What's So Special About Chamomile?

INGREDIENT: 

Chamomile

FANCY LATIN NAME: 

Anthemis or Chamaemelum nobilis (Roman chamomile) or Matricaria recutita L. (German blue chamomile)

WHY DO WE LOVE CHAMOMILE?

It’s almost impossible to count the ways in which we love chamomile, actually. Both Roman and German chamomile have myriad uses, most of which are calming in nature. From soothing teas to healing balms to skincare products made with chamomile essential oil, this potent herb offers something for everyone.

WHERE DOES CHAMOMILE COME FROM?

German chamomile is a medicinal herb native to southern and eastern Europe. It is now grown all over the world, with Hungary as the main producer and the source of our blue chamomile oil.

Roman chamomile is grown all over, and is also referred to as English chamomile. We source ours from the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

WHAT ARE THE SKIN BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE?

  • German chamomile can help alleviate itching and inflammation thanks to alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene, two of the most powerful constituents of the oil.
  • Chamazulene, present in both German (more) and Roman (less) chamomile, can help reduce redness in skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
  • Chamomile has bacteria-fighting capabilities
  • Chamomile applied to the skin has shown some promise in treating eczema, without the rebound effect that comes with steroid treatment.
  • Chamomile should only be used on the skin in properly diluted formulations. 

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHAMOMILE? 

  • Chamomile has shown significant benefits for people with anxiety and depression, and may be most effective when taken daily as a supplement. 
  • Chamomile tea has anti-spasmodic properties, which can help relieve menstrual cramps.
  • Several cups a day of chamomile tea can help alleviate symptoms of PMS, including depression and anxiety.
  • Chamomile can help settle gastrointestinal upset, thanks to the anti-spasmodic properties mentioned above, so a few cups of chamomile tea a day is great for folks with GI issues!

FUN FACTS ABOUT CHAMOMILE

  • It’s possible to have an allergy to chamomile, especially if you are allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
  • Chamomile is used to make perfumes, skincare, healing balms, tea, beer, and even an herbal liqueur. (Chamomile Manhattan, anyone?)
  • German chamomile grows up to 2-3 feet tall. It has thin, feathery leaves and white flowers with yellow centers with an apple-like scent.
  • Roman chamomile grows only 4-5 inches, and likes to spread out horizontally, which is why you often see it as a ground cover in gardens. The flowers have a similar appearance to the German variety.
  • One million cups of chamomile tea are consumed throughout the world every day! 

OSMIA PRODUCTS WITH CHAMOMILE


  

 

The information contained in this post is for educational interest only and is not intended to represent claims for actions of chamomile. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness or disease.

Reference articles:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210003/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10799352/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5646235/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970572/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074766/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5589135/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8242407/

OUR WELLNESS + SKINCARE EXPERT

Sarah Villafranco, MD

Dr. Sarah Villafranco attended Georgetown University Medical School, and went on to complete her residency in emergency medicine at George Washington University. She moved to Colorado, where she practiced as a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Aspen Valley Hospital, Snowmass Clinic, and Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO. After losing her mother to pancreatic cancer, she took a local soap making class, and fell in love with the chemistry and artistry of making soap. Sarah went into research mode and was alarmed to learn how many potentially harmful ingredients were in most skincare products on the market. She knew she could make better, safer products that were as effective (if not more so) than conventional products. After a few years of research and development, Sarah stepped away from the emergency room to launch Osmia Skincare in April of 2012. She remains a licensed physician in Colorado, and now helps people find healthier, happier skin as CEO of the brand.