chamomile essential oil

1. Improve sleep patterns

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence associated with chamomile oil benefits that suggest it can be used to promote a good night’s sleep, and the world of science has also been able to verify some of those claims.

For example, a 2017 study asked one group of elderly people to take a chamomile extract twice a day, whilst a placebo was given to another group.

Researchers found that those who took the extract experienced a significant increase in sleep quality compared to the group who had taken the placebo for the same period.

2. Relieve depression symptoms

Chamomile could have the potential to calm symptoms linked to depression and anxiety, with studies discovering its grounding qualities.

A section of people taking part in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study saw depression symptoms reduce significantly over an 8-week period after being given a chamomile extract. 

However, whilst chamomile extract can be consumed, this is not the case with the essential oil.

Chamomile essential oil (as is true of all essential oils) is not intended for consumption and could cause serious harm if taken orally.

As an alternative, you could try diffusing chamomile essential oil in a diffuser or oil burner, as some people find that this aromatherapeutic treatment is helpful in calming stress and anxiety.

3. Calm skin irritation

Perhaps one of the better-known chamomile oil benefits is its ability to calm and soothe irritable skin.

One study indicated that, depending on the concentration levels, chamomile essential oil could be used to reduce inflamed areas of skin. 

Researchers involved in a separate animal study also found that the application of German chamomile helped to relieve atopic dermatitis symptoms.

Their results suggested that the mice who received the treatment saw a stark improvement in their condition, whilst those that weren’t given chamomile oil saw little to no change.

4. Offer pain relief

Chamomile essential oil benefits could also allow it to be used as a pain relief agent, helping to ease the symptoms of conditions that affect people across multiple age groups.

A 2015 study looked at the effectiveness of using chamomile essential oil to treat osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease.

Some participants were asked to apply the oil three times a day for three weeks, and by the end of the study, researchers found that compared to those who had not used chamomile, they had less of a need to use pain medication.

The use of chamomile oil for carpal tunnel syndrome (a nerve pressure on the wrist), has also been examined, with the results indicating that a diluted topical solution helped to reduce symptom severity after 4 weeks.

5. Help digestion issues

There is some evidence that suggests chamomile could be used to promote better digestion, helping to minimise the symptoms of certain gastrointestinal conditions.

The results of a study published in 2018 suggested chamomile oil benefits could be seen after a diluted solution was applied to ease bowel issues following birth.

Patients who had undergone a caesarean delivery applied the oil to their abdomen, and compared to those that didn’t they were able to regain their appetite more quickly and pass gas sooner.