Essential Oil of the Month: Roman Chamomile

Published by Sherrie Dawkins on 1st Aug 2025

Essential Oil of the Month: Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile: (Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobilis)

“[Chamomile]…presents a small waterfall of comfort. Think of it – a cascade of Chamomile Roman and you immediately feel loved.”

- Teddy Fearnhamm, Aromatherapist

There are oils that speak loudly, and then there is Roman Chamomile, a quiet companion that works in whispers. With its sweet, herbaceous yet floral scent, this gentle essential oil helps create an atmosphere of trust, release, and emotional safety.

Delicate yet deeply calming, Roman Chamomile essential oil has been cherished since ancient times for its ability to ease the mind, soothe the skin, and support emotional balance. Its long history of use spans from ancient Roman soldiers seeking courage before battle to modern spa rituals designed for rest and renewal.

Interestingly, this Chamomile is termed Roman Chamomile, not for its use by Roman soldiers, but because it was found growing wild in the Roman Colosseum by a 16th century botanist who gave it the common name Roman Chamomile to distinguish it from similar Chamomile species such as German or Blue Chamomile.

Differing from Roman Chamomile in scent and intensity, German or Blue Chamomile’s deep blue color is due to its natural chamazulene content (only released during steam distillation) which gives it particular benefits for skin. Its scent is stronger, deeper, and more herbaceous with a slightly bitter edge. Its powerful scent and potent properties make it best used in lower concentration. Blue Chamomile is commonly included in blends aimed at promoting skin comfort and balance while Roman Chamomile is more universally pleasant, gentle, and soothing for emotional stress. You might even consider keeping both varieties on hand to accommodate a range of needs, offering a more customized approach in your treatments.

While many essential oils relax the nervous system, Roman Chamomile speaks directly to the heart, especially the wounded or weary heart. It isn't merely calming; it softens defensiveness and nurtures emotional safety. It’s often described as having a maternal or childlike energy, making it especially helpful for soothing inner restlessness, fear, sensitivity or emotional overwhelm.

According to Aromatherapist and Acupuncturist Gabriel Mojay, Roman Chamomile can smooth the flow of Qi energy and “A more ‘sunny’ disposition will always emerge”.

Roman Chamomile & the Archetypal Child: Nurturing Your Inner Joy

“To your Inner Child:

I would like to tell you that we are no longer a baby, helpless and vulnerable.
We have strong hands and strong feet; we can very well defend ourselves.
So there is no reason why we have to continue to be fearful anymore.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Soft, sweet, and subtly grounding, Roman Chamomile speaks to something deep within us, the part of the psyche often called the Inner Child. This essential oil doesn’t just relax the body; it reaches into the emotional heart space, gently coaxing out the joy, vulnerability, and trust that may have been tucked away. Roman Chamomile’s deep emotional intelligence as a plant ally is not just calming in the usual sense but seems to carry an innate ability to comfort the spirit, much like a loving caregiver would soothe a child.

In aromatherapy and holistic wellness practices, as the Archetype of the Child, Roman Chamomile resonates with the part of us that remembers joy, playfulness, innocence, and emotional honesty. Its gentle, calming nature makes it a symbolic solution for emotional wounds carried from childhood or times when our sense of safety and nurturing was disrupted. It reminds us to reconnect with spontaneity, creativity, and light-hearted presence.

A PEACEFUL BEDTIME RITUAL:

To calm the mind, soothe emotional tension, and invite the inner child to feel safe, comforted, and ready to slip into slumber:

As you dim the lights, add 1-2 drops of Roman Chamomile and Lavender to your bedside diffuser.

For topical application:

Roman Chamomile essential oil (1–2 drops)
Lavender essential oil (1–2 drops)
Carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut (1 teaspoon or 5ml)
A warm compress or soft cloth

In a small bowl or your palm, mix 1–2 drops of Roman Chamomile and Lavender essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil.

For a simple anointing: Warm a drop of the mixture between your palms, then bring your hands to your face and inhale deeply. Feel the calming aroma wash over you, easing both body and mind.

Gently massage a few drops over your heart center with your fingertips, and allow yourself to sink into the soothing, nurturing embrace of the moment.

AND/OR

Add some warm distilled water to the bowl of oils, soak the compress or cloth and wrap your feet in divine comfort, easing the worries of the day.

As you apply it, whisper softly to your inner child:

“You are safe now. You are loved. You can rest.”

Imagine a soft golden light surrounding you as you drift off.

Optional: Pour yourself a warm cup of your favorite bedtime tea, preferably with chamomile. Set some gentle, calming music, soft lighting, and/or a small comfort item (like a childhood keepsake or calming stone such as Amethyst or childlike Pink Opal). Add a journal to write your feelings and affirmations to reassure and soothe your inner child.

PRECAUTIONS: Though Roman Chamomile is generally considered safe when properly diluted, it is recommended to consult your physician before use.