Chamomile teas, ointments, and extracts are all made of the white and yellow flower head. This flower heads may be dried and used in teas or capsules, but to produce blue oil with many medicinal benefits, the flower heads are crushed and steamed.

The Camilla essential oil, produced from steam distillation of German Chamomile is blue due to chamazulene which has powerful antiallergenic properties. Externally the oil can be applied (diluted) to sore, itchy skin (dermatitis and eczema). The strong antispasmodic properties of German Chamomile make it a valuable treatment for muscular aches and pains. In Homeopathic form it is excellent for infantile colic, teething and irritability. The oil contains ingredients that reduce swelling and limit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

The active ingredient in chamomile essential oil is known as bisabolol. Bisalobol is the ingredient with a number of anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

Read more about Health benefits and Medicinal uses of Chamomile.

Precautions and Possible Interactions of Camomile

• German chamomile is considered generally safe, but it could make asthma worse, so people with asthma should not take it.
• Pregnant women should avoid chamomile because of the elevated risk of miscarriage. Chamomile is considered to be an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion).
• If you are sensitive to asters, daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed, you may also be allergic to chamomile.
• Drinking large amounts of highly concentrated chamomile tea may cause vomiting.
• Chamomille interaction with anticoagulants: Since chamomile contains a substance called coumarin (which is also a blood thinner), Chamomile should not be used in combination with anticoagulants (blood-thinning medications, also referred to as anti-cloting drugs). Chamomille may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin or heparin.
• Chamomille interaction with Sedatives: Chamomile can increase the effect of drugs that have a sedating effect, including Anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote), Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), Drugs to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem), Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), Alcohol.

If you are taking any of the stated drugs, you should not use German chamomile without first talking to your health care provider.