Chamaemelum nobile/Roman Chamomile

pH 3.0–3.3

Aroma and Taste Extremely sweet, honeylike aroma and taste. Even more apple overtones than the oil has but softer, more delicate. Occasionally it will have a greener, more haylike aroma, but this appears to be a consequence of the distillation parameters and to me indicates an inferior product.

Stability and Shelf Life Very stable, easily lasts for two years or more, although it is so popular that stock rarely lasts that long. I have some chamomile that is four years old and still quite fine.

Properties and Applications One of the best all-purpose waters, right up there with lavender and melissa.

Roman chamomile is the number-one choice for baby care. It can safely be used right from birth, in bath water and as a soothing mist for bedding. Mothers can use it diluted to wash the breast area, and in addition to helping prevent cracked and sore nipples, its calming properties will make feeding time even more relaxing. Babies will soon associate the aroma of chamomile with Mummy and yummy. When child care is required, the handover is easier if the caregiver uses chamomile as well, as the child will feel that Mother is near. Diaper-rash redness and pain can be soothed with dilute chamomile, or use neat applications of a 50:50 blend of Roman chamomile and lavender waters to compress the tender skin. New mothers can use it in a compress or a sitz bath for postpartum relief. Homemade wet wipes for babies and young children should always include chamomile.

When teething starts, add two or three drops to a bottle of water to help calm diarrhea and stomach upset. Rub the gums with diluted chamomile frequently to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain and to help soothe the associated crankiness. Children adore the flavor of sweet chamomile and will soon ask for it as they recognize the relief it brings. Spritzing a light mist over the blankets or in the air of the child’s room will help children sleep.

Because of its effect on the nervous system, chamomile is a useful aid in stress reduction, depression, relaxation, insomnia, and aggravation. Combine it with melissa or one of the tree waters if alertness is required and to help calm road rage. It can be mildly euphoric, instilling a feeling of well-being. Use as a bedtime tea or bath for reducing stress, for physical relaxation, and for a restful night.

Chamomile is wonderful for skin care, for calming rashes, sensitivities, rosacea, acne, heat rash, and redness. Use it like lavender for burns and sunburns. It is the best all-in-one makeup remover, skin cleanser, and toner. Chamomile is fairly astringent owing to its very acid pH; do not use it singly or long-term on very dry skin, windburn, or similar conditions. Combined with neroli it is good for acneic conditions and oily skin; combine it with witch hazel for mature skin and with lavender or geranium for very dry skin.

Roman chamomile is one of only four hydrosols recommended as an eyewash, with German chamomile, cornflower, and green myrtle being the others. Compress eyes and wash them frequently with this and/or German chamomile for conjunctivitis. It is a good daily eyewash for soothing the effects of pollution, computer burn, and general redness.

Its very low pH makes chamomile a suitable addition to a douche or bidet, and it will calm itching and noninfectious inflammations. It can also be used in combination with oregano or savory hydrosols in treating vaginitis and thrush. Men will find it useful as a wash for jock itch and general hygiene.

Pets, like babies, can derive great benefits from chamomile, which can reduce stress before travel, after a fight, during a storm, or even when visiting the vet. Teething, especially in puppies, can be as much of an ordeal for owners as for pets; use the same treatment for teething animals as you would for teething babies.

Basically, Roman chamomile is a must-have hydrosol.