Chamomile Oil: 8 Benefits and how to use it

Chamomile Oil: 8 Benefits and how to use it

Essential oils are concentrated extracts of plants. These oils are becoming increasingly popular due to their potential health benefits.

Research has been done on chamomile essential oil. It has been used over the years for many ailments and conditions.

This article will look at the benefits of chamomile and how to use it safely.

What’s the difference between Roman chamomile and German chamomile

The chamomile flower is used to make the oil. Chamomile has a close relationship with daisies. The flowers of chamomile are used to make chamomile oil.

You may find two types of chamomile:

• Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis)
• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita)

Both plants have a slightly different appearance. The chemical compositions of the active ingredients also differ slightly. Both strains have been studied. German chamomile has a higher concentration of chamazulene.

 

What are the benefits chamomile oil has?

Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman medical texts have described the use of chamomile. It has been used over the centuries for:

• digestive upset, such as indigestion, nausea, or gas
• Wound healing, including ulcers, sores and
• Anxiety relief
• Ease skin conditions such as eczema and rashes
• Anti-inflammatory and pain relief for conditions such as backache or nerve pain.
• Promoting sleep

Researchers are beginning to shed light on the health advantages of chamomile and why it’s been used for so many years as a remedy. Let’s look at these benefits more closely.

1. Digestive upset

In a 2014 animal experiment, Trusted Source assessed the effects of German Chamomile Extract on diarrhea. The authors found that chamomile oil protected against diarrhea and intestine fluid buildup.

A 2018 studyTrustedSource evaluated the effect of topically applying diluted chamomile on bowel function after a Cesarean Delivery. Researchers found that patients with chamomile applied topically to their abdomen had more appetite and passed gas faster than those who did not use the oil.

A second study by Trusted Source examined the effects of Roman Chamomile Extract on sections of guinea pig, rat, and human intestine. The researchers found that the chamomile had muscle-relaxing properties. It could explain why chamomile has been used to treat digestive problems like cramping and indigestion.

1. Wound healing

An article from 2018 titled “Trusted Source” investigated the effect of Roman chamomile on healing an infected rat wound. The chamomile ointment showed significantly greater wound healing and antibacterial properties than tetracycline and placebo.

1. Generalized anxiety disorder

A study from 2017 Trusted Source evaluated the short-term treatment for generalized anxiety with chamomile. After eight weeks, researchers found that 58.1 percent reported decreased anxiety symptoms.

A hormone called cortisol, which is low in the mornings, has been associated with anxiety disorders. In a small 2018 studyTrustedSource, chamomile treatment reduced anxiety symptoms while increasing morning cortisol.

1. The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:

Anxiety and depression often occur in tandem. In one trusted source, German chamomile was used orally in patients with anxiety and depression.

Researchers found that the group who received chamomile extracted experienced a significant decrease in symptoms of depression after eight weeks.

It is important to know that while chamomile oil can be consumed, the extract should not.

1. Skin irritation

Researchers from a study conducted in 2010 by Trusted Source evaluated the effectiveness of German Chamomile Oil in treating Atopic Dermatitis among mice. They did this by applying the oil to their skin.

The mice who received the chamomile oil showed significantly lower levels of markers that are associated with allergies.

1. Pain relief

In a 2015 Trusted Source study, the efficacy of applying diluted Chamomile Essential Oil to the skin was investigated for treating Osteoarthritis. Participants were instructed to apply the oil 3 times per day for three weeks.

Researchers found that compared with participants who did not use the treatment, chamomile oil reduced the need for pain medication.

Another study, studyTrustedSource, examined topical oil chamomile’s effectiveness for carpal Tunnel syndrome. After four weeks, the chamomile group scored significantly lower on symptom severity than the placebo group.

1. Sleep Aid

Research confirms that chamomile is associated with good sleep. It is often consumed as an herbal remedy.

Participants were divided into two groups in a study trusted source. The first group received chamomile capsules twice daily; the other was given a placebo.

The group that took chamomile extracted showed a significant improvement in sleep quality compared to those who received a placebo.

1. Anti-cancer properties

In a 2019 studyTrusted Source, the researchers examined the effects of German chamomile on cancer cells. Researchers found that cancer cells died more often when treated with extract.

The same study also discovered that treatment with chamomile extracted reduced cancer cells’ ability to grow blood vessels, which is required to keep tumors living.

A recent study by Trusted Source examined apigenin, a component in chamomile oils. The researchers found that apigenin inhibited cell growth and caused cell death in human cancer cells.

How to use Chamomile Oil

How can you safely use chamomile at home now that you know its health benefits? You can diffuse it or apply it topically.

Aromatherapy products

Inhaling the oil can help treat several conditions, including anxiety, and promote sleep. Use the oil either in a spray bottle or a diffuser.

• Diffusion. The diffuser spreads the aroma of essential oils that have evaporated throughout a room. Follow the instructions that come with your diffuser when diffusing chamomile essential oil.
• Spray. Mix 10 to 15 drops in an ounce of water to spray chamomile. Shake well the glass spray bottle before adding. Use a glass spray bottle only, as the oil will ruin the plastic over time.

Make sure the area you are in is well-ventilated before using any essential oils for Aromatherapy. Avoid exposing pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and pets to essential oils.

Topical Applications

You can use chamomile oil topically. This can help with digestive problems, anxiety, and aches and pains.

Before applying essential oils to the skin, they must be diluted with carrier oil. Here are some ideas on how to use it.

• Massage Oil. You’ll need to dilute chamomile in a carrier oil before using it as a massage. You can choose from various carrier oils, such as coconut or jojoba.
• Bath Oil. Add chamomile essential oil to warm bathwater.
• Add chamomile essential oil to lotions or moisturizers.
• On compress. To make a hot compress, soak a towel in warm water and add 1 to 2 drops of diluted Chamomile oil. Apply the compress to an aching area, such as your stomach or back.

Does it have any side effects?

Essential oils are highly concentrated. They should only be consumed if under the supervision and guidance of a professional. Some essential oils are toxic. Use chamomile chamomile tea to replace chamomile in your internal use.

Store chamomile oil away from children and pets to avoid accidents.

You should be aware that chamomile can have side effects or drug interactions.

Skin irritation

Some essential oils can cause skin irritation. Test a small amount of chamomile oil diluted on the inside of the elbow to see if you are sensitive.

Stop using the product if you experience swelling, redness, or burning.

Allergies

Some people are allergic to chamomile. This may be a more common reaction if you are allergic to plants resembling chamomile, such as marigolds, daisies, or ragweed.

A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, a serious medical emergency, can happen in rare cases. The following are signs to watch out for:

• Having difficulty breathing
• A swollen neck
• Coughing or wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• A rash
• vomiting
• diarrhea

Drug interactions

Chamomile oil may interact with the medications cyclosporine and Warfarin. Speak to your doctor if you are taking prescription medication before using chamomile.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

You should consult your doctor before using chamomile oil if you are pregnant or nursing.

What you should look for when buying chamomile oil

When shopping for essential oils or chamomile oil, follow these tips:

• Beware of claims and marketing hype. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate essential oils. Be cautious of oils that claim to cure or treat a particular condition.
• On the label, look for the Latin name. You can use this to ensure you get the chamomile essential oil.
• Check for purity statements. One hundred percent of essential oils should be available. Labels should indicate if the product has been mixed with other products.
• Before purchasing a product, smell it. It must smell like chamomile.
• Choose dark-colored bottles. Light damages essential oils.

Takeaway 

 

For many years, chamomile essential oil has been used to treat various ailments, including digestive problems and wound healing. Recent research has shed light on its potential benefits. These include helping with depression, anxiety, and sleep.

 

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