Roman Chamomile (or Noble Chamomile) essential oil is the essential oil richest in monoterpene esters. These molecules give it exceptional calming and relaxing properties, making it an excellent ally for getting to sleep and calming anxiety, stress, etc. Soothing and anti-inflammatory, it is also used for certain skin conditions such as eczema. Very gentle, it is one of the essential oils particularly suitable for babies over 3 months and pregnant women. Latin name: Chamaemelum Nobile (L.) All. Distilled part: flowering tops.
This article was updated on 19/09/2023- Properties of Roman Chamomile essential oil
- In case of nervous shock, emotional shock
- In case of Agitation, Anger (children), Hyperactivity (children)
- In case of neuralgia, pain of nervous origin
- In case of sleep disorders, insomnia
- In case of respiratory allergy, pollen allergy
- Against Anxiety, Anxiety, Stress
- In case of dental neuralgia, dental pain, toothache, pulpitis
- Against Headache, Headache (children), Migraine
- Other famous applications of Roman Chamomile essential oil
- How to recognize a good Roman Chamomile essential oil?
- What plant is hidden behind Roman Chamomile essential oil?
Roman Chamomile essential oil is very flexible to use. It can be used by everyone, from adults to infants (from 3 months). However, be careful not to overdose, this could cause dizziness and drowsiness. As a precautionary measure, due to the presence of pinocarvone in very low concentration, medical advice is recommended for people with epilepsy.
As a precaution, people with epilepsy should seek medical advice before using Roman Chamomile essential oil (presence of a ketone).
Roman Chamomile essential oil has a pleasant but strong odor: it is best to dilute it in a vegetable oil.
Be careful not to overdose on this essential oil. Risk of dizziness and drowsiness.
Roman Chamomile essential oil contains an allergenic biochemical component:
limonene (≤1%).
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction).
Roman Chamomile essential oil is highly concentrated in monoterpene esters (isobutyl, isoamyl, methylallyl angelate, etc.). These different molecules give it the following main properties:
calming, anxiolytic, relaxing ++++ (monoterpene esters):
Roman Chamomile essential oil, through the numerous esters widely present in its composition, has relaxing properties that have been used for centuries. It acts on the nervous system to calm and soothe, in cases of nervous irritability, anxious state, anxiety or even to promote relaxation and deep sleep. It is the essential oil favored for hospital application as complementary care, in palliative care or intensive care for example. Considered a pre-anesthetic, it is even used in preparation for an operation.
antispasmodic ++++ (isobutyl angelate):
Roman Chamomile essential oil contains the most spasmolytic molecule, isobutyl angelate. It is very effective in reducing muscle and nervous spasms, by inducing relaxation of the latter. It acts in particular on the smooth muscles of the digestive system, to prevent their contraction.
anti-inflammatory +++ (monoterpene esters):
Roman Chamomile essential oil is effective against skin inflammations and is used in cases of eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, etc. A study showed that the effect of Roman Chamomile on the inflammatory process was very similar to ibuprofen. . This essential oil also relieves itching of skin reactions and soothes sensitive and irritated skin.
analgesic +++ (monoterpene esters):
Thanks to its analgesic action, Roman Chamomile relieves certain types of pain, such as neuralgia. It would prevent the transmission of the painful message in the nerve fibers of group C.
antiparasitic, antifungal + (pinocarveol, pinocarvone):
Roman Chamomile essential oil has been tested against certain strains of fungi that infect cheese, such as P. verrucosum. It is the pinocarvéol molecule which gives the essential oil this antifungal property. However, it is present in small quantities (5%) in Roman Chamomile. In synergy with pinocarvone (approximately 2%), these two compounds seem above all to be of interest in repelling parasites, such as moths and termites.
But also these secondary properties:
Efficiency: ++++
From 3 years old.
In dry inhalation, 4 to 5 inspirations over the open bottle, or 2 drops on the wick of an inhaler stick, every 15 minutes, then 3 to 4 times a day.
Through the skin, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 9 drops of vegetable oil, to massage on the solar plexus and the soles of the feet when the need arises then 3 times a day. For adults and adolescents only, it is possible to apply 1 to 3 drops of pure Roman Chamomile to the solar plexus and the inside of the wrists.
Reserved for ages 6+. Massage 1 drop of the mixture onto the solar plexus and 1 drop onto the inside of the wrists. Renew the application 3 times a day until you regain emotional balance. For prolonged use (no more than 3 consecutive weeks) or for sensitive skin, dilute in vegetable oil.
More details or other users: essential oils against emotional shocks.
Efficiency: ++++
From 3 years old. Through the skin, dilute 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 9 drops of a vegetable oil (Calophylle Inophyle or Calendula) then apply to the area, 3 times a day.
For babies over 3 months old. Dermal, dilute 1 drop in 19 drops of vegetable oil (Calophyll Inophyle or Calendula. Apply 2-3 drops of the mixture to the area, 3 times a day. Prefer Roman Chamomile hydrosol in case of repeated use.
From 3 years. Massage the affected area with 2 to 10 drops of the mixture, depending on the extent of the affected area, up to 3 times a day for up to 3 days:
Source: Couic-Marinier, F. (2019). Essential oils, The complete guide for the whole family. SOLAR Editions.
Efficiency: ++++
From 3 years old. In dry inhalation, inhale directly above the bottle, or put 2 drops of Roman Chamomile on the wick of an inhaler stick. Repeat the inhalations up to 3-4 times a day.
From 3 months.
Reserved for ages 3+. Dermal, apply morning and evening 6 drops of the mixture following along the spine and 2-3 drops on the solar plexus or the arch of the foot.
For more details or other users: essential oils against hyperactivity in children.
Efficiency: ++++
From 3 years. Through the skin, dilute 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 9 drops of vegetable oil then apply to the area, 3 times a day.
Reserved for ages 6+. Apply 4 to 6 drops of this mixture to the painful area using a local skin massage. Repeat this application 3 times a day until relief (without exceeding 3 consecutive weeks of use).
For more details or other users: essential oils against neuralgia.
Efficiency: ++++
From 3 months. Through the skin, mix 3 drops of Roman Chamomile in 10 mL of vegetable oil in a bottle. Massage 2 to 3 drops of the mixture onto the sore gum, delicately with your fingertip.
From 3 months. Massage your baby's sore gums with 2 drops of the mixture, 3 times a day for a maximum of 4 days.
For more details or other users: essential oils to relieve teething.
Efficiency: ++++
For teenagers and adults, orally, a drop on a neutral support to melt under the tongue, up to 3 times a day.
For ages 3+, cutaneously, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 4 to 9 drops of vegetable oil (dilution between 10 and 20%), to massage on the back and the arch of the foot, every 15 minutes, for a calming effect during an attack.
Attention, Roman Chamomile essential oil should be used as support and should not replace the usual treatment.
Reserved for ages 3+. Apply 10 drops of the mixture to the chest or upper back when the first symptoms appear. During the crisis, repeat the operation every half hour. Do not exceed 4 applications per day.
Does not replace the usual treatment necessary in the event of an asthma attack!
For more details or other users: essential oils for asthma.
Efficiency: ++++
For adults and children over 3 years old.
From 3 months.
For ages 6+. Before bed, apply 4 to 6 drops of this mixture to distribute on the solar plexus, the arch of the foot and the inside of the wrists:
More details or other users: essential oils for insomnia.
Efficiency: +++
For teenagers and adults. Orally, 2 drops on a neutral support, up to 3 times a day for 15 days during the pollen period.
From 3 years.
From 3 years old. Dermal, massage the chest and back with a few drops of this mixture during an allergy attack to calm the symptoms, up to 3 times a day for 1 to 2 days:
Couic-Marinier, F. (2019). Essential oils, The complete guide for the whole family. SOLAR Editions.
Roman Chamomile is useful against allergies, but the essential oil of Annual Tansy, also called Blue Chamomile, will be more effective: cutaneously, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the forearms. Do not use it before 6 years and take note of the precautions associated with this essential oil before use.
Efficiency: +++
Reserved for adults. When inhaled, breathe directly above the bottle of Roman Chamomile when you feel the need.
Reserved for adults. Breathe the mixture deeply as soon as you feel the need.
Source: Couic-Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Living earth.
Roman Chamomile with its calming properties can be very effective in cases of tobacco addiction for example, but if you have it on hand, use it instead.hemlock essential oil. When inhaling, breathe directly above the bottle when you feel the need.
Efficiency: +++
For adults and children over 3 years old.
From 3 months:
Reserved for ages 6+. Apply 3 drops of the mixture to the palms of the wrists and 3 drops to the solar plexus at the time of the attack.
More details or other users: essential oils against anxiety attacks.
Roman Chamomile is a particularly calming and relaxing essential oil. It is suitable in cases of anguish, anxiety or stress, but the essential oil of Petit grain bigarade is often preferred, certainly for its more affordable price. For babies under 3 months, it is possible to broadcast it. For children over 3 years old, inhalation is possible: 1 pure drop on the wrists to inhale deeply, 3 times a day for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Efficiency: +++
For adults and adolescents. By local route, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile on a cotton swab soaked in edible vegetable oil. Apply directly to the painful area.
Children from 3 years old. By local route, prepare a mixture of 10% Roman Chamomile essential oil in a food-grade vegetable oil (1 mL or 30 drops of HE, in 9 mL of HV). Apply 1-2 drops of the mixture to the cheek near the sore gum, up to 5 times a day.
Roman Chamomile essential oil is effective in relieving a toothache, but Roman Chamomile essential oil Clove remains the benchmark in this field. For adults and adolescents, put 1 drop of Clove on a cotton swab soaked in edible vegetable oil. Apply to the painful area.
More details and other users: How to relieve a toothache with essential oils?
Efficiency: +++
For adolescents and adults. Dermal, 2 drops of Roman Chamomile in 2 drops of vegetable oil, to apply locally several times a day.
From 3 years. Dermal, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 4 drops of vegetable oil, applied to the affected area, approximately twice a day until improvement.
From 3 months. Dermal, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 9 drops of vegetable oil, on the affected areas, several times a day until improvement.
From 3 years old. Apply 6 to 8 drops of this formula locally, 3 to 4 times a day:
Source: Dufour A. (2021). The LEDUC guide to essential oils for the whole family. LEDUC Éditions
Roman Chamomile is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties. However, the essential oil of Annual Tansy will be even more effective: from 6 years old, 1 drop of Annual Tansy in 4 drops of vegetable oil applied to the affected area, twice a day for 7 to 10 days.
Efficiency: +++
From 3 years old. Dermal, dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil, to supplement or replace with Aloe Vera depending on the reactions. Massage eczema patches 3 times a day until improvement.
From 3 months. Through the skin, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 19 drops of vegetable oil, to supplement or replace with Aloe Vera depending on reactions, and apply to the affected areas, 3 times a day.
For ages 3+. Apply 2 to 6 drops of the mixture to the eczema. Repeat the operation 3 times a day until visible improvement:
More details and other users: How to relieve dry eczema with essential oils?
Anti-inflammatory and soothing, Roman Chamomile essential oil is effective in cases of dermatological problems. However, in the case of eczema, favor the essential oil of Geranium Rosat : 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the affected areas, 2 times a day, for 3 weeks maximum. Take a break for a week before starting again if necessary.
Efficiency: +++
From 3 years old. Dermal, dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 9 drops of vegetable oil, to supplement or replace with Aloe Vera depending on the reactions. Massage psoriasis plaques 3 times a day until improvement.
From 3 months. Dermal, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 19 drops of vegetable oil, to supplement or replace with Aloe Vera depending on reactions, and apply to the affected areas, 3 times a day.
From 3 months. Gently place 2 to 8 drops (depending on the extent) of this synergy on psoriasis. Renew the application 2 to 3 times a day until improvement:
More details and other users: Essential oils for psoriasis
Roman Chamomile essential oil can be effective against skin problems in general but Roman Chamomile essential oil Himalayan Spikenard is to be favored in cases of psoriasis: for adolescents and adults, dilute 5 to 10% in a vegetable oil (1 drop of Himalayan Spikenard for 9 to 20 drops of vegetable oil, to be supplemented or replaced with Aloe Vera depending on reactions). Take a one-week break after 3 weeks of use.
Efficiency: +++
For ages 3+. Dermal, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 4 drops of vegetable oil and massage into the painful area.
From 3 years old. Apply 2 drops of the mixture locally to the area of pain (away from the eyes) and repeat the application as needed:
More details and other users: How to relieve persistent migraines with essential oils?
Calming and soothing, Roman Chamomile essential oil provides very interesting properties against migraine. It has the advantage of being authorized for young children and pregnant women over 3 months old. However, for other users, it is better to use the essential oil of Pepper mint : via the skin, 1 pure drop to massage on the temples and forehead (far from the eyes).
Efficiency: +++
From 3 months. Dermal, dilute 15 drops of Roman Chamomile in 10 mL of vegetable oil (Nigella...). Massage 3 drops of the mixture up to twice a day.
From 3 years old. Dermal, dilute 1 drop of Roman Chamomile in 9 drops of vegetable oil. Apply as a massage on the stomach.
Source: Couic-Marinier, F. (2019). Essential oils, The complete guide for the whole family. SOLAR Editions.
Roman Chamomile can be interesting but... it is better to use the essential oil of Melissa against my stomach cramps: cutaneously, 1 drop of lemon balm in 9 drops of vegetable oil to apply on the stomach.
Roman Chamomile essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its calming, relaxing, antispasmodic or analgesic properties. For most of the following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore tell you the best replacement for Roman Chamomile for the following different problems.
Roman Chamomile can have a calming action for children in cases of intestinal worms, but for adults and children over 6 years old, it is better to favor the essential oil of Chinese cinnamon, a reference for fighting parasites of all kinds. Orally, 1 drop of Cinnamon essential oil on a support to let melt in the mouth, 4 times a day until improvement. Be careful, this essential oil presents risks of use, be sure to take note of the precautions for use associated with it.
Roman Chamomile can be interesting but... it is better to use the essential oil ofYlang ylang against reduced libido: cutaneously, 1 drop of Ylang Ylang HE in 4 drops of vegetable oil, on the lower spine, twice a day for 10 days.
Roman Chamomile essential oil can be effective against shingles, but...the essential oil of Niaouli is more suitable: 1 to 2 pure drops on the painful area, up to 6 times a day, and until the shingles improve (5 to 10 days). In case of very sensitive skin, do not hesitate to dilute in a little vegetable oil.
In Greek, “cham” means “the beneficial earth” and “melon”: “apple”. Literally “the apple of the beneficial earth”. The Egyptians had the habit of praising the gods during funeral rites by burning Roman Chamomile flowers. It flourishes in sandy and sparse soils, which explains its cultivation in Egypt. By growing in groves around forty centimeters high, Roman Chamomile flowers protect each other. A real nursery!
Chamomile is a symbol of submission. The diviners burned chamomile incense to attract prophecies and premonitory dreams. Offering sprigs of Chamomile to your sweetheart made you understand that you were subject to your love.
Roman Chamomile reappeared in the Middle Ages after having been revered for centuries in Ancient Egypt. It is even said that Pharaoh Ramses II was mummified with Roman Chamomile essential oil… These white flowers with a sunny yellow heart are known to be fragile. Apothecaries used them to treat jaundice, in porridge to cure stomach aches, macerated in wine against snake bites... It should not be confused with its very close cousin: Matricaria or German Chamomile (Latin name Chamomilla Recutita L.). Today's herbalists continue the great tradition of apothecaries of selling Roman Chamomile wishing their customers long life.
Roman Chamomile is also used to restore blonde hair. It gives a little of its sunny color to make women sparkle with their shimmering hair.
The pale blue color of its essential oil makes it even more original. Roman Chamomile is planted between November and April in several rows. Chamomile must be well hydrated just before flowering (June), otherwise you risk having poor quality plants. The harvest is carried out exclusively by hand so as not to damage the petals. The yield is low: 200 kg of flowers require around a hundred hours of harvest... for a yield of only 300 grams of essential oil! It needs a lot of sun to flourish.
It is fragile and fears competition from weeds. Its numerous properties give it several names: Feverfew, Roman Chamomile, Anjou Chamomile, Officinal Chamomile, True Chamomile, Odorous Chamomile… Be careful to look at the Latin name: Chamaemelum Nobile (L.) Allioni.
Chamomiles are numerous and different species exist but with very diverse uses! But then, what Chamomiles are we dealing with and how are they so different? To know more, discover our guide to the different Chamomiles.
Average grade: 4.7 ( 873 votes)
Publication: Darriet, F., Bendahou, M., Costa, J., & Muselli, A. (2012). Chemical Compositions of the Essential Oils of the Aerial Parts of Chamaemelum mixtum (L.) Alloni. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60(6), 1494–1502. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf203872z
Publication: Zhao, J., Khan, SI, Wang, M., Vasquez, Y., Yang, MH, Avula, B., Khan, IA (2014b). Octulosonic Acid Derivatives from Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) with Activities against Inflammation and Metabolic Disorder. Journal of Natural Products, 77(3), 509–515. https://doi.org/10.1021/np400780n
Publication: Al-Snafi, A.E. (2016). Medical importance of Anthemis nobilis (Chamaemelum nobile)-A review. AJPST, 6(2), 89-95.
Publication: Efficiency of Chamomile Essential Oils on Sleeping Quality of First-year University Students. (2021). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & ; Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v15i2.14954
Work : Festy, D. (2018). My bible of essential oils: Complete guide to aromatherapy. Leduc.s éditions.
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Living Earth guide to essential oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
Website : EMA, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (2011). Assessment report on Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All., flos. https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-chamaemelum-nobile-l-all-flos_en.pdf
GUIDE Roman Chamomile essential oil against anxiety attacks
GUIDE Roman Chamomile essential oil for babies
GUIDE Roman Chamomile essential oil against emotional shocks
GUIDE Roman Chamomile essential oil for skin problems
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.