Pure Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Two different plants get sold as chamomile, and they aren't interchangeable. German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) gives a deep blue oil with a strong herbal smell. Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile, is the one in this bottle. It's pale, and the scent is lighter and sweeter, with a fruity note that a lot of people compare to green apples.

The plant is a low creeping herb from western Europe, and it takes a large volume of flowers to make a small amount of oil, which is why Roman chamomile costs more per millilitre than most florals. It's steam distilled from the flower heads and bottled here as 100% pure oil, undiluted and unblended.

In practice it's a blending oil. Used on its own in a diffuser the scent is quiet, so most people pair it with lavender, bergamot or ylang ylang, where it softens the edges of a blend rather than leading it.

The benefits of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil are extensive, both physical and psychological. One of the best essential oils is Chamomile Roman Essential Oil, known for its soothing effect on one's nervous system, which obviously makes it useful for stress relief. The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile essential oil are beneficial for treating skin disorders such as irritations and promoting a clear complexion. Furthermore, camomile essential oil usage supports different systems in the body, such as the digestive and respiratory systems. Combining chamomile and lavender essential oils creates a potent synergy that effectively treats sleeplessness and promotes relaxation.

Diffuser. Three to four drops per 100 ml of water. Roman chamomile is subtle, so give it 20 minutes before deciding whether to add another drop. A common evening blend is 2 drops chamomile with 3 drops lavender. 

Bath. Essential oils don't mix with water, so stir 3 drops into a tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented bath milk first, then add that to the tub. Dropping neat oil into a running bath leaves it sitting on the surface. 

Massage and body oil. Dilute to 1 to 2%, which works out at 3 to 6 drops per 30 ml of jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil. 

Facial oil. Use a lighter 0.5 to 1%, so 1 to 2 drops per 30 ml of carrier. Face skin is thinner than the skin on your arms and legs. 

Pillow and linen. One drop on a tissue tucked beside the pillow, rather than on the pillowcase itself, where oil can mark fabric. 

Blending. It sits well with lavender, bergamot, ylang ylang, rose, clary sage, and cedarwood.

• Product name: Pure Roman Chamomile Essential Oil 
• Botanical name: Chamaemelum nobile, also listed as Anthemis nobilis 
• Part used: flower heads 
• Extraction method: steam distillation 
• Aroma: sweet, fruity and herbaceous, with an apple-like note 
• Common uses: diffuser blends, bath and massage oils, facial oils, natural perfumery 
• Size: 10 ml 
• Shelf life: up to 3 years unopened when stored cool and dark 

1. For external use only. Do not swallow. 
2. Dilute before skin contact. Use 1 to 2% on the body and 0.5 to 1% on the face. 
3. Patch test first. Put a little of the diluted oil on your inner forearm and check it 24 hours later. 
4. Chamomile belongs to the daisy family. If you react to daisies, ragweed, marigolds or chrysanthemums, treat this oil with extra care and patch test before any wider use. 
5. Keep away from the eyes and inner ears. If oil gets in an eye, wipe it with a carrier oil or full-cream milk rather than water, then seek medical advice. 
6. Diffuse in a room with airflow, in sessions of 15 to 30 minutes rather than continuously. 
7. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare professional before using it. 
8. Don't apply it to children under 2. For older children, halve the adult dilution and ask your doctor or pharmacist first. 
9. Several essential oils are unsafe for cats and dogs. Ask your vet before diffusing near pets, and give them a way to leave the room. 
10. Store tightly capped somewhere cool and dark, out of reach of children.