Roman chamomile is mainly grown in England, and there are some areas in continental Europe and the United States that also distill the oil. In 1785, Carlo Allioni, an Italian botanist, placed what we know as Roman chamomile in the genus Chamaemelum, naming Anthemis nobilis as Chamaemelum nobile, thus furthering the confusion about chamomiles.

German chamomile is what most botanists and herbalists refer to as chamomile. German chamomile grows wild mostly in Germany, however what is known as blue or German chamomile has for the past 10 years or so been mainly distilled in Hungary, yet it retains the name German chamomile.

Moroccan chamomile is a member of the Tansy botanical family and is like German chamomile due to the fact that they both produce a deep, ink-blue color when in the form of an essential oil. Out of the two varieties, Moroccan chamomile has the highest levels of chamazulene; however there are some chamomiles that have the name Moroccan Chamomile that are not blue in color. They are appelled Moroccan chamomile because they are a variety of chamomile that is grown in Morocco. True Tanacetum annuum is blue and contains the highest levels of chamazulene; however, there is some concern with Tanacetum annum, also called blue tansy oil. Tansy oil has been purported to have some toxicity and should not be used directly on the skin. On the other hand, there are aromatherapists who rave about the wonderful effects of Tanacetum annuum. Research on Tanacetum annuums constituents and general actions is incomplete and there is not enough clinical data recorded to make any conclusions about safety or effectiveness.

Chamazulene is the constituent in both German and Moroccan chamomiles that makes them blue and gives them strong anti-inflammatory qualities. Chamazulene does not show up as a constituent of German Chamomile until the distillation process because chamazulene is bound with glycoside Matricine, which is a sugar molecule that becomes hydrolysed due to the pressure and heat of the steam distillation process of extracting the essential oil. The volatile azulenes become unbound and alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene are then freed and show as newly present constituents of chamomile oil.

German and Moroccan Chamomile are recognized for their anti-inflammatory properties and have been know to help cure and treat allergies, dermatitis, eczema, inflamed joints, muscles, neuralgia, skin rashes and sprains. German Chamomile is what is typically chosen to make chamomile tea and is an excellent natural anti-histamine for reactions such as hay fever, asthma and hives. Caveat emptor—if German chamomile is brown in color, it was over-heated during distillation and has lost the chamazulene-rich, blue color, diminishing its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Roman chamomile also possesses anti-inflammatory properties; however, it is better known for its analgesic and sedative properties. Roman chamomile is very mild and has shown to be safe when using it for children, especially children with nervous sleep patterns or insomnia. Other than the sedative properties in Roman chamomile, it is highly anti-spasmolytic. For example, Roman chamomile can stabilize severe asthma attacks until emergency treatment is available. Roman chamomile is also known for being useful in the treatment of anxiety, arthritis, anxious temperaments, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, PMS and other menstrual conditions, stress, sleeplessness, and nervous tension.

With all of the differences of the chamomiles, they also share similarities. For example, some of the chamomiles are more effective for insomnia than other chamomiles, but they can all be used to treat insomnia. While Roman chamomile would be preferred for treatment of insomnia, all chamomiles have some effectiveness in the treatment of acne, allergies, baldness and hair care, boils, abscesses, blisters, cuts/sores, dermatitis, dry sensitive skin, eczema, insect bites, irritated inflamed skin, rashes, toothaches, teething pain, wounds, arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, strains, colic, flatulence, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, cystitis, dysmenorrheal, premenstrual tension/PMT, headache, insomnia, nervous tension, stress-related conditions, neuralgia, and sciatica.

To explore the benefits of Roman or German chamomile, or for more specific information on which chamomile is preferred for specific ailments, refer to our online therapeutic references or product profiles. Roman and German chamomile are gentle, non-sensitizing, non-irritant, and non-phototoxic essential oils. Each chemo-type has its benefits and applications. Chamomile has a sweet, herbaceous, sometimes fruity, scent. It is delicate, neutral and can be used in a diffuser, by placing a couple drops on a pillow, in the bath, or mixed into a non-scented massage oil or lotion to add a light, clean, and therapeutically-benefiting scent./pbr
br
br
br

Are you constantly troubled by blemishes and reoccurring acne outbreaks? Tired of numerous trips to the doctor for high priced medications and ointments that offer little relief?

If so, you may want to try an effective, natural way to treat bothersome acne conditions. Unlike prescription medications, alternative acne treatments rarely cause harmful side effects and are generally less expensive than a prescription.

As alternative medicine becomes more popular, a greater number of acne patients are seeking natural ways of treatment. While some patients may have experienced relative success from prescription medications, the side effects or reactions to the medicine are often just as much of a problem as the acne itself.

Other acne sufferers may have tried every over the counter remedy, only to find their condition hasn’t improved. In fact, when used improperly or in excess, some non-prescription ointments and lotions can even aggravate your acne.

In women, acne is often the result of a hormonal imbalance. Unfortunately this causes many to suffer from acne way beyond their teen years. In order to effectively treat your condition long term, you’ll want to choose a method that will not jeopardize your overall health in the process.

Today there are many natural herbs available that have proven helpful in eliminating or reducing the painful and embarrassing effects of acne in women. Some commonly used herbs include: primrose, black cohosh, red clover, and wild yam.

These herbs aid in striking a healthy balance of estrogen and androgen in the body. An excess of androgen in the system will often cause on overproduction of
sebrum which can result in blocked pores that lead to acne.

Herbal treatments for acne are not limited to only female patients. There are several widely available herbs on the market that can be used by either male or female acne sufferers.

The herbs help improve the skin’s appearance by both eliminating the infection and soothing the inflamed areas of skin. A visit to your local health store is all that’s needed to purchase an herbal treatment. Dandelion root, red peony, licorice, salvia, and echinacea are all popular herbs used to treat acne.

Many dermatologists believe that acne is the result of a vitamin deficiency in their patients. Clinical research results have shown that a good percentage of acne patients have an insufficient amount of Vitamin B in their system. This deficiency can cause excess sebrum, resulting in clogged pores. Supplements of Vitamin B5 in the diet on a regular basis have shown a great deal of success in reducing or healing acne symptoms.

While natural or herbal treatments for acne are generally safe, you’ll still want to proceed with caution when trying any new type of treatment. It’s a good idea to talk with a knowledgeable herbalist or an alternative medicine specialist if you’re uncertain about possible side effects or reactions.

An alternative medicine specialist can also provide you with additional information on suggested dosage requirements. If you’re currently taking any type of prescription for illness, be sure to discuss the matter with your physician or alternative medicine practitioner. Just like prescription medications, many herbs should not be used in conjunction with other types of medicine.