Can you guess which herbal tea is drunk more than any other in countries around the world? The answer is chamomile tea, and over a million cups a day are consumed by people of all ages to relax, calm the nerves, reduce anxiety, ease digestive discomfort and enjoy a full night’s sleep. Chamomile is listed as a drug in the pharmacopeias of 26 countries, and its beneficial effects have been enjoyed since ancient times in all corners of the globe. The national flower of Russia, chamomile’s daisy-like white and yellow flowers and a unique, apple-like fragrance have given the plant its botanical name Chamaemelum, from the Greek chamaimelon meaning ‘earth apple.’ In Spanish it is called ‘manzanilla’ or ‘little apple’ and is used to flavor Manzanilla sherry. In Italy, chamomile tea is used to ease colic and spasms in infants and is a staple at bedtime. The Irish lay claim to being the first cultivators of Roman chamomile, and it has been a major part of British herbal tradition for centuries. Roman chamomile is often called ‘lawn chamomile’ for its horizontal creeping habit, creating a mat of greenery underfoot that releases its apple-like aroma when stepped on. Shakespeare wrote, ‘the chamomile, the more it is trodden on, the faster it grows.’ Today, it is widely cultivated in Germany, France, England and Morocco.
There are primarily two varieties of chamomile, Roman and German. While both are members of the aster flower family and are similar in appearance, Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Matricaria recutita) are actually different genera and species. There are also ‘wild chamomiles’ including Moroccan chamomile (Ormenis multcaulis and Ormenis mixta) which are quite different aromatically and therapeutically than Roman or German chamomiles. Chamomile is a relatively pricey oil, and due to the wide range of therapeutic actions displayed by the different species, reputable companies always list the Latin binomial name on the label. When shopping for chamomile oil, research which particular one best suits your needs, and seek out assistance from a natural health professional or specialist knowledgeable in the different therapeutics of each essential oil.
Roman chamomile is the most versatile of the chamomile oils, and is obtained from the plant’s flower heads, the oil turning from a pale blue to a straw yellow several weeks after distillation. The delicate aroma of newly distilled Roman chamomile has been described as smelling like a combination of apples, fresh mown grass and champagne. Roman chamomile oil contains esters, plant components that give the oil excellent sedative, nervine, anti-neuralgic, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Roman chamomile also contains glycosides, specific flavonoids obtained from the yellow and white pigment of the flowers, potent antioxidants that benefit the heart and circulatory system. These antioxidants also mitigate stress, especially environmental stress, and ease anxiety and panic attacks. What Roman chamomile is best known for is its effectiveness in the treatment of insomnia and sleep disorders. The oil’s high ester content (angelic and tiglic acids) and sesquiterpenes (azulene, which references the oil’s pale blue color when distilled) are responsible for the plant’s remarkable ability to reduce stress and bring about deep, healing sleep.
Roman chamomile is also a potent COX-2 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory activity and is a highly effective pain reliever for muscle and joint pain, arthritis, spasms, cramps, headaches and migraines. Studies conducted at the Case Western Reserve Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio confirmed that treatment with chamomile oil inhibits the release of prostaglandins and reduces COX-2 enzyme activity without affecting COX-1 expression. It works via a mechanism of action attributed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but without the negative side effects. Management of inflammation is crucial in reducing the onset of many major diseases, and the authors of the studies note that the biological activity of chamomile provides exciting new insight into the control of inflammation and its effects in serious diseases like cancer.
German chamomile is widely cultivated throughout Europe, Asia and Australia. It differs slightly in appearance to Roman chamomile, having a more sprawling appearance and larger, more irregular daisy-like flowers. The essential oil is a deep, dark, inky blue with a stronger, more complex aroma than Roman chamomile. The deep blue volatile component, chamazulene, does not occur naturally in the plant but is created at distillation, and is one of the most potent scientifically documented anti-inflammatory agents available from a natural source. It is invaluable for treating inflamed joints, excess heat in the muscles and other inflammatory conditions. German chamomile also contains apigenin and quercetin, antioxidant glycosides, and bisabolol, a sesquiterpene that is known to have anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. As a result, German chamomile is widely used in herbal formulations for skin problems including acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rashes, dry itchy skin and allergic conditions in general. German chamomile is also the subject of research in the treatment of high cholesterol and diabetes and has shown significant anti-platelet activity in preliminary cancer research results.
Moroccan ‘wild’ chamomile is related to the ragweed family and is often picked in the wild rather than farmed. Moroccan chamomile has many therapeutic benefits but care in its use should be exercised by anyone with a suspected ragweed allergy. Wild chamomiles are also high in coumarin, which can affect those taking blood thinners. Whenever possible, consult with a professional when selecting chamomile oils for home use. For relaxation, stress reduction and sleep issues, Roman chamomile is the essential oil of choice, and always safe to use. Let it help you relax, unwind and enjoy sweet sleep naturally!
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