Relax And Sleep Well With Chamomile

by Julia Meadows

Can you guess what herbal tea is drunk more than any other in countries around the world? The answer is chamomile tea, and over a million cups a day are consumed by people of all ages to relax, calm nerves, reduce anxiety, ease digestive disorders and enjoy a full night’s sleep. Chamomile is listed as a drug in the herbal pharmacopeia of 26 countries, and its beneficial effects have been enjoyed since ancient times in all corners of the globe.

The national flower of Russia with daisy-like white and yellow flowers and a unique, apple-like fragrance have given the plant its botanical name Chamaemelum, from the Greek chamaimelon meaning ‘earth apple.’ In Spanish it is called ‘manzanilla’ or ‘little apple’ and is used to flavor Manzanilla sherry. In Italy, chamomile tea is used to ease colic and spasms in babies, and is a staple at bedtime. The Irish lay claim to being the first cultivators of Roman chamomile, and it has been a major part of English herbal tradition for centuries. Roman chamomile is often named ‘lawn chamomile’ and Shakespeare wrote “the camomile, the more it is trodden on, the faster it grows.” Today, it is widely cultivated in Germany, France, England and Morocco.

There are primarily two chamomiles, Roman and German. While both members of the aster flower family and similar in appearance, Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita or chamomilla) are actually different genera and species. There are also ‘wild chamomiles’ including Moroccan chamomile (Ormenis multicaulis or mixta) which are different aromatically and therapeutically than either Roman or German chamomile.

Chamomile is a relatively pricy essential oil, and reputable companies always list the Latin binomial name on the label. When shopping for chamomile oil, research which one best suits your needs and seek out assistance from someone knowledgeable in the different therapeutics of each essential oil.

Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is the most versatile of the chamomile oils, and is obtained from the plant’s flower heads, the oil turning from a pale blue to a straw yellow several weeks after distillation. The delicate aroma of newly-distilled Roman chamomile oil smells like a combination of apples, fresh mown grass and champagne. Chamomile oil contains esters, plant components that give the oil excellent sedative, nervine, anti-neuralgic, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Chamomile also contains glycosides, specific flavonoids obtained from the yellow and white pigment of the flowers, which are potent antioxidants that benefit the heart and circulatory system. These antioxidants also mitigate stress, especially environmental stress, and ease anxiety and panic attacks. Roman chamomile is best known for its effectiveness in the treatment of insomnia and sleep disorders. The oil’s high ester content (angelic and tiglic acids) and sesquiterpenes (azulene, which refers to the oil’s pale blue color) are responsible for the plant’s remarkable ability to help ease stress and bring about deep, healing sleep.

Roman chamomile is also a potent COX-2 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory activity, and is a highly effective pain reliever used for muscle and joint pain, arthritis, neuropathy, spasms, headaches and migraines. Several studies conducted in 2009 and 2010 at the Case Western Reserve Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio confirmed that chamomile treatment inhibited the release of prostaglandins, inhibited COX-2 enzyme activity without affecting COX-1 expression and worked by a mechanism of action similar to that attributed to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the negative side effects. Management of inflammation is crucial in reducing the onset of many major diseases, and the authors of these studies note that the biological activity of chamomile provides exciting new insight into the control of inflammation and its effects in diseases like cancer.

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is widely used throughout Europe, Asia and Australia. It differs slightly in appearance to Roman chamomile, having a more sprawling appearance and larger, more irregular daisy-like flowers. The essential oil is a deep, dark inky blue with a stronger, more complex aroma than Roman chamomile. The deep blue volatile component, chamazulene, does not occur naturally in the plant but is created at distillation, and is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents available from a natural source. It is invaluable for treating inflamed joints, excessive heat in the muscles and other inflammatory conditions.

German chamomile also contains apigenin and quercetin, antioxidant glycosides, as well as bisabolol, a sesquiterpene that is known to have anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. As a result, German chamomile is widely used in herbal formulations for skin problems including acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rashes, dry itchy skin and allergic conditions in general. German chamomile is also the subject of research in the treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol, has shown significant anti-platelet activity in preliminary cancer research results.

Moroccan ‘wild’ chamomile (Ormenis multicaulis) is related to the ragweed family and is often picked in the wild rather than farmed. While Moroccan chamomile has many therapeutic benefits, care should be exercised in its use by anyone with a suspected ragweed allergy. Wild chamomiles are also high in coumarin, which can affect those taking blood thinners. Whenever possible, consult with a professional when selecting chamomile oils for home use. For relaxation, stress reduction and sleep disorders, Roman chamomile is the essential oil of choice, and always safe to use. Let it help you relax, unwind and enjoy sweet sleep naturally!

Julia Meadows is a European-trained classical aromatherapist and product formulator. She can be reached at 760-831-8333 or via www.essenceconsultants.com.