How to Make Chamomile Oil: A Simple and Effective Recipe

Welcome to Ivonne's Corner, where we're all about crafting beauty from scratch. Today, we're diving into a delightful DIY adventure to create something truly magical: Chamomile Oil. Get ready to infuse your senses with the gentle, calming aroma of German chamomile flowers. Did you know that chamomile is incredibly easy to grow? You can even have your own little chamomile garden at home! Let's get started on this wonderful journey together.

What is Chamomile Oil?

First, a little background. chamomile oil is a delightful creation that combines the calming qualities of German chamomile with a carrier oil. Cherished since ancient times, chamomilla has captivated the hearts of Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, who revered it for its remarkable medicinal properties. From soothing wounds to easing digestive discomfort, as well as helping alleviate the effects of skin conditions like eczema and rashes, chamomile's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prowess has remained a timeless treasure.

The most common varieties used are Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita). While they differ in their chemical composition and appearance, both hold a hidden gem: chamazulene. This potent active ingredient manifests in both varieties, yet German chamomile boasts a higher concentration, adding an extra touch of allure to its aromatic essence.

Freshly harvested German chamomile grown on Vashon Island

After years of playing around (some would call it R&D) and making infusions with our red raspberry and cranberry seed oil, we have discovered that a 50/50 blend of red raspberry seed Oil and cranberry seed oil makes for one of the best German chamomile infusions.   The nourishing benefits of red raspberry and cranberry seed oil with chamomile work wonderfully and we believe that cranberry seed oil helps deliver the infusion more efficaciously into the dermis.

This handcrafted oil is a treasure trove of vitamins, antioxidants, and rejuvenating properties that can elevate your self-care routine to new heights. Suitable for all skin types, this chamomile oil offers a luxurious experience that pampers your skin and nurtures your well-being.

How to Make Chamomile Oil at Home

Now for the fun part! Gather your supplies and follow these simple steps to create your own chamomile oil.

You will need:

• 2 Sterilized Mason Jars (One for the infusion and one for filtering)
• Mesh screen (Cut to size of mason jar opening)
• Filter (Cheesecloth, unbleached/metal coffee filter, or your preferred filter)
• Optional: Scale for precise measurements & measuring cup. 

Ingredients:

• German Chamomile Flowers (dried and chopped)
• Red Raspberry Seed Oil
• Cranberry Seed Oil

Note: We recommend using a mason jar that will not have much "empty space" between the chamomile and the lid. The less space between the lid and the oil and flowers, the better.

1. Embrace the power of chamomile: Fill a mason jar to the brim with dried and chopped German chamomile flowers, ensuring they reach the "MAX" level without compressing them. This generous amount will infuse your oil with the essence of chamomile's gentle touch.

   

   Food processors work great for chopping up herbs and spices!

   Create the perfect blend: Pour a mixture of red raspberry seed oil and cranberry seed oil into the mason jar, filling it to the top. Leave a tiny bit of space for sealing the jar later. This harmonious combination will bring out the best in chamomile's soothing properties. Note: Any carrier oil will do, but the higher quality oils and herbs, the higher quality end-results.

   Fill as much as possible! The less air the better.

2. Let the magic happen: To ensure even oil distribution, use the screen that fits the mason jar opening and gently press down the chamomile flowers until they are completely covered by the oil. Seal the jar tightly and let it rest in a room-temperature location. Don't forget to date the jar with the sealing date to track the infusion process.

3. Patience is rewarded: Check on your chamomile oil daily to ensure the flowers remain submerged in the oil. If needed, gently shake the jar or reposition the screen. Allow the infusion to work its magic for 4-8 weeks, as the chamomile imparts its essence into the oil. If you have the time and supplies, we encourage experimenting with infusion times as the results can vary by quite a bit!

   Get ready to strain!

4. Filter and store the infusion: After the infusion period, strain the maceration through a cheesecloth, muslin bag, or unbleached coffee filter, transferring the precious liquid into a sterilized jar. Behold the golden chamomile oil, ready to be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Benefits of Chamomile Oil

Here are some of the most common benefits you can now indulge in:

• Serenade your senses. Chamomile's delicate and soothing aroma creates a calming ambiance, allowing you to unwind and relax.
• Food for your skin. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, chamomile oil helps nourish and rejuvenate your skin. It has been shown that Vitamin A can promote a healthy complexion, while Vitamin C has shown to promote collagen production for firmness.
• Defend against environmental stressors. The potent antioxidants in chamomile oil, combined with the goodness of red raspberry and cranberry seed oil, provide protection against free radicals and environmental aggressors, helping your skin stay protected throughout the day.

The Joy of Growing Chamomile and more History

Embarking on the journey of growing German chamomile is a true delight, as this resilient herb gracefully flourishes in diverse climates and requires minimal effort to cultivate. Its storied history stretches back centuries, as mentioned before, with ancient civilizations holding chamomile in high esteem for its remarkable medicinal properties. Renowned for its ability to induce relaxation, soothe skin ailments, and enhance overall well-being, chamomile has earned its rightful place in the annals of herbal wonders. Though harvesting chamomile may demand some labor, the bountiful rewards that await are undoubtedly worth the effort. In our own zone 8b, we have witnessed the tenacity of German chamomile—despite its rugged appearance during winter, it springs back to life with renewed vigor, adorning the landscape with lush beauty during late spring and summer.

Even in modern times, chamomile continues to cast its enchanting spell upon us, captivating our hearts with its multifaceted applications. Whether enjoyed as a comforting herbal tea, harnessed as a natural remedy, embraced in skincare rituals, or embraced for its soothing aromatherapy benefits, chamomile remains an ever-present companion in our daily lives.

Enjoy multiple harvests throughout the summer.

Infuse Your Life with Chamomile Bliss

Now that you know the secrets of crafting chamomile oil at home, it's time to embrace the art of self-care and nurture your well-being. Massage this luxurious oil into your skin, add a few drops to your favorite lotions or creams, or indulge in a hair mask for a touch of rejuvenation.

Let the enchanting aroma and soothing properties of chamomile transport you to a world of tranquility and beauty. We hope this guide inspires you to embark on your own chamomile-infused journey and explore the wonders of DIY infusions. Get creative, experiment, and craft your own chamomile bliss. Happy infusing!

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Where to buy Berry Beautiful carrier oils:

• Berry Beautiful
• Amazon
• Etsy
• Ebay

Notable Links and Studies:

Chamomile

• Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future

• A Comprehensive Study of Therapeutic Applications of Chamomile

• Science Direct: Chamazulene

Red Raspberry Seed Oil

• Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Seed Oil: A Review

• Characteristics of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) seed oil

• A Review on Berry Seeds—A Special Emphasis on Their Chemical Content and Health-Promoting Properties

Cranberry Seed Oil

• A Review on Berry Seeds—A Special Emphasis on Their Chemical Content and

• Health-Promoting Properties

• Fruit Oils: Chemistry and Functionality - Chapter: Cranberry Seed Oil