Take a peek into my daily work! Every day I am learning and examining research so I can be better at my profession. I am constantly challenged and thrive in my knowledge.The more I learn, the more I question. Join me on my journey!

In todays notes Im working with Roman Chamomile. There are different species of chamomile like German (Blue) Chamomile and Roman Chamomile. Roman is more commonly used for teas and in aromatherapy. It grows as a ground cover with small white fragrant flowers. 

Roman chamomile is steam distilled from the flowering tips. It only has approximately a 1-1.7% yield which is why its so costly. 1% yield means that 100 kilos of plant yields approximately 1 litre of essential oil. 

Roman Chamomile is referred to as “Ground Apple” for its sweet apple and pear like scent. It is one of the most well known oils for relaxation. It can calm a fussy child and encourage sleep for all ages at night. It is often used to help minimize irritability and nervousness. And its been documented to be extremely effective as a pre-operative relaxing agent. It is also very soothing to skin, its recommended for dry scaling skin and to sooth irritations topically. Its safe to use neat (directly on skin without dilution) or I would recommend 1:1 dilution for children or if you were supporting dry/sensitive skin, you would mix it with a carrier oil. 

Today I am examining two different Roman Chamomile’s. One comes from a farm in Hungary and the other one in England. I am comparing their chemistry and aroma to see which one is a better fit for a formula I am working on for my client. Every plant grown in different areas of the world, have different chemistry. Also weather patterns and growing conditions also affect the chemistry. Like bug swarms can cause a stress response and raise certain chemistry in the extract. So interesting! As you can see in these two Roman Chamomile options they have different colors and VERY different aromas. The Hungarian one is higher in Alpha-Pinene as well as Isobutyl Isobutyrate. This one has a sweeter smoother aroma, it has a distinctive pear sweetness. The one from England has a sharper fresh grass and floral like aroma. Both beautiful oils! But today Im choosing the Hungarian one for this project. 



Roman Chamomile has a long history of use. Mostly for anxious feelings, but it is also nicknamed “Plants Physician” because it was thought to be a plant doctor when planted near plants that needed support. Folklore says it will attract wealth and abundance in love. In the 1800’s women would bathe in chamomile to attract a lover. Im sure after that bath they smelled better than all the other ladies!