Roman vs German Chamomile Oils: How to Choose & Use

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Roman and German Chamomile essential oils are very popular and it’s not surprising since they have many wellness benefits, especially their well-known ability to calm, soothe, and help you sleep.

Maybe your mom was like mine and made a cup of chamomile tea for you when you had a rough day. Let’s take a closer look at chamomile essential oils, including two of the most popular varieties and some suggestions on how you can use chamomile.

Roman vs German Chamomile — Which one to choose?

There are several varieties of chamomile essential oils, but two of the most popular are what we carry in our e3 online store, Roman and German. Both varieties have antiseptic and antibiotic properties and work well for skin care such as rashes, acne, sunburn, etc.

German Chamomile is derived from Matricaria chamomilla, a flower in the daisy family. It has a sweet, warm, herbaceous aroma. It’s also referred to as “Blue” Chamomile essential oil because of its high concentration of azuline resulting in a deep blue color.

German Chamomile is a good choice for inflammation or allergic reactions. We find that it’s one of the best essential oils for inflammation and is also helpful for addressing allergic reactions.

Here are additional ways in which German Chamomile can help:

Physical uses: Inflamed muscles and joints, infections, headaches, indigestion, nerve pain.

Skincare uses: Inflammation, irritations, rashes, allergic reactions, acne, rosacea, sunburn, itching, small cuts, minor burns, minor skin infections, insect bites, and stings.

Psychological uses: Stress, tension, anxiety, anger, fear, sleeplessness, impatience.

Subtle uses: Calms, supports tranquil communication.

Roman Chamomile is made from a small evergreen perennial plant, Anthemis nobilis. This variety is particularly aromatic and calming with a fresh, sweet, apple-like aroma. We have found it to be useful when addressing aches, cramps, and nervous system issues. Since it has a high level of esters, it is highly calming.

Here are additional ways in which Roman Chamomile can help:

Physical uses: Muscle aches, muscle spasms, and cramps, stiff joints, menstrual cramps, headaches, inflammation, chronic infections, stomach ache, PMS, nerve pain.

Skincare uses: Inflammation, irritations, rashes, allergic reactions, acne, rosacea, sunburn, itching, minor burns, small cuts, chronic skin infections, insect bites, and stings.

Psychological uses: Stress, tension, anxiety, anger, fear, sleeplessness, worry, shock, impatience.

Subtle uses: Calms, promotes patience, eases grief and sadness.

Please note, it’s recommended that you avoid Roman Chamomile during the first four months of pregnancy. You should also avoid both German and Roman Chamomile if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, asters, echinacea, or feverfew.

How to Use Both Roman and German Chamomile

Here are 3 ways to use German Chamomile to soothe irritated or inflamed skin:

Body Lotion: Add 6-30 drops of German Chamomile essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Body Oil: Mix 6-30 drops of German Chamomile essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of German Chamomile essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring, and apply to the area in need for approximately 1-5 minutes. Dip, wring and apply 3 more times.

Find additional recipes and recommendations here, Essential Oils for Eczema and Dermatitis.

Here are 3 ways to use Roman Chamomile to soothe your mind and spirit:

Bath: Mix 2-3 drops of Chamomile Roman essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle aches, add 1-2 cups Epsom or Dead sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Diffuse: Follow the diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with a therapeutic aroma. If you don’t have a diffuser, place 1-2 drops of Chamomile Roman essential oil on several cotton balls or tissues; place nearby or tuck into the grate of fan or air vent in your home or car.

Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion. To learn how to give yourself a relaxing massage take a look at this post, How to Massage Arms and Hands — 3 Techniques Video.

Now you might be wondering why German and Roman Chamomile are more expensive than many other essential oils. One issue is supply and demand since as we’ve just seen they are popular oils with many health benefits! It also takes a considerable amount of flowers to produce just one ounce of the oil.

At essential 3, we take sustainability very seriously and we want to keep our essential oils affordable. Our answer was to create Dilutes of our precious essential oils that can be enjoyed at a more affordable price. The essential oils are a 5% dilution in fractionated coconut oil, which does not go rancid, has no aroma, and is non-greasy. You can buy Chamomile German Dilute essential oil or Chamomile Roman Dilute both of which may be applied directly to the skin.

Would you like more easy and practical suggestions on how to use essential oils in everyday life? Sign-up for our newsletter and get a 20% off coupon to use in your next order.