Ingredient of the Week: Chamomile

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Chamomile has been used since ancient times by the Greeks and Romans for medicine, drinks, and incense. This “miracle herb” has been known to ease inflammation, upset stomachs, nausea, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety and insomnia.

There are two types of chamomile: Roman and German. Both German and Roman chamomile plants grow wild in various parts of the world and have similar soothing properties. Roman chamomile is a small evergreen perennial plant that grows very low to the ground with large flowers and has a sweet apple scent. German chamomile, on the other hand, is not a perennial plant and it has fewer flowers than Roman chamomile. It also has more of a sweet straw scent.

ROMAN CHAMOMILE

  • Contains high levels of esters, has a yellow-pale blue color, and is anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal and very calming.
  • Effective at calming irritation, rage, and mood swings. For children, it’s useful for teething, colic, and temper tantrums.
  • Helps provide restful sleep, relief from sore muscles, arthritis, headaches, and migraines.

GERMAN (BLUE) CHAMOMILE

  • Contains chamazulene, giving the oil its deep blue color, and anti-inflammatory and infection-fighting properties.
  • Maintains normal skin; calms dry, irritated or flaky skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis; promotes healing and regeneration of damaged skin tissue.
  • Stimulates liver, kidneys, and gallbladder to improve digestion, remove toxins and infections.
  • Calms mind and body for menstrual and menopausal problems, including PMS.

Since chamomile has been used for such a long period of time, it is one of the very few herbs that has been included in clinical trials to prove its effectiveness in skincare. It has been proven to help treat acne/boils, allergies/rashes, dermatitis, eczema, cuts, and wounds. It is great for sensitive skin and skin that’s prone to inflammation because of its natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

You can find Roman and German Chamomile in our GUNILLA™ Herbal Balancing Toner for Dry/Normal skin. This toner deeply cleanses and soothes while infusing powerful amino acid complexes. Skin is left clean, refreshed and balanced.