Roman Chamomile
Also called: English Chamomile
Profile
| Latin Name | Anthemis nobilis/ Chamaemelum nobile |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Asteraceae/Compositae |
| Note | Middle (base) |
| Aroma | <Strong> Herbaceous, Moderate |
| Color | Pale Blue to Yellow (with aging) |
| Parts Distilled | Flowers with stems Regions: France, Morocco, Spain, Egypt |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Nature | Cooling |
| Affinity | LR/SP |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Esters (angelic and tiglic acids ~75-80%), Terpenes (pinene, chamazulene ~10-20%), (-) oc-bisabolol (~5%) |
| Skin Type | All, especially sensitive skin |
| Dosage | 10% dilution (Roman Chamomile is more appropriate for children than German Chamomile) |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Regulate Liver qi and Liver fire, as well as Liver's overacting actions on the Spleen and Stomach, suppressed anger, nausea, dyspepsia, anorexia, vomiting during pregnancy
- Nourish Liver blood and subdue wind
- Calm the shen - irritability, restlessness, insomnia
Indications
- Liver Overacting on the Spleen, and Stomach for epigastric and abdominal distention, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, digestive headaches, food sensitivity rashes, intercostal distention, bloating (LR-13, LR-14, CV-12, SP-3, LR-3)
- Liver Fire with red eyes, migraine headaches, angry outburst, irritability, insomnia, restlessness, fidgety (LR-14, LR-3, LR-2, LI-11)
Topical Applications
- Deficient Liver Blood with anemia (LR-8, BL-17, PC-6, LR-14)
- Apply a 6% dilution to cracked nipples, cystic breast, and gum
- Swellings.
Other Applications
- Diffuse Roman Chamomile, Lavender, and Rose for anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause.
Specific Protocols
- 6% dilution of Roman Chamomile (50%), Terebinth (20%), and Lavender (30%) on facial points for Liver Yang Ascension Stirring Wind
Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hepatic tonic
- Analgesic
- Carminative (prevents or relieves flatulence)
- Antispasmodic
Contraindications & Cautions
- Cold & empty yang
- Cautious use if sensitive to ragweed
Notes
- Similar to Bai Shao
- For cystic breasts
- For someone who feels inferior and picked on
- Increases red and white blood cell count (internal use)
- With cedar wood to be willing to try again after failure
- For eating disorders
- For teething child
- Releases suppressed anger by calming shen
Additional Comments
- Although Roman Chamomile is a middle note, it is extremely diffusive.
- Roman Chamomile increases white blood cell production.
- Moroccan Chamomile (Ormenis mixta/Anthemis mixta/Chamaemelum mixta) from Morocco (also West Africa & Spain) is a cheaper alternative to Roman Chamomile with similar properties