English Chamomile Essential Oil (Anthemis nobilis)

May 20, 2010 | Posted in: Herbs & Essential Oils

This lovely pale blue oil comes from a small co-operative farm group in the Fens of England.  It has been used as a medicinal and aromatic historically reaching back into ancient Egyptian and Moorish cultures, and was brought to England at least a thousand years ago.   It was one of the Saxons’ nine sacred herbs, known as “Maythen”.

The oil is harvested in July or August and steam distilled from fresh flowers.  It has an amazing ability to calm and relieve stress, through application to the solar plexus, or inhalation.  Putting this oil in a tub of hot water and sitting in it is almost a guaranteed sleep inducer!  I have included it here in the season of the heart because it is such an incredible stress reducer which is a number one priority when strengthening the heart.

Because it contains trace amounts of chamazulene,  an anti-inflammatory, is also very useful for muscular inflammation,  nerve inflammation, and inflamed skin conditions.  It is an emollient that can be used in all kinds of skin cremes, cosmetics and healing preparations.  It is relaxing to the nervous system and I have found it to be a perfect oil to diffuse in classrooms or children’s play areas when a calming energy is desired.  Most children love its aroma, and it blends very well with bitter orange or neroli, other childhood favorites.

Whenever we are in a stressful situation, rubbing this oil on the chest or upper abdomen is l like receiving a deep relaxation treatment!  It will help us clear the anxiety and enhance our feeling of peace and well-being.  It is a superb oil for including in a spinal anointment or compress.

(Information is provided for educational purposes only).