Camomile is a flowering herb belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae) and is best known for its small, white, daisy-like flowers with a yellow center.
Camomile is obtained by steam distillation of the dried flowers of the so-called English or Roman Camomile, Chamaemelum nobile.
Camomile has a strong, aromatic odor, characteristic of flowers.
CAS Number: 8015-92-7
EINECS Number: 616-968-8
Synonyms: Camomile Essential Oil, 8015-92-7, Camomile oil boiled, Camomile flower, roman, extract (anthemis nobilis L.);Camomile flower, roman, oil (anthemis nobilis L.);Camomile oil, english;Blue Camomile oil (Martricaria Chamomilla);camomileoilboiled;englishCamomileoil;CAMOMILE OIL BOILED, NATURAL;Camomile oil boiled
Camomile contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and essential oils such as chamazulene and bisabolol.
These compounds are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calming effects.
The chemical composition can vary depending on the plant species, growing conditions, and extraction method.
The odor is extremely diffusive, but it has little tenacity, the flavor of the oil is somewhat bitter, chemical or medicinal, but has also been described as fruity-herbaceous and warm.
Camomile is the common name for several daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae.
Two of the species, Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile, are commonly used to make herbal infusions for beverages.
Camomile is used as a flavoring in foods, beverages, and cosmetics, in herbal teas, in brewing beer, and as a ground cover or seating plant in gardens.
The most commonly used types are German Camomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman Camomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
Camomile has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its mild aroma and therapeutic properties.
Physically, Camomile flowers are usually dried for use in teas, extracts, and powders.
They have a pleasant, slightly sweet, apple-like scent.
The plant itself is low-growing and thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soil.
Camomile is widely recognized for its soothing effects on the nervous system.
Camomile has traditionally been used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
These calming properties make Camomile one of the most popular herbal teas worldwide.
In addition to its calming effects, Camomile is known for its digestive benefits.
Camomile has been used to relieve stomach discomfort, bloating, and mild gastrointestinal spasms.
Its gentle action makes it suitable for people of all ages.
Camomile is also valued for its skin-soothing properties.
Extracts are commonly used to calm irritation, redness, and minor inflammation.
This has led to its widespread use in cosmetic, personal care, and dermatological products.
Camomile is appreciated for its gentle nature and broad range of traditional uses.
Camomile is not a single chemical substance but a complex natural plant material with multiple active components.
Its long history of use supports its role in herbal medicine, food, and personal care applications.
There is no clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of consuming Camomile to treat any disease.
Camomile may interact adversely with various herbs and drugs, worsen pollen allergies, and is not recommended for people with hormone-sensitive conditions or when combined with anticoagulants.
Because Roman Camomile may cause uterine contractions, it should not be used during pregnancy, and its safety during breastfeeding is unknown.
Camomile is highly susceptible to numerous fungi, viruses, and insects, which collectively pose significant threats to its cultivation.
Camomile appears in literature, music, and symbolism—as a soothing remedy in The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the title of The Camomile Lawn, a lyric in No Doubt’s "Hey Baby," a metaphor in Shakespeare, and as Russia’s national flower.
Camomile is one of the most highly used plants, recognized for its multiple healing features.
The Egyptians dedicated it to the sun because of its effectiveness against fever and sunstroke.
Greeks associated the camomile to Morpheus, god of the dreams.
Camomiles infusion is used today to facilitate digestion and fight insomnia.
Its medicinal virtues have been well known since the dawn of time: soothing to the body and the mind.
Camomile is a disinfecting and healing agent, an ideal ingredient for inflamed and tired skins and a good hair conditioning.
Boiling point: 161 °C (lit.)
Optical rotation (α²⁰): −1 to +4°
Density: 0.902 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Vapor pressure: 2.917 hPa
FEMA: 2272 | Camomile flower, English, oil (Anthemis nobilis L.)
Refractive index: n²⁰/D 1.444 (lit.)
Flash point: 138 °F
Storage temperature: 2–8 °C
Odor: At 100.00%, Camomile
Odor type: Herbal
Biological source: Anthemis nobilis L.
Water solubility: 110 mg/L at 20 °C
Merck: 13,2049
Cosmetics ingredients functions: Fragrance; perfuming; skin conditioning
Camomile is a light-blue or light-blue-greenish liquid.
The color may change with age to greenish-yellow or yellow-brown.
Camomile is almost completely soluble in mineral oil.
Camomile is soluble with some haziness, in propylene glycol, but it is insoluble in glycerin.
Because Camomile has been known to cause uterine contractions that can invoke miscarriage, pregnant women are advised to not consume Roman Camomile.
Although oral consumption of Camomile is generally recognized as safe in the United States, there is insufficient clinical evidence about its potential for affecting nursing infants.
Camomile has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, including Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman practices.
Camomile was commonly used for treating fever, wounds, and digestive complaints.
This historical use contributed to its reputation as a gentle, multipurpose medicinal herb.
Botanically, Camomile is an annual or perennial herb, depending on the species.
German Camomile is an annual plant, while Roman Camomile is a low-growing perennial.
These species differ slightly in aroma, chemical composition, and traditional applications.
Camomile essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers.
During this process, the compound chamazulene is formed, giving the oil its characteristic blue color.
This oil is highly concentrated and used mainly in aromatherapy and topical formulations.
In pharmacological studies, Camomile has shown antimicrobial and antispasmodic activity.
Camomile can help relax smooth muscles, which explains its traditional use for cramps and colic.
These effects are attributed mainly to flavonoids such as apigenin.
Camomile has been studied for its anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Camomile can inhibit certain inflammatory mediators and enzymes involved in tissue irritation.
This supports its use in mouthwashes, eye rinses, and topical anti-inflammatory preparations.
In oral care, Camomile is used to relieve gum inflammation and mouth ulcers.
Its mild antiseptic and soothing properties make it suitable for sensitive tissues.
Camomile is often included in herbal rinses and dental care products.
Camomile also plays a role in functional foods and beverages.
Beyond tea, it is used in flavoring, herbal blends, and wellness drinks.
Its mild taste and aroma make it compatible with many formulations.
Camomile is valued not only for its calming effects but also for its broad physiological activity.
Its multifunctional nature comes from the combined action of many plant-derived compounds.
This complexity distinguishes Camomile from single-compound herbal remedies.
Uses:
Camomile oil is considered a capillary wall constrictor, an antiallergenic agent, and antiseptic, cooling, analgesic, emollient, and healing.
Camomile is considered useful for treating burns and skin inflammations as well as dermatitis, and beneficial for acne, dry, or supersensitive skins.
The active principles are a pale blue volatile oil (which can turn yellow with time), a little anthemic acid, tannic acid, and a glucoside.
The volatile oil, obtained through distillation, is lost in the preparation of the extract.
The whole plant is odoriferous and of value, but the flower heads are primarily credited with therapeutic benefits.
Because the chief botanical virtue of the plant lies in the central disk of the yellow florets and in the cultivated double form of the white florets, the botanical properties of the single, wild Camomile are considered to be the most powerful.
Camomile may be used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, mouthwash, soaps, and cosmetics.
Camomile tea is an herbal infusion made from dried flowers and hot water.
The entry for Camomile at the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) lists two types of Camomile, namely German Camomile and Roman Camomile; these are Matricaria chamomilla and Chamaemelum nobile, respectively.
Camomile has historically been used as one of the flavoring ingredients in beer, and is sometimes used by modern brewers.
Usually the whole plant is used, adding a bitter flavor component.
Camomile, chiefly Chamaemelum nobile cultivars, is used to "upholster" Camomile seats, raised beds which are about half a meter tall, and designed to be sat upon.
Camomile lawns are also used in sunny areas with light traffic.
Camomile is widely used in the food and beverage industry, most commonly as an herbal tea.
It is consumed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support sleep quality.
Camomile is also used as a flavoring ingredient in herbal blends and wellness drinks.
In traditional and herbal medicine, Camomile is used for its calming and antispasmodic effects.
Camomile is commonly taken to relieve digestive discomfort, bloating, gas, and mild stomach cramps.
Camomile preparations are also used to ease anxiety and nervous tension.
Camomile is used in cosmetic and personal care products for its soothing properties.
It is added to creams, lotions, shampoos, and soaps to calm irritated or sensitive skin.
Its anti-inflammatory action makes it suitable for products targeting redness and dryness.
In dermatological and topical applications, Camomile is applied to minor skin conditions.
It is used for soothing rashes, insect bites, mild burns, and sun irritation.
Camomile extracts are also found in products for eczema-prone or delicate skin.
Camomile is used in oral care products such as mouthwashes and toothpaste.
It helps reduce gum inflammation and soothe mouth ulcers.
Its mild antimicrobial properties support oral hygiene without harsh effects.
In aromatherapy, Camomile essential oil is used for relaxation and stress relief.
Camomile is commonly applied in massage oils, diffusers, and baths.
The aroma is valued for its calming and comforting effect.
Camomile is also used in infant and pediatric products.
Its gentle nature makes it suitable for teas, baths, and skincare designed for babies.
These uses focus on soothing colic, irritation, and restlessness.
In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, Camomile is included in supplements and extracts.
Camomile is used to support digestive health, sleep, and mild inflammatory conditions.
Standardized Camomile extracts are often used for consistent therapeutic effects.
Safety Profile:
Low toxicity by ingestion and skin contact.
A rmld allergen a skin irritant.
Combustible when heated.
When heated todecomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Camomile is generally considered safe for most people when used in typical dietary or topical amounts.
It has a long history of use in foods, herbal teas, and personal care products.
Serious adverse effects are rare.
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Camomile.
People who are allergic to plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae), such as ragweed, marigold, or chrysanthemums, may be more sensitive.
Allergic responses can include skin rashes, itching, or swelling.
In rare cases, ingestion may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Symptoms can include nausea or vomiting, particularly with concentrated extracts.
These effects are uncommon and usually mild.
Topical use may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Redness or itching can occur, especially when essential oil or concentrated extracts are applied directly.
Patch testing is recommended before extensive skin use.
Camomile essential oil should be used with caution.
Camomile is highly concentrated and may cause irritation if used undiluted.
Proper dilution is necessary in aromatherapy or topical applications.