• German Camomile
  • German Camomile

German Camomile

  • Scientific Name
    Chamomilla recutita(Matricaria chamomilla)
  • Family
    Asteraceae
  • Origin
    Europeetc.

Plant description

German Chamomile, an annual or biennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family,  grows up to about 50 cm tall. It features 2-3 leaves with nearly threadlike leaflets. The flowers are white and emit a sweet and fruity fragrance, reminiscent of apples. The scientific name “Matricaria” is believed to be derived from the Latin word “matrix” (uterus), highlighting its historical use in treating female ailments. In Europe, German chamomile is widely used for medicinal purposes and is particularly popular in herbal teas. While native to Europe, it is cultivated as a medicinal herb, tea ingredient, and ornamental plant in various parts of the world to this day.

Essential oil composition

German Chamomile
  • German Chamomile

  • INCI
    Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Whole Plant / Flower
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.05 % (flower)
  • Notes
    Middle
  • Aroma Family
    Floral

German Chamomile Essential Oil Properties & Uses

About 0.05% of German Chamomile essential oil is obtained through steam distillation from the whole herb or flower, resulting in a light blue to bluish color. Its primary components include Bisabolol oxide A, chamazulene, and β-farnesene, with chamazulene imparting the distinctive blue color. The aroma has a green undertone with a slight floral sweetness and a medicinal note. German Chamomile is renowned as one of the most challenging essential oils to blend and is seldom used for aromatic purposes. However, it harmonizes well with deep, rich scents like Ylang-Ylang, as well as with fresh and dry fragrances such as Grapefruit and Tea Tree. Due to its relatively strong fragrance, it is advisable to add in small amounts when blending to achieve a well-balanced aroma blend.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • α-Bisabolol oxide A 45.0%
  • β-Farnesene 17.5%
  • α-Bisabolol oxide B 6.1%
  • 2-(hexa-2,4-diyn-1-ylidene)-1,6-dioxaspiro[4,4]-3-nonene 4.9%
  • Bisabolone oxide 4.6%
  • α-Bisabolol 1.9%
  • Chamazulene 1.6%
  • Germacrene D 1.1%
  • Other components 17.3%

Functions and Efficacies

IFRA

German Camomile:
No restrictions applied

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.