Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Essential Oil Monograph

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Common Name

Blue Chamomile, Chamomile, German Hungarian chamomile, Matricaria, Scented Chamomile, Scented Mayweed, Sweet False Chamomile, True Chamomile, Wild Chamomile ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾

Botanical Name

Matricaria recutita ⁽²⁾

Matricaria chamomilla L. ⁽⁶⁾

Matricaria recutita L. ⁽⁶⁾

Extraction Method

Steam Distillation ⁽²⁾

Parts Distilled

Flowers  ⁽²⁾

Physical Properties & Energetics

• Appearance: Deep Inky-Blue ⁽²⁾ ⁽⁴⁾

• Viscosity: Medium ⁽⁴⁾

• Aroma: Sweet, Warm, Herbaceous, Intense

• Note: Middle ⁽⁴⁾

• Energetics: Cooling, Drying

Chemical Constituents

German:

• Alpha-Bisabolol oxide A, Chamazulene, Alpha-Bisbolol oxide B, Alpha-Bisabolone oxide, (E)-Beta Garnesene, Germacrene D ⁽²⁾

Bulgarian:

• Farnesene, Chamazulene, Alpha-Bisabolol oxide B, Alpha-Bisabolol, Alpha-Bisabolol oxide A, Bela-Cadinene, Alpha-Muurolene, (E)-Beta-Ocimene, Gamma-Muurolene ⁽²⁾

Therapeutic properties

Analgesic ⁽²⁾ ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁵⁾ Anti-allergenic ⁽²⁾ Anti-bacterial ⁽⁵⁾ Anti-fungal ⁽⁴⁾ Anti-inflammatory ⁽²⁾ ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁵⁾ Anti-microbial ⁽⁴⁾ Antiphlogistic ⁽²⁾ Antispasmodic ⁽²⁾ Bactericidal ⁽²⁾

Carminative ⁽²⁾ ⁽⁴⁾ Cholagogue ⁽²⁾ Disinfectant ⁽⁵⁾ Emmenagogue ⁽²⁾ Hepatic ⁽²⁾ Nervine ⁽⁴⁾ Sedative ⁽²⁾ ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁵⁾ Stomachic ⁽²⁾ Vulnerary ⁽²⁾

Chamomile Indications

Children's Remedy

• Regarded as one of the mildest essential oils suitable for paediatric care, it is frequently utilized to soothe discomfort and pain related to infant teething. ⁽²⁾ ⁽⁵⁾

Digestive System ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁵⁾

• Colic

• Dyspepsia

• Indigestion

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

• Gastritis

• Diarrhea

• Colitis

• Vomiting

• Ulcers

• Flatulence

• Stimulates the liver and gallbladder assisting slow and/or painful digestion

Emotional & Psychological ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁵⁾

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Insomnia

• Tension

• Headaches

• Migraines

• Anger

• Worry

• Short Temper

• Nightmares

• Anorexia nervosa

• Postpartum anxiety

Mind ⁽⁴⁾

• Induces Relaxation

• Releases anger

• Soothing

  
  

Musculoskeletal & Neurological ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁵⁾

• Bursitis

• Inflamed Joints Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Inflamed Tendons

• Muscle Aches & Pains

• Sprains

• Strains

• Teething

• Toothaches

  
  

Reproductive Health ⁽⁴⁾

• Promotes menstruation

• Regulates menstruation

• Dysmenorrhea

• PMS

• Menopausal Symptoms

Respiratory System ⁽⁴⁾

• Asthma

• Coughing

Skin Health ⁽⁴⁾ ⁽⁵⁾

• Abscesses

• Boils

• Broken Capillaries

• Burns

• Dermatitis

• Eczema

• Insect Bites

• Infected Ingrown Nails

• Psoriasis

• Rosacea

• Sensitive Skin

• Slow to Heal Wounds

Dilution Recommendations

• By Age Group: ⁽⁴⁾

  • 0-3 Months: Not recommended

  • 3 - 24 Months: 0.25 - 0.5% dilution

  • 2 - 6 Years: 1 - 2 % dilution

  • 6 - 15 Years: 1.5 - 3% dilution

  • Elderly: 1- 2% dilution

• By Body Application For Adults: ⁽⁴⁾

  • Face: 0.2 - 1.5% dilution

  • Body: 1 - 4% dilution

  • Aroma Massage: 1.5 - 3% dilution

  • Specific Issues: 4 - 10% dilution

  • Acute Pain: 5 - 20% dilution

While it is possible to use essential oils at a 20% dilution, I highly advise starting at the lowest recommended rate and gradually increasing only if your specific needs require it. As essential oils are about 200 times more concentrated than other plant-based preparations, a small amount provides significant benefits.

Application Methods

• Bath Salts & Bombs

• Compresses

• Diffuser Blend

• Foot Soak

• Lotions & Creams

• Massage Oil

• Personal Inhaler

• Roller Ball

• Room & Linen Spray

• Salves & Balms

• Salt & Sugar Scrubs

• Steam Inhalation

Blends & Synergy

Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Helichyrsum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Niaouli, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Tea Tree, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Yuzu ⁽⁷⁾ ⁽⁸⁾

Pharmacology & Research Studies

Anxiety & Stress Reduction A recent study involving 154 patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome revealed that short-term inhalation of chamomile essential oil significantly reduced anxiety and lowered both blood pressure and heart rate, promoting physiological calm. ⁽⁹⁾ Similarly, a 2022 trial with 183 older adults found that inhaling a blend of lavender and chamomile for 30 nights significantly decreased feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.⁽¹⁰⁾ In the realm of childbirth, a study of 130 first-time mothers showed that inhaling chamomile oil during labor significantly reduced anxiety levels. ⁽⁶⁾ Even for children, research indicates that inhaling chamomile via nebulizer produces the greatest reduction in dental anxiety compared to other oils, while also lowering pulse rates to induce a calming physiological effect. ⁽¹²⁾

Sleep Quality

Research suggests that chamomile essential oil is a powerful tool for improving sleep architecture. A study of 128 participants found that exposure to the oil reduced stress and cortisol levels while significantly improving overall sleep quality. ⁽¹³⁾A broader review of 10 clinical trials confirmed that inhaling chamomile helps people fall asleep faster and reduces the number of nighttime awakenings, though it does not necessarily extend total sleep duration. ⁽¹⁴⁾ More recently, a 2024 trial with 80 young adults suffering from insomnia showed that inhaling the oil for just 10 minutes before bedtime for 15 days significantly reduced insomnia severity and enhanced sleep quality. ⁽¹⁵⁾

Pain Management

For physical discomfort, topical application of chamomile oil has shown remarkable results. A 2015 study on patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome found that applying the oil twice daily for four weeks significantly improved hand function and reduced pain symptoms. ⁽¹⁶⁾ A follow-up study on mild-to-moderate cases not only improved symptoms but also objectively measured a decrease in nerve latency, suggesting actual nerve recovery.⁽¹⁷⁾ Additionally, a trial on knee osteoarthritis patients discovered that using topical chamomile oil significantly reduced the patients' need for pain medication like acetaminophen. ⁽¹⁷⁾

Hospital Settings

In clinical environments, chamomile aromatherapy is proving to be a safe and effective complementary therapy. A 2026 scoping review mapping existing knowledge on chamomile essential oil in hospital settings found that the oil demonstrates consistent anxiety reduction and mild analgesic effects, particularly when administered via inhalation, with no significant adverse events reported. ⁽¹⁷⁾ A broader review of 17 studies conducted between 2020 and 2025 reinforced these findings, showing that anxiety was reduced in 58.8% of studies and a mild yet significant pain-relieving effect was observed in 41.1% of patients, along with improved vital signs and hemodynamic stability in cardiac patients. ⁽¹⁸⁾ Specifically, a 2020 study on women recovering from cesarean sections found that combining chamomile aromatherapy with oxygen therapy was the most effective method for reducing post-operative pain, outperforming either treatment used alone. ⁽¹⁹⁾

Shelf Life & Storage

• Shelf life: 8 Years ⁽²⁰⁾

• Refrigerate after opening ⁽²⁾

Safety & contraindications

• General Precautions: For external use only. Keep all essential oils away from eyes, children, and pets.

• Contraindications:

  • Dugs metabolized by CYP2D6, CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 ⁽²⁾

  • See drug interactions ⁽²⁾

• Hazards: Prone to oxidation; store in a cool, dark place to maintain stability. ⁽²⁾

• Adulteration Risk: This oil may be adulterated with synthetic and natural mixtures containing bisabolol and azulenes. ⁽²⁾

• Phototoxicity: None.

• Drug Interactions:

  • May potentiate the effects of certain antidepressants, specifically quinidine, fluoxetine, and paroxetine. ⁽²⁾

  • May also interact with codeine and tamoxifen. ⁽²⁾

• Age Restrictions: Generally considered safe for children ⁽²⁾

• Allergies: Individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums) may experience a cross-reactive allergic reaction to chamomile.

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Disclaimer:

This monograph is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herb, essential oil, supplement, or topical product, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, or have a medical condition.

References:

1. Health Canada. Natural Health Product, German Chamomile, Matricaria chamomile. 2025. Available from: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_chamomile-german--topical_english.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj_sdzV29CUAxXaJDQIHfQIMSkQFnoECBkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1hRuwk6mCuUWFbV9oHhGPq

   
   

2. Battaglia S. The essential oils. In: The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. Vol 1. Brisbane: The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy; 2003. p. 179-181.

   
   

3. Tisserand R, Young R. Essential oil profiles. In: Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2014. p. 242-243.

   
   

4. Watson J, Fisher J. Contraindications and special safety considerations. In: Aromatherapy Correspondence Module 1: Essential Oils. Joyessence Aromatherapy Centre Inc. p. 21.

   
   

5. Worwood VA. Your basic care kit: chamomile. In: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. Novato: New World Library; 1991. p. 51.

   
   

6. Sharafzadeh S, Alizadeh O. German and Roman Chamomile [Internet]. [cited 2026 May 23]. Available from: https://www.japsonline.com/admin/php/uploads/288_pdf.pdf

   
   

7. Chamomile, Blue Essential Oil Organic [Internet]. [cited 2026 May 23]. Available from: https://mountainroseherbs.com/blue-chamomile-essential-oil

   
   

8. Chamomile German essential oil (Nepal) [Internet]. [cited 2026 May 23]. Available from: https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.ca/oils/essential-oils/chamomile-german-essential-oil-nepal?sku=6012-0082-0121-0063&srsltid=AfmBOoovAtnpljQCzKXrf5oQlSedQrRrgthm_x0Z6mV08UqOle18WUv-IxU

   
   

9. Pourshaikhian M, Moghadamnia MT, Kazemnezhad Leyli E, Shafiei Kisomi Z. Effects of aromatherapy with matricaria chamomile essential oil on anxiety and hemodynamic indices in patients with acute coronary syndrome, 2021: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2024 Jan 3;24(1). doi:10.1186/s12906-023-04326-9

   
   

10. Ebrahimi H, Mardani A, Basirinezhad MH, Hamidzadeh A, Eskandari F. The effects of lavender and chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial. EXPLORE. 2022 May;18(3):272–8. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2020.12.012

    
    

11. Heidari-Fard S, Amir Ali-Akbari S, Rafiei A, Mojab F, Shakeri N, Simbar M. Investigating the effect of chamomile essential oil on reducing anxiety in nulliparous women during the first stage of childbirth. Int J Biomed Pharm Adv Sci. 2017;6(5):828-842.

    
    

12. Abdel Rehim YM, Gadallah LK, El-Motayam AK. The effects of lavender, chamomile and peppermint inhalation aromatherapy on dental anxiety in children: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Dental Sciences. 2025 Jul;20(3):1539–45. doi:10.1016/j.jds.2024.12.004

    
    

13. Alvarado Garcia PA, Soto-Vasquez MR, Rodrigo Villanueva EM, Gavidia Valencia JG, Guzman Rodriguez NM, Rengifo Penadillos RA, et al. Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) essential oil and its potential against stress, anxiety, and sleep quality. Pharmacognosy Journal. 2024 Feb 28;16(1):100–7. doi:10.5530/pj.2024.16.14

    
    

14. Kazemi A, Shojaei-Zarghani S, Eskandarzadeh P, Hashempur MH. Effects of chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2024 Sept;84:103071. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103071

    
    

15. Deepa Y, Vijay A, Nivethitha L, Nandhakumar G, Sathiya S, Mooventhan A. Effects of chamomile oil inhalation on sleep quality in young adults with insomnia: A randomized controlled trial. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine. 2024 Nov 15;60(5):533–42. doi:10.1177/00912174241301279

    
    

16. Hashempur MH, Ghasemi MS, Daneshfard B, Ghoreishi PS, Lari ZN, Homayouni K, et al. Efficacy of topical chamomile oil for mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2017 Feb;26:61–7. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.11.010

    
    

17. Shoara R, Hashempur MH, Ashraf A, Salehi A, Dehshahri S, Habibagahi Z. Efficacy and safety of topical matricaria Chamomilla L. (chamomile) oil for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015 Aug;21(3):181–7. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.06.003

    
    

18. Cabral MA, Dutra SV, Leal KC, Rojas YL, Miranda AB, Santos CF, et al. Effect of chamomile aromatherapy on pain and anxiety management in hospital settings: A scoping review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2026 Aug;99:103384. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103384

    
    

19. Zamani Habibabad H, Afrasiabifar A, Mansourian A, Mansourian M, Hosseini N. Effect of chamomile aromatherapy with and without oxygen on pain of women in post cesarean section with spinal anesthesia: a randomized clinical trial. Heliyon. 2023;9(4):e15323. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15323

    
    

20. USDA organic chamomile German Essential Oil (bulgaria) - aromatics international - 100% Pure & GCMS tested [Internet]. [cited 2026 May 23]. Available from: https://www.aromatics.com/products/chamomile-german-bulgaria-essential-oil?_pos=3&_sid=4f5cdf452&_ss=r