Oil of the Month - Chamomile
The following article is by
Katie Novak
Elizabeth Van Buren, Inc.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-425-8218
Chamaemelum nobile or Roman Chamomile is one of nature’s greatest anti-allergenics. Often referred to as “the Physician’s plant” - the unique chemical profile of Roman Chamomile reveals it’s secret constituent’s capabilities. Comprised of 80% esters not found in any other essential oil; this clear liquid with a tinge of blue tone is anti-spasmodic & sedative. It also contains sesquiterpenes known for their anti-inflammatory qualities such as Chamazulene. In Elizabeth’s new book, she states, “Chamazulene in German chamomile (also found in Roman) was studied by Safyh, Sabieraj, Sailer and Ammon in 1994 (Planta Medicine 60, 1994, 410-13) and showed great anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting leukotriene formation which normally produces and sustains inflammatory diseases. The study concludes that in vivo, Chamazulene furthers anti-inflammatory effects due to its antioxidative properties.”
Elizabeth also gives us a valauble compress to use on allergy-irritated eyes.
Use a dark-colored cloth due to the blue color of German Chamomile. (German Chamomile is deep blue because the Chamazulene is formed from the matricin during the steam distillation process. We have found blue food coloring added to German Chamomile as an adulterant in some of our GC/MS testing). Apply tea bags to eyes and lie down. Resubmerge tea bags every 10 minutes until irritation soothed.”
Elizabeth teaches in her class at COBHA (College of Botanical Healing Arts - www.cobha.org) to put one drop of Chamaemelum nobile under the nose as a natural anti-histamine. I’ve tried it and it works for a few hours. Now my friends carry a small bottle of Roman Chamomile in their pockets during Allergy season. Calm your system down, breathe easier and enjoy the beauty of May flowers with our pure essential oil products.
