Chamomile flower waters are prized for their anti-inflammatory properties and soothing aroma. There are some significant and lovely differences between them. You may be surprised by the fact that there are two types of chamomile waters: Chamomile, Matricaria Chamomilla Flower Water, and Roman Chamomile, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamaemelum Nobilis) Flower waterTo clearly identify which chamomile water you are lucky enough to have, I recommend always reading the INCI or composition and following the botanical names of the plant material used.
Interesting facts from history
Latin name Roman chamomile it sounds Anthemis Nobilis or Chamaeleom nobile. It comes from the Greek “kamai” and “melon” or “earth apple” according to its typical smell reminiscent of this fruit. In ancient Egypt, it was dedicated to the Sun god Ra and was used in mummification. In ancient times, dried Roman chamomile was scattered on the floors to disinfect the room. It is called Roman because the Romans liked to grow it. According to the botanical classification, Roman chamomile, like true chamomile, belongs to the Asteraceae family. However, they are very different from each other. Roman chamomile is also called common chamomile or common chamomile.
Chamomile then it bears a Latin name Matricaria Chamomilla. Feverfew means mother or woman. The Latin word matrix means uterus, which leads to its traditional use in gynecology. It has also been valued since ancient times for its strong anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
Aroma and taste
Honey-sweet aroma with undertones of green apple will captivate you with its scent Roman chamomile they get directly to the apple orchard. This scent is very popular with little children and it is one of the basic floral waters in their care. It smells as good as it tastes. You will be charmed by its sweet taste, which perfectly complements homemade lemonades, desserts and especially summer sorbets.
Floral water Chamomile its scent reminds of childhood and a blooming chamomile meadow. The all-encompassing warm aroma of chamomile tea with honey (However, many times stronger than tea. That is why hydrosols are called “herbal espressos”.). Its taste is slightly bitter with fresh green tones, after dilution it turns into a honey-floral one. It is suitable for healing drinking cures, for example, a 40-day drinking cure before the start of the pollen season or a drinking cure for swollen and itchy veins. It has a beneficial effect on indigestion, nausea caused by stress, insomnia and tension. Both chamomile hydrosols are pleasant in a glass of warm milk or herbal tea before bedtime (L. Bosson, Hydrosol Therapy).
Use on the skin
Chamomile floral waters are suitable for all skin types, especially irritated and sensitive skin. Roman chamomile It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and is therefore very much appreciated by problematic skin. It soothes skin redness, rashes from overheating and sunburn. In combination with lavender water, its soothing power is multiplied.
Chamomile It is not only anti-inflammatory, analgesic but also antibacterial. It is stronger in its effects than Roman Chamomile. Use it on anything “red” and itchy. Apply it to eczema, abrasions, minor wounds, burns. S. Catty (Hydrosols the Next Aromatherapy) even talks about its positive effect on psoriasis. Men like its scent and for its great astringent effects it is a natural aftershave for them.
Childcare
Roman chamomile is number one in baby care. It gently affects the irritated diaper area. The combination of this hydrolate and lavender is suitable for compresses on sore bottoms. You can also use it in homemade wet wipes. When teething, add 1 teaspoon to the evening bath. You can also spray on swollen gums. If you have problems with insomnia, spray Roman chamomile on the bedding or in the child's room.
Chamomile has a much more “sedating” effect than Roman Chamomile, which is why it is suitable for use in a child’s bath in combination with lavender. It suppresses anger and outbursts of aggression. Simply spraying it in front of an angry child will dissolve everything. Chamomile calms and balances emotions. It simply calms the “animal” in us.
Body use
Roman chamomile You can use it in an evening bath for people with high stress levels, depression and insomnia. It is a good helper for redness of the eyes, which often occurs from excessive time spent on phones and computers. Due to its antispasmodic effects, it relieves colic.
Chamomile It also relieves tired eyes. A soaked makeup remover pad can work wonders after 10 minutes. Chamomile compresses also have a beneficial effect on itchy and reddened skin. In combination with lavender hydrosol, it is effective for blistering burns. It is generally known to relieve inflammation of all kinds and is also used in the treatment of yeast infections (S. Catty, Hydrosols the Next Aromatherapy).
Hair care
Floral waters provide hydration not only to the skin but also to the hair. Chamomile adds shine and softness to the hair. Spray it into the lengths of the hair or use it as a leave-in in the final stage of washing.
Aromatherapy
Both chamomiles are strongly associated with the solar plexus, the third yellow chakra. They bring calm to nervous irritation arising in this area. As Gabriel Mojay writes in his book Aromatherapy for Healing the Soul (reprint 2019, p.79.), “they release the tension of our ego’s excessive desires – and the frustration, resentment and depression that often follow… Chamomile helps us to let go of fixed expectations, calmly acquaints us with our limitations and teaches us to willingly accept the help and support of others who can give it to us. This always creates a sunnier disposition.”
Roman chamomile It calms the nervous system, worries and fears. It frees us from over-judgment. It helps the critical mind to step back and open the heart. It alleviates perfectionism with the desire to control everything.
Chamomile, already mentioned above, calms and balances emotions. It simply calms the “beast” within us, especially at the moment when we can’t take it anymore and feel like we’re going to explode.
Aromatherapy for pets
Using Roman Chamomile flower water, you can reduce stress in animals before traveling, visiting the vet, and in puppies during teething and tooth replacement. Hydrolates are a more suitable option for pets than essential oils.
Information taken from:
Susanne Catty - Hydrosols the Next Aromatherapy, 2001.
Lydia Bosson - Hydrosol Therapy, 2019.
Gabriel Mojay- Aromatherapy for Healing the Soul, reprint 2019.
