Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) Hydrosol - Hydrosols - Plant extracts

Properties and Applications

The following information was obtained from the references listed below.

One of the best all-purpose waters, right up there with lavender and melissa. Roman chamomile is the number-one choice for baby care. It can safely be used right from birth, in bath water and as a soothing mist for bedding. Mothers can use it diluted to wash the breast area, and in addition to helping prevent cracked and sore nipples, its calming properties will make feeding time even more relaxing. Babies will soon associate the aroma of chamomile with mummy and yummy. When child care is required, the handover is easier if the caregiver uses chamomile as well, as the child will feel that mother is near. Diaper-rash redness and pain can be soothed with dilute chamomile, or use neat applications of a 50:50 blend of Roman chamomile and lavender. New mothers can use it in a compress or a sitz bath for postpartum relief. When teething starts, add two or three drops to a bottle of water to help calm diarrhea and stomach upset. Rub the gums with diluted chamomile frequently to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain and to help soothe the associated crankiness.

Because of its effect on the nervous system, chamomile is a useful aid in stress reduction, depression relaxation, insomnia, and aggravation (use as a bedtime tea or bath for reducing stress, for physical relaxation, and for a restful night). Chamomile is wonderful for skin care, for calming rashes, sensitivities, rosacea, acne, heat rash, and redness. Use it like lavender for burns and sunburns. It is the best all-in-one makeup remover, skin cleanser, and toner. Chamomile is fairly astringent owing to its very acid pH; do not use it singly or long-term on very dry skin, windburn, or similar conditions. Combined with neroli it is good for acneic conditions and oily skin; combine it with which hazel for mature skin and with lavender or geranium for very dry skin. Roman chamomile is one of only four hydrosols recommended as an eyewash, with German chamomile, cornflower, and green myrtle being the others (can be used as a daily eyewash for soothing the effects of pollution, computer burn, and general redness or for conjunctivitis). Its very low pH makes chamomile a suitable addition to a douche or bidet, and it will calm itching and non-infectious inflammations. It can also be combined with oregano or savory hydrosols in treating vaginitis and thrush.