Chamomile has long been known as a powerfully soothing, relaxing herb, but you’ll find even more benefits of this potent plant when using it in aromatherapy. Chamomile is commonly associated with treating insomnia, and is often added to sleep aids as a natural relaxant. Most people find comfort in a cup of chamomile tea, but there are other ways to use the herb if you’re suffering from anxiety, nervousness, tension, or even skin problems.

What Is Chamomile?

Chamomile oil itself has a fairly sweet fragrance, and its essence is extracted from the flowers of the herb. It was used heavily during the Middle Ages as a natural soothing agent, to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritated skin. Egyptian cultures used it to treat fevers and heal wounds.

It is made from the flowers of the Matricaria recutita plant, and is a natural anti-inflammatory. Since it can soothe the body both inside and out, it’s one of the most versatile essential oils available.

Chamomile also contains the active ingredient azulene, which can help fight infection and speed up recovery time. This natural pain reliever has been shown to reduce joint inflammation and can even stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are essential for healing, and keeping the immune system in balance.

Key Benefits

Chamomile can be used to relieve for a variety of conditions, including:

• 
  

  Anxiety.

  
  


• 
  

  Depression.

  
  


• 
  

  Stress and tension.

  
  


• 
  

  Sore muscles.

  
  


• 
  

  Menstrual cramps.

  
  


• 
  

  Digestive problems.

  
  


• 
  

  Headaches, including migraines.

  
  


• 
  

  Acne or inflamed skin.

  
  


• 
  

  Eczema and dermatitis.

  
  


• 
  

  Diaper rash.

  
  


• 
  

  Poor appetite.

  
  


• 
  

  High blood pressure.

  
  

It is a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and antibacterial agent in its purest form. Finding a natural form of chamomile is important when you’re mixing up an aromatherapy blend or fragrance of your own. Instead of a fragrance or scented oil, you might choose to take it in supplement form instead.

How to Use Chamomile

Add chamomile essential oil to a hot bath to bring instant relief to muscles and help you relax. Many relaxing essential-oil blends include a combination of lavender, chamomile, and even eucalyptus for its detoxifying benefits. Just a small dose before bedtime can lead to deep sleep and relaxed muscles. Athletes and bodybuilders in particular can reduce stress in their muscles naturally with a chamomile supplement.

You can take chamomile in tea form, and it is often sweetened with lemon. Drinking a soothing cup of chamomile tea can help calm your nerves, lower anxiety, and reduce stomach upset. You can also take chamomile in pill form, and it is often used as a muscle relaxant and sleeping aid.

Aromatherapy can help you treat and heal a variety of conditions naturally; studies show many significant therapeutic benefits of essential oils, simply by using your sense of smell. Adding natural essential oils to creams, lotions, or even fragrances can help you enjoy the benefits of chamomile in a new way.

—Sabah Karimi