German chamomile or Matricaria chamomile, as it is scientifically known, comes from the southern and eastern parts of Europe. Its oil is extracted from the daisy-like flowers of the plant and this herb is named “alles zutraut” by the Germans, meaning “capable of anything”. It is also nicknamed to be European ginseng. The name itself given by the Germans attests to its myriad medicinal and health benefits as it is able to cure almost any ailments or illnesses!

German chamomile essential oil is extracted from the flowers through a steam distillation process and its use have been recorded since nearly 2000 years ago! In fact, it is actually considered to be one of the 9 highly sacred and valued essential oils by the Anglo-Saxons. To know why is this the case, read on to find out more!

Health Benefits of German Chamomile Essential Oil:

German chamomile has a myriad of beneficial compounds and constituents that effectively combats and wards off various health ailments and medical problems. This helps to maintain your overall health and give your body a health boost. As such, it is a useful essential oil to have in your homes, for you and your family!

1. Antiseptic

German chamomile is a great antiseptic, thus making it an effective agent to kill bacteria on wounds, which prevents infection and complications from arising. It can also kill off any fungal infections on your skin and are good vermifuge agents to combat intestinal worms.

The oil, when applied onto the hair and scalp, can also kill off lice and mites, ensuring healthy and itch-free scalp. Besides that, the oil can also be added to your daily house cleaner to remove bacteria and moulds that may be growing on solid surfaces around your house!

2. Anti-Inflammatory and Sedative

Besides being a great antibacterial agent, german chamomile also contains anti-inflammatory and sedative constituents. This helps to reduce inflammation in the muscles and offers pain relief associated with inflamed muscles, joints and tissues. As such, the oil is able to soothe tensed muscles and improve blood circulation to promote healing.

Due to this very nature, german chamomile essential oil is a great agent to manage the pain and complications arising from arthritis as it provides pain relief to the infected areas. With its sedative nature, it helps to induce calm and relaxation, which allows you to sleep better at night and reduce restless leg syndrome.

3. Stomachic

Being a stomachic, german chamomile essential oil can help to regulate digestion flows and ensure smooth digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices and enzymes. It also helps to tone up the stomach. As such, the oil can seriously help to prevent common stomach problems, such as indigestion, diarrhea and nausea. Its carminative compounds also help to remove the buildup of gas and various toxins within the digestive tracts and help to decrease the possibilities of getting acid reflux.

Combined with its anti-spasmodic properties, the oil can help to relax the stomach, thus decreasing the prevalence of stomach cramps and constipation. This helps to facilitate smoother and unobstructed digestion flows that can result in pain and discomfort.

4. Antidepressant

We all know that chamomile tea is very good for soothing tensed and stressed nerves. German chamomile essential oil, likewise, is very handy in calming our nerves as tension, anxiety and stress erodes away after utilizing this oil.

By promoting relaxation, it induces mental clarity and helps us unwind after a stressful and exhausting day. It balances our hormones and raises our spirits, combating feelings of depression, sadness and disappointment away to ensure we are rejuvenated and revitalized!

5. Cicatrisant

Being a cicatrisant, german chamomile essential oil is especially useful in clearing up acne scars and combating blemishes, marks and spots on the skin. Combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to promote skin health by soothing the inflamed, irritated and red areas. With its antibacterial compounds, it can prevent the onset of acne in the first place. Hence, the oil helps to promote a better complexion and smoother skin.

6. Detoxification

German chamomile essential oil can also help to detoxify your body. With sudorific compounds, the oil helps to remove harmful toxins and unwanted substances from your body, thus preventing any risks of infections or diseases from the accumulation of these toxic substances. In the process, it also cools down the body and provides relief from fever.

Being a diuretic, it also increases the frequency and quantity of urination which helps to clear out unwanted fluids and urea as well as uric acid. This helps to protect the kidneys and purifies the blood.

7. Anti-Catarrhal

As an anticatarrhal agent, german chamomile essential oil is very useful in preventing mucus and phlegm buildup along your respiratory tracts, which thus opens up your nasal passageways and allows for better blood circulation and airflow. As such, it helps to provide relief from various respiratory problems and reduces inflammation. This helps to keep respiratory infections at bay, speeding up recovery times drastically.

Coupled with its anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties, this oil is undoubtedly useful in curing various respiratory ailments.

How to Use German Chamomile Essential Oil?

Now that you know what the health benefits of german chamomile essential oil are, it can also be blended with other essential oils and used in a variety of ways to reap its full benefits. Read on to find out more about how you can fully optimize the health benefits of the oil!

• To help with stress, anxiety and depression, you can add a few drops of german chamomile and rose essential oils together to your warm bathing water. Alternatively, you can diffuse this mix in your diffuser too.

• To help with respiratory ailments, you can add a few drops of the oil into hot water and breathe in the steam emanating out to clear your nasal passageways.

• To apply it topically onto the skin so as to treat wounds, arthritis or skin conditions, ensure that you dilute german chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil before application onto the affected parts of the skin.

• You can also add a few drops of the oil to a compress and gently press it on your abdominal area in case you are suffering from stomach problems.

• German chamomile oil can also help with painful menstrual symptoms such as menstrual cramps. You can mix 2 drops of german chamomile, sage, basil and rosemary essential oils each and pour the mixture into a warm and moist hand towel. Gently press it onto your abdominal area for 5-10 minutes to help relieve some of the pain.

You can also create a bedtime face lotion using this essential oil with other essential oils in this special recipe obtained from Essential Oil Sanctuary! You would need:-

• 15 drops of german chamomile essential oil.

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil.

• 15 drops of peppermint essential oil.

• ¼ cup of olive oil.

• ¼ cup of coconut oil.

• ¼ cup of beeswax.

• ¼ cup of shea butter.

• 2 tablespoons of vitamin E

Directions:-

• Pour the olive oil, beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter together in a glass bowl.

• Melt the mixture over a pot of water on the stove, while mixing well.

• Once melted, remove it and refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour or until it turns solid.

• Once solid, remove from fridge and beat the mixture using a hand mixer until it is fluffy.

• Add in the various essential oils and vitamin E and mix well.

• Place the mixture in a glass bottle and keep it in a cool, dry place.

• Proceed to apply it onto your face, focusing on the temples before you go to bed so as to induce relaxation and promote restful sleep!

Safety Precautions:

• Ensure that you use diluted german chamomile essential oil before applying it topically onto your skin.

• Be sure to do a skin patch test to ensure no sensitive or allergic reactions.

• Do not use if you are pregnant as it might induce premature labour or menstruation.

• Do not use if you are going to surgery within 2 weeks.

• Always check with your doctor before using german chamomile essential oil, especially if you are taking prescribed drugs as well.