Jan 05, 2025

Chamomile Skincare Benefits & Soothing Bath Tea

In the world of herbs, chamomile is pretty special. This herb, particularly the German variety, is a staple in my life for its remarkable skin benefits and its soothing aroma. I grow it year-round in my greenhouse - and often indoors in a hydroponic stand. Not only does chamomile have a lovely, calming scent, but I also appreciate its multifaceted role in skincare. In this article, we'll discuss chamomile skincare benefits and why you should consider adding it to your routine.

German chamomile, chosen for its superior skin-nurturing properties, has a history as rich as its aroma. Historically, it has been a trusted herb across various cultures, valued for its medicinal and calming qualities. From ancient Egypt to the herbal remedies of Greece and Rome, chamomile has been a consistent presence, bridging the gap between traditional herbal medicine and modern skincare practices.

Today, chamomile is still valued for many reasons include as a natural, gentle option for our skin. This article aims to explore it's journey through time, its varieties, and its invaluable role in contemporary skincare routines.

Two Varieties: Roman and German

Chamomile, a low-growing herb native to Europe, is easily recognizable by its daisy-like flowers, featuring a distinctive yellow center and sweet, complex aroma. This herb is celebrated globally, not only in teas but also because the chamomile's skincare benefits are vast.

There are primarily two types of chamomile: Roman and German.

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), often used as ground cover or lawn substitute, has small, white flowers with a yellow center. As a perennial, it grows between 3" and 6" tall, flowering from summer to early fall. The flowers grow from single stems. Native to Western Europe and hardy in zones 4 to 9, Roman chamomile is cultivated for essential oil. However, it tends to have a more bitter profile compared to its German counterpart.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), the variety we prefer and use at NoCo Apothecary, is more commonly utilized in skincare and tea. Known for its sweeter, less bitter essence, German chamomile is also excellent in cosmetics, potpourris, and sachets. Reaching a height of 12" to 24", it thrives in full sun and dry conditions, adaptable even to some shade and poor soil. Though an annual, it often self-seeds, making a welcome return each year. The flowers grow on branching, fern-like stems. The name Matricaria is derived from the Latin word 'matrix', meaning 'womb', underscoring its traditional use in treating gynecological disorders. This historical use is a testament to the herb's potency and versatility.

Why German Chamomile Stands Out

Our preference for German chamomile in NoCo Apothecary's skincare products and bath teas is rooted in its enhanced benefits. This variant is abundant in bisabolol, chamazulene, flavonoids, and essential oils, each contributing unique properties:

Bisabolol is known for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory capabilities, making it ideal for calming irritated or sensitive skin (Eddin, Lujain Bader et al., 2022).
Chamazulene offers notable anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial for conditions like acne or rosacea (Rakel, 2007).
The presence of flavonoids in German chamomile adds powerful antioxidant benefits, aiding in protecting the skin from environmental stressors (Srivastava, Janmejai K et al., 2010).
The essential oils in German chamomile not only impart a delightful aroma but also contribute to its healing and regenerative properties. This rich composition makes German chamomile a particularly special herb in the realm of skincare, blending historical wisdom with modern scientific understanding.

Chamomile Skincare Benefits

Chamomile, particularly the German variety, is a powerhouse in skincare, offering a range of benefits that cater to various skin needs. Its natural components make it a gentle yet effective ingredient in addressing multiple skin concerns.

Soothing Irritated Skin: One of chamomile's most celebrated qualities is its ability to soothe irritated skin. The bisabolol and chamazulene found in chamomile are particularly effective in calming redness, sensitivities, and irritation. This makes chamomile-based products an excellent choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin types.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Chamomile is also renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its natural compounds help reduce inflammation and soothe conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. This anti-inflammatory action is not just superficial; it penetrates deep into the skin layers, offering relief and promoting healthier skin.
Healing and Regeneration: The healing benefits of chamomile are significant. It aids in skin repair and cell regeneration, making it beneficial for healing minor wounds, cuts, or sunburns. This regenerative property is also helpful in reducing the appearance of scars and marks over time.
Antioxidant Benefits: Chamomile is rich in antioxidants. But what exactly are antioxidants? They are molecules that fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high in your body. In skincare, antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. By including chamomile in your skincare routine, you're not just soothing your skin; you're also providing it with a shield against daily environmental aggressors.

I'm currently working on a new Chamomile Face Mist. This mist will have a chamomile hydrosol base and will be enriched with additional beneficial ingredients to enhance skin hydration, soothe irritation, and provide refreshing nourishment throughout the day. I use hydrosols daily, and wanted to create one with some additional skincare benefits.

Simple DIY Chamomile Bath Tea

If you're looking for chamomile skin benefits, I have a great DIY bath tea for you to try. This bath tea is so relaxing! Directions below are for a single bath, but can be adjusted up or down to taste or to make a giant batch. I make this in big mason jars so it's ready to go when I want a nice relaxing soak.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
2 tablespoons of Epsom salt
1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers
1 tablespoon colloidal oats
4-6 drops of lavender essential oil (optional and wonderful)
Muslin bags or cheesecloth

Instructions:

Mix Ingredients:

In a bowl, combine the dried chamomile, Epsom salt, dried lavender, and colloidal oats.
If you’re using lavender essential oil, add a few drops to the mixture and stir well to combine.

Prepare the Bath Tea Bags:

Fill your muslin bag or a piece of cheesecloth with your bath tea.
- If using cheesecloth, place your bath tea in the center and then tie it with a string to make a small pouch. You definitely don't want your dried flowers clogging the drain!

How to Use:

Place your bath tea in the bath as it fills with warm water.
Allow it to steep like you would with a cup of tea.
Enjoy your soak and all of those chamomile skin benefits!

Storage:

Store unused tea in an airtight container - this can be a large ziploc, a mason jar, or tupperware. The key is to use something airtight so moisture can't get in.

Conclusion

Chamomile is a remarkable herb with versatile benefits in skincare, offering soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. At NoCo Apothecary, we're excited to incorporate these benefits into old products and new, combining tradition with innovation.

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Sources:

Eddin, Lujain Bader et al. “Health Benefits, Pharmacological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential of α-Bisabolol.” Nutrients vol. 14,7 1370. 25 Mar. 2022, doi:10.3390/nu14071370

Rakel, D. (2007). Integrative medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Srivastava, Janmejai K et al. “Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future.” Molecular medicine reports vol. 3,6 (2010): 895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377