Chamomile, German

Matricaria recutita

Compositeae family (Asteraceae)

Grown and steam distilled in Egypt from organically grown flowers.

German Chamomile is synonymous with skin care, and soothing qualities. High chamazulene levels give it a a beautiful intense azure blue color. Some people say German Chamomile smells like new cut hay--I would have to agree there's a hay and summer afternoon quality about it! Sometimes I just carry this oil around with me; there's something quite addictive about it.

German has been cultivated for at least hundreds of years in Europe, including in the northern countries

Tea Time

Morning, five and night,
Boiling water to calm nerves,
Peaceful chamomile.
Myles Keener 

Arctander says:

Steam distilled chamomile oil is, when fresh, a deep ink blue, somewhat viscous liquid off intensely sweet, herbaceous-coumarin like odor, with a fresh-fruity undertone. In a pure and undiluted state, the sweetness and odor-intensity of this oil is almost sickening, nauseating. The dryout of amellow and aged oil is pleasant, sweet, tobacco-like and warm, but in freshly distilled oils there is often an obnoxiously animal-sweet, amine-like note. The flavor is warm, but somewhat bitter and strongly herbaceous.  I should note here that I think he's being dramatic. But on the other hand, lots of oils have still notes when fresh and need time to get a grip with age. Think patchouli and peppermint.

He goes on to say that as the oil ages, the color changes to brown but that this has no direct effect with the odor of the oil.

He also notes that German Chamomile oil is used in high class perfumery  to introduce a warm, rich undertone which lasts through all stages of evaporaton and that the "topnote" effect of German Chamomile is less pronouced than those of Roman or Wild Moroccan Chamomile.

Arctander also speaks about the use of Chamomile in flavoring, mostly in liquors such as Benedictine. In these cases, he recommends it blended with angelica root, artemisias, or fruity flavors such as banana, peach and strawberry.

Battaglia says

Chamomile can inpart a sweet and herbaceous richness (I'm paraphrasing) that can be very calming and relaxing to the psyche. He mentions it as useful in digestive blends, respiratory blends,and for the reproductive, urinary and musculoskeletal systems. It's also stellar in both skin care and skin pathologies, and he suggests it can help boost the immune system and cites studies. There's a lot of information on this oil, and this book, The Complete Guide to Aromatheapy, can be found here

Blends well with bergamot, geranium, lavender, peppermint, rose, sandalwood and tea tree

Safety Information

As with most essential oils, dilute before using on skin. Perform a patch test before use if essential oil sensitivity is suspected. Do not take essential oils internally. Do not use on children or pets. Seek advice from a trained aromatherapist before using on people with compromised immune systems. Keep away from eyes and mucus membranes.
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