June’s Essence…..Chamomile.

on June 30, 2010 by Chanteuse Designs Other News Leave a comment

Chamomile

Ahhhh Chamomile. The parks are smelling …..or rather basking in the smell of Chamomile these days. I just love it. Makes me want to run home and make a cup of tea!

Chamomile is the national flower of Russia!! A wise choice for the Anastasia worshippers. Chamomile is best known as a tea but has many medicinal uses too. Chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family. Chamomile oil is useful in treating burns, rashes and fevers. It is also a sedative oil with stress relieving benefits.

There are two types of Chamomile oil which are most popular: Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. The

Chamomile

Roman oil is much like the flower, yellow green in color. The German oil is more of a deep blue color due to it’s high azulene content. Chamomile is one essential oil that is safe for children of all ages. It’s gentle properties make it perfect. Chamomile is mostly known for its calming effects. It is used for quieting the skin, emotions and those high heat peaks of summer energy!! Chamomile is also good for bug bites and boo boos!

Botanical.com quotes “Chamomile Tea should in all cases be prepared in a covered vessel, in order to prevent the escape of steam, as the medicinal value of the flowers is to a considerable extent impaired by any evaporation, and the infusion should be allowed to stand on the flowers for 10 minutes at least before straining off.”

A decade or two ago I remember using it as a steam facial (Boiling the tea) and could sit with a towel over my head effortlessly for 20 minutes and inhale such a calming skin tonic. What memories.

Here are a few recipes for you to try at home:

TEETHING SOLUTION

5 drops of Chamomile

Chamomile

2 ounces Aloe Vera

Mix the two ingredients and use this to massage the outside of the jaw. If you keep the mixture cool, it also counteracts the heat of the teething process.

RECIPE FOR BURNS

3 drops Chamomile

3 drops Peppermint

Palmful of hand cream

You can use any kind of hand cream, vegetable oil or even milk if in an emergency. Mix all together and apply it to the burn.

Chamomile

COOLING TONER

3 drops Chamomile

3 drops Clary Sage

3 drops Geranium

6 drops Lavender

1 Tablespoon cider vinegar

2 ounces witch hazel

Mix the essential oils together with the vinegar and witch hazel in an 8 ounce bottle. Add enough distilled water to fill the bottle. Use this toner in the morning and at night before you moisturize.