Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis) has enjoyed a rich history as a spiritual and medicinal herb. Records of its use date back to the ancient Roman, Greeks and Egyptians who believed the flowers contained both magical and healing properties. To understand the history of this flower, one must begin with its use in ancient rituals and celebrations.

The Egyptians dedicated the herb to the sun and worshiped it above all other herbs for its healing properties. Hieroglyphic records show that chamomile was used cosmetically for at least 2,000 years. Egyptian noblewomen used preparations of crushed petals on their skin.

Chamomile is one of the “Nine Sacred Herbs” of the “Lacnunga” (Remedies), a collection of miscellaneous Anglo-Saxon medical texts and prayers, written mainly in Old English and Latin. Chamomile is used in herbal medicine for a sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a gentle sleep aid. It is also used as a mild laxative and is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal. It is even sometimes used as a mouthwash.

The fresh plant is strongly and agreeably aromatic, with a distinct scent of apples - a characteristic noted by the Greeks, on account of which they named it 'ground-apple' - kamai (on the ground) and melon (an apple) - the origin of the name Chamomile. The Spaniards call it 'Manzanilla,' which signifies 'a little apple,' and give the same name to one of their lightest sherries, flavoured with this plant.

Anthemis never fails to lift the spirits with its sweet apple-scented leaves. In Tudor times, camomile lawns were popular. As the ladies swept along with their heavy skirts, the pretty daisy-like flowers would release their delicate aroma. In fact, in the Middle Ages it was purposely planted in green walks in gardens. Interestingly, walking over the plant seems especially beneficial to it.

Frances A. Bardswell’s Herb Garden (1911) states that chamomile has a remarkable effect on other plants and calls it the “plant’s physician”. It is thought to have the amazing power to heal other sickly plants. Chamomile plants and flowers are said to improve the growth and health of nearby plants.

Chamomile has been used as part of pagan rituals and spells to enhance positive energy and to bring emotional and spiritual balance. Unlike some herbs that simply repel negative energy, the chamomile flower is thought to transform the negative energy into positive energy. It is still used today for similar reasons.

Chamomile is still associated with sun and is considered the sun’s herb. Drinking chamomile tea is thought to instill positive energy and to bring prophetic dreams. It is thought to restore your vital energy sources. Sprinkling chamomile over the thresholds of windows and doors it thought to keep negative energy or spirits away while filling the home with positive energy and light. We love Chamomile for its many calming and restorative properties.

• Helps curb skin inflammation and alleviate redness.
• Soothing and calming to sensitive skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Manages hyperpigmentation and appearance of dark spots caused by sun-damage or hormonal changes.
• It's high in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressor damage and in effect help reduce the signs of ageing.

We are pleased to incorporate Chamomile Oil as an active ingredient in our Pure Body Luxe Soothe Face and Body Oil, Soothe Face Clay Mask and Soothe Face Exfoliant

Combined with Vanilla and Aloe Vera, our SOOTHE range has excellent moisturising properties to provide relief from skin irritation, rashes or sun damage. It helps create a soothing environment for the skin to enable skin repair and relief.