Chamomile, Blue (organic)

The blue of German chamomile oil is not present in the flower. Chamazulene forms during distillation, when heat converts a colourless precursor, matricin. The colour is a product of the still.

01 · Origin

Matricaria chamomilla is an annual of the daisy family, Asteraceae, native to Europe and western Asia and now grown widely. This oil is distilled in Nepal from the blossoms of certified organic cultivation.

02 · Chemistry

Trans-beta-farnesene leads, with alpha-bisabolol oxide and trans-alpha-farnesene. Germacrene D and alpha-bisabolone oxide follow. The relative weight of the bisabolol oxides and free bisabolol varies with origin and is the usual basis for distinguishing chemotypes. With age and exposure to air, chamazulene oxidises and the oil drifts toward green.

03 · In Practice

Warm, herbaceous and sweet, with a faint hay note. Deep blue. The colour can stain, so the oil is unsuited to water-based ultrasonic diffusers and micro diffusers; a fan diffuser serves. Massage blends, skincare formulation and bath preparations. Chamomile Blue, Egypt (No. 1700) and Chamomile, Blue CO2 (No. 1689) show the effect of origin and extraction. Blends with lavender, rose, neroli, geranium, sandalwood and helichrysum.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.