Aromatherapy 101: Chamomile
Aromatherapy is nothing new. For thousands of years, aromatic plants have been used in resins, balms and oils, for their physical and psychological benefits. Since scents are what we do best, we’re collecting everything you need to know about aromatherapy in one place - to help you make the right choice when it comes to the aroma you use in your fragrance and skincare.
You might be more inclined to associate chamomile with tea than essential oil, but it might just be one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to us. The Ancient Egyptians dedicated it to the Sun God, Ra, for its curing properties, and the Romans used it to make medicines and incense. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a room odoriser, with the daisy-like flowers scattered across the floor so the crisp and fruity fragrance would be released when stepped upon.
Nowadays, Chamomile is still found in beauty products and perfumes, thanks to its soothing and detoxifying properties. Bringing this ‘apple of the ground’ into your daily routines can help you to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Benefits of Chamomile
Chamomile can soothe
Chamomile is considered something of a wonder ingredient for skincare, because it combines powerful antioxidants with a natural ability to flush out toxins and trigger circulation. The perfect combination of properties for soothing your skin - whether you’re suffering from irritation or dry skin, discovering skincare that contains chamomile oil will provide you with a great natural remedy for reigniting your glow. Bramley’s Soothing Bath, Body and Shower Oil does just that.
Chamomile can detox
Thanks to the potent antioxidants found within chamomile oil, this ingredient is renowned for ridding skin and body of the harmful elements that cause blemishes and hyperpigmentation. Your complexion should benefit from bringing chamomile in your beauty routine, as this essential oil creates an optimal environment for your skin - and can help fight the free radicals that cause ageing. We love Sukin’s Revitalising Facial Scrub with chamomile and aloe vera for a super soothing exfoliation.
Chamomile can heal
One of the reasons Chamomile was so sought after in ancient times was the strong antiseptic and antibiotic properties found within the oil. Whilst this makes it a great source of defence when it’s consumed in tea, it can also be useful when applied directly to sensitive, puffy or inflamed skin conditions, and can be great for minimising the appearance of complaints like acne, age spots and blemishes. Scottish Fine Soaps Mum To Be Pamper Set is wonderful for gently protecting sensitive skin from stretch marks and stress.
Chamomile can help you sleep
Over the years, chamomile oil has been used as a natural remedy for insomnia, because it’s so calming. Research studies have shown that chamomile relaxes your muscles and even your brain waves, easing and calming before you go to sleep. Discover a bath soak that uses chamomile’s sweet and apple-scented notes, and see how it improves your night. Why not try Bramley’s Mini Calm Balm to ease you into a gorgeous sleep?
Chamomile can improve your mood
Chamomile has historically been used to relieve depression and encourage relaxation. Medieval monks would plant beds of the daisy-like herb, and encourage those who were sad or depressed to lay amongst the scent as therapy. Modern research has found that the herb is in fact very good at easing feelings of depression and sluggishness, creating a happy or charged feeling in those who smell it. Chamomile is reported to be good for calming down anger and irritation in small children, and reducing blood pressure in adults. Loved by children and adults alike, Seascape’s Les Petits Hair & Body Wash is rich in chamomile and Jersey Honey.
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Chamomile is popular in aromatherapy because it has so many uses - it can help you sleep, detox and heal your skin, and even calm your nerves. Discover the many ways to bring chamomile into your skincare and fragrance, and discover the benefits of this versatile herb for yourself. Class dismissed!