Chamomile Oil

Chemical properties

Chamomile oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dried flowers of the so-called English or Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile. It has a strong, aromatic odor, characteristic of flowers. The odor is extremely diffusive, but it has little tenacity. The flavor of the oil is somewhat bitter, chemical or medicinal, but has also been described as fruity-herbaceous and warm.

Physical properties

It is a light-blue or light-blue-greenish liquid. The color may change with age to greenish-yellow or yellow-brown. It is almost completely soluble in mineral oil. It is soluble with some haziness, in propylene glycol, but it is insoluble in glycerin.

Occurrence

Found in the flowers of the plant Anthemis nohilis L. (Fam. Compositae).

The Uses of Chamomile Oil

chamomile oil is considered a capillary wall constrictor, an antiallergenic agent, and antiseptic, cooling, analgesic, emollient, and healing. It is considered useful for treating burns and skin inflammations as well as dermatitis, and beneficial for acne, dry, or supersensitive skins. The active principles are a pale blue volatile oil (which can turn yellow with time), a little anthemic acid, tannic acid, and a glucoside. The volatile oil, obtained through distillation, is lost in the preparation of the extract. The whole plant is odoriferous and of value, but the flower heads are primarily credited with therapeutic benefits. Because the chief botanical virtue of the plant lies in the central disk of the yellow florets and in the cultivated double form of the white florets, the botanical properties of the single, wild chamomile are considered to be the most powerful.

The Uses of Chamomile Oil

Flowers in herbal teas. Extracts and oils in perfumery; as flavor in foods and alcoholic beverages; hair dye.

Preparation

By steam distillation of the dried flowers of Anthemis nohilis L.

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Anthemis nobilis, Compositae.

Essential oil composition

The chief constituents of chamomile oil Roman are n-butyl angelate and isoamyl angelate

Safety Profile

Low toxicity by ingestion and skin contact. A rmld allergen. A skin irritant. See aIso ESTERS. Combustible when heated. When heated todecomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.