German and Roman Chamomile

Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla is gentle and kind to the body and emotions. A traditional herb and essential oil, it is appreciated as calming.  Before learning the many benefits of this humble, yellow flower, let’s differentiate between the two varieties used in aromatherapy. Both originate from the sunflower family of composite. Matricaria chamomilla is German chamomile. The flowers are only diluted to produce an essential oil. It is known as blue chamomile because the essential oil and absolute contain azulene, the active component. Azulene is cobalt blue with a very pronounced and intense aroma. It is rarely used alone. The fragrance is often combined with compatible aromas to be more pleasing to the recipient. It blends well with lavender, clary sage, lemon, lemon grass, and litsea cubeba, neroli, sweet orange, and bergamot, lemon balm, geranium, and rose. Benzon styrax, cedarwood are compatible base notes base notes.

            Anthelmis Noblis is Roman chamomile. The essential oil is distilled from the flowers and leaves. It contains much less azulene and has a milder and sweeter smell so often associated with chamomile. We grow both varieties. The Roman chamomile is bushier and has larger, flat leaves. When brewing herb tea, German chamomile tastes sweeter. In contrast, the Roman variety makes a very stout tasting tea with an overpowering aroma.  The essential oil of Roman is a pale, light yellow color, easily distinguished from the cobalt blue German chamomile, which is very thick and viscous. Roman chamomile essential oil is most often used in aroma blends. In aroma blends, both Chamomile are middle/heart notes.