5. Roman Chamomile – A beautiful perennial herb with a low-growing creeping habit has hints of what many describe, of a fruity apple like aroma, with herbaceous undertones. It is a must oil for your home, but if I were to pick between Roman chamomile or German Chamomile, my pick would be Roman, if you have children at home. This is the friendlier version for children and infants, helping them with the most common ailments such as earaches, teething, flatulence, fussiness, and sleeplessness. And if you have lavender at home, it is the best duo for the little ones.
Children: This essential oils is extremely calming, soothing and most importantly comforting. The use of the oil in massage for young children is essential. Nothing is like mother’s touch infused with aroma of Roman chamomile. For children for body massage as young as 1 month old, you can ad 1 drop of R. chamomile to 1 ounce of carrier oil. For kids 6 to 12 month – 2 drops in 1 oz of carrier oil. Kids 1 to 4 years of age you can do 2 to 4 drops in 1 oz and 5 to 7 – 3 to 6dr in 1oz of oil. When kids are ages 11 and above you can use 5 to 10 drops in 1 oz of carrier oil.
Menstrual condition: One of the best essential oils to use during PMS, especially if you hare having anger, agitation, impatience, and irritability along with menstrual cramps. (Whew, what a combo!). The best way to use chamomile during that time of the month is via inhalation (diffusion, mood perfumes, massage). Massage is the best way to promote relaxation and relieve nervous tension.
Skin: For skin it is a strong anti-inflammatory, although German chamomile, would be a much better pick for inflammation, due to the high content of chamazulene, which is so valuable in treating condition where there is inflammation present. It is great oil to use for dry or weeping eczema in combination with lavender, Melissa and geranium. It is a must oil for use during the summer, along with sandalwood, frankincense and myrrh to protect yourself against the harmful rays of the sun, it is not an SPF, however it will help fight the cancerous effect of the sun. It is very valuable for sensitive skin, red or dry. It is great for rashes, usually compress or bath with roman chamomile are the most effective way to go, cause oil can sometime aggravate the rash.
Pregnancy: DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY. It is a powerful emmenagogue.
Pain: Chamomile is great to us for pain that is dull, where Lavender is a must for sharp, piercing pain. Muscular pain, inflamed joints, tendons, sprains can all benefit from a massage or compress with Roman chamomile. Remember that injuries and swellings should never be massaged; instead a cold compress with chamomile will do the trick. Usually in small basin of cold water you add 2 to 4 drops of essential oil for compress.