German 'Blue' Chamomile Essential Oil has that "deep water’ cooling and enveloping influence which soothes and relieves. Along with Helichrysum, it is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory essential oils. The cooling, harmonizing effects of German Chamomile make it a first choice oil against nervous tensions, migraine and all kinds of stress related disturbances. The herb has a long-standing medicinal tradition, particularly in Europe, for 'all states of tension and the visceral symptoms that can arise there from, such as nervous dyspepsia and nervous bowel, tension headaches, and sleeplessness; especially useful for all children's conditions, calming without depressing...' (from Mills, S.Y. - The A-Z of Modern Herbalism).

Concentration recommendations in your formulas are between 1% and 3% for the steam distilled oil, and between 0.1% and 0.3% for the CO2. Here's some ways to convert, for one total ounce of blend (or single carrier): 3% is 1ml in 30ml (30ml = 1oz). 1ml is about 35 drops. 1% in one fluid ounce is 11 or 12 drops ~ 0.1% is one drop, 0.3% is 3 or 4 drops.

The sesquiterpenes (chamazulene) and sesquiterpenols (α-bisabolol) of this chamomile may excel in a wide range of healing properties, which are hard to find in comparable strength in any other oils. The blue/green viscous liquid has a strong, sweetish warm herbaceous aroma. The aroma is certainly interesting, and may be somewhat potent for some (if using Chamomile aromatically, the Roman Chamomile is the oil of choice). This particular oil is of a high alpha-bisabolol chemotype, specifically recommended by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in 'Advanced Aromatherapy'.

The botanical name of Chamomile, "Martricaria", meaning "Caring for the womb" finds its echo in folk medicine that has always emphasizes chamomile’s emmenagogue properties and its connection with the female system. German or "Blue" Chamomile can be of good help in cases of headaches caused by gall bladder deficiency and general digestive problems and nausea. Similar to Helichrysum, it has been used to dissolve congestions of the blood. It has excellent properties to ease neuralgic pain and inflammatory processes, esp. of the eyes and the stomach (ulcer), but also helps with cystitis, arthritis, inflamed joints and rheumatism in some individuals.

Another area where German Chamomile can be of great help is the skin, as can Roman Chamomile - though the anti-inflammatory properties of the Blue variety are considered greater. The list is extensive: skin inflammations, acne, allergies, boils, burns, cuts, eczema, dermatitis, problems of the scalp, rashes, insect bites, infected wounds, skin impurities and more.

To learn more about the use of all our essential oils, we encourage you to visit The Ananda Apothecary Forums, where you can post questions regarding specific applications of each oil. Questions in the forums are regularly answered by Ananda Apothecary staff, and other experienced aromatherapy practitioners.