common Name(s): Matricaria recutita, Blue Chamomile
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Synonyms(s) for Matricaria chamomilla: Camomilla patens, Chamaemelum chamomilla, Chamaemelum vulgare, Chamomilla courrantiana, Chamomilla meridionalis, Chamomilla officinalis, Chamomilla patens, Chamomilla recutita, Chamomilla recutita var. bayeri, Chamomilla vulgaris, Chrysanthemum chamomilla, Courrantia chamomilloides, Leucanthemum chamaemelum, Matricaria bayeri, Matricaria chamomilla bayeri, Matricaria chamomilla pappulosa, Matricaria chamomilla var. coronata, Matricaria chamomilla var. recutita, Matricaria coronata, Matricaria courrantiana, Matricaria deflexa, Matricaria kochianum, Matricaria littoralis, Matricaria obliqua, Matricaria patens, Matricaria pusilla, Matricaria pyrethroides, Matricaria recutita, Matricaria recutita var. coronata, Matricaria recutita var. kochiana, Matricaria recutita var. pappulosa
Botanical Family: Asteraceae
Botanical Genus: Matricaria
Major Compounds: Bisabolol, Farnesol, Azulene, Farnasene, Thujanol
Perfumery Note: Middle
Consistency: Medium
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
Indigenous Country: Bulgaria
Cultivation: Distiller is Certified Organic
Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
Part Typically Used: Flowers/Buds
Shelf Life: Long time

Ethically and sustainably sourced
Organic
Vegan
Not recommended or safe if pregnant or nursing
Not recommend or safe for children

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Chamomile, German (Blue Chamomile):

Tisserand and Young caution that a drug interaction may occur if using drugs metabolized by CYP2D6. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 243.] According to Julia Lawless, German Chamomile Oil may cause dermatitis in some. [Julia Lawless,The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 168.]

Safety Precautions for Chamomile, German (Blue Chamomile):

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.