Roman Chamomile – the calming comforter

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile/Anthemis nobilis), is one of the most ancient of medicinal herbs and has been used for centuries for its calming properties, both to the body and to the mind.

Like a ray of sunshine beaming down, it’s gentle nature and sweet herby, apple like scent makes it ideal for use with children - soothing fractious emotions, feelings of restlessness, stress and nervous tension and gently coaxing them (and adults too!) into a more agreeable frame of mind.

It’s ability to lull us into a relaxed state in preparedness for sleep is renowned and if Chamomile tea is not to your taste (even with a spoonful of honey stirred in), then a blend containing the essential oil may just hit the mark.

A couple of drops in your diffuser in the evening or sprinkled on a tissue and tucked under your pillow at night, will help relax and prepare you for the land of nod.

Chamomile is quite strong in scent and not to everyones taste, however when blended with other oils, it can bring a warm depth to the synergy. I love to pair it with Lavender, Vetiver, Bergamot and Ylang ylang which is the combination in my Relax Essential Oil blend as it's so effective at promoting a restful nights sleep.

This is a before photo of the healthy, flourishing Chamomile pot in the Aroma Studio garden a couple of years ago.

And this is the day after. Something had certainly enjoyed digging in and raiding it – perhaps my little visitor needed a good night’s sleep.

It also blends beautifully with Sweet marjoram and Sweet orange amongst others which can be effective for digestive complaints, calming and soothing the digestive tract, especially when any irritation is due to stress.

For skincare preparations, Roman Chamomile is one of the first oils I turn to for sensitive and dry conditions and to calm skin irritations. It has wonderful cell regenerating and healing capabilities and has been an oil I have successfully used for my own eczema and dermatitis in the past and it’s often an addition in my own personal Facial Oils.

So I think it's pretty clear to see exactly where Chamomile's power lies. It excels in calming inflammation that presents as both physical and emotional discomfort, bringing a state of calm and comfort to both our body and our mind. And who doesn't need a little of that now and then.