German chamomile can be divided into four different chemotypes based on the comparative percentage of the constituents. The content and composition of these four types of essential oils are dependent on the developmental stage of the plant. Two key ingredients that give German chamomile its primary properties are α-bisabolol and farnesene. The quantity of α-bisabolol reaches a maximum when the plant is in full bloom, whereas the farnesene content decreases rapidly with the growth and development of the flower. Depending on the harvest time, there can be a variation from one year to another in German chamomile because of the different chemotypes that are available. It is, therefore, important when sourcing German chamomile essential oil for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, that the chemotype (which has the higher α-bisobolol content), be sourced.
German chamomile, sometimes referred to as blue chamomile, receives its blue color from an important piece of chemistry known as chamazulene. It has been traditionally known as the main active constituent that gives German chamomile its most important properties such as soothing, calming and anti-inflammatory. It can be used in hot compresses on boils, abscesses, infected cuts, splinters and so on. The carminative effect that clears heat and reduces inflammation is a property that makes German chamomile helpful for alleviating gastritis, neuritis, cystitis, earaches and rheumatoid arthritis.
The properties and uses of German chamomile can often overlap with those of lavender. It can be used for massage treatments or in cold compresses to treat muscular pain and arthritic, inflamed joints. It is also useful for treating sprains, inflamed tendons, and swollen painful joints in bursitis. Medical herbalist and clinical aromatherapist Peter Holmes suggests using German chamomile to stimulate and restore proper functioning of the liver and/or gallbladder. Indications of ailment include poor appetite and slow painful digestion. It can be applied in a massage oil and gently applied over the respective area. Applying a heat pack to the area will help penetrate the oils into the body and alleviate any sign of pain.
German chamomile is valuable for many skin problems due to its chamazulene and bisabol content. It is generally very useful in areas where the skin is very sensitive, red and dry. Its most important use is in the treatment of allergies, eczema, psoriasis and any itchy, dry or flaky skin. German chamomile can be diluted in evening primrose or jojoba oil and used in facial massages. Roman chamomile is anti-inflammatory and skin abrasions typically respond favorably to it by reducing inflammation and accelerating the healing process.
Roman chamomile has been used for centuries in Europe as a medicine, fumigant and ornamental flower. An important plant in ancient Epypt, chamomile was dedicated to the sun god Ra in Greece during the 4th century B.C. It was also used by Hippocrates to help reduce fevers. During the Tudor period in England, chamomile was used as an aromatic stewing herb, trodden into household floors to delicately scent the home.
Roman chamomile has a more pleasing aroma than its German counterpart due to its high ester content. It has a soft underlying sweetness especially when blended with oils such as lavender and melissa. It is more suitable when inhaled or when diffusion of the oil is required. This method can be used to combat emotional anxiety and tension as well as asthma, allergies and hay fever. For allergies and hay fever, simply add a few drops to a handkerchief and leave it near your pillow. Aromatherapist Susanne Fischer-Rizzi suggests that when an individual is feeling moody and grumpy, they should reach for Roman chamomile in particular since it is beneficial to people who are short tempered, self-involved, overly sensitive or rarely satisfied.
As stated earlier, German chamomile is considered an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Roman chamomile has the same properties as German chamomile, but to a lesser degree. Of the two varieties, Roman chamomile excels as an antispasmodic, analgesic and carminative essential oil. Recommended as a useful oil for women with irregular periods and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), it is recommended for use in massage oil or in a warm bath when abdominal pain is a concern. For children suffering from colic, hot compresses placed on the abdomen will assist in healing.
As a traditional remedy for children, it is recommended when they also are feeling impatient, disagreeable or tense. Teething pain, colic or flatulence may be underlying causes. If this is the case, a one percent dilution of Roman chamomile mixed with apricot kernel oil may be very useful over the cheeks for teething pain or over the abdomen for digestive issues. It is also useful as a mild sedative for children since it has a calming effect.
Aromatherapist Julia Lawless says that the oil has a profound calming effect on the emotional level. It is helpful for people who tend to be hyperactive, workaholic, think too much, and worry a lot. In terms of oriental medicine chamomile has the ability to regulate the movement of vital energy helping to relax the nerves, relieve spasm and pain. This makes it beneficial for chronic tension and insomnia, nervous indigestion and nausea, constipation and irritable bowel, and headaches and asthma. Combined with cypress and clary sage, it is also useful for PMS and menstrual pain.

Trish Green is a homeopath, certified clinical and medically trained aromatherapist. She recently completed her education in aromatherapy for use in Oncology practice. She is the director of sales and marketing for Eve Taylor North America.