Blue Chamomile, often called German Chamomile, Matricaria recuitita, known in German as “alles zutraut” which means “capable of anything” – and in a good way, I can assure you!
This ingredient is an anti-inflammatory superstar, yet so gentle that it can be used by everyone. The deep blue color of its oil is a result of high chamazulene content which can nourish and restore a healthy defense system – even more so than its chamomile cousins.
Warm and comforting, kind yet powerful, soft not gaudy. With a peculiar earthy scent that people either love or hate. But everyone enjoys the therapeutic benefits of its scent, as it really helps relieve anxiety and promote a sense of ‘presence’ in the body.
Read on to learn about the properties and benefits of Blue Chamomile, or skip straight to the Blue Chamomile Toner formula.
Benefits of German Blue Chamomile
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, the benefits of Blue Chamomile are far-reaching. It even has a surprising amount of antibiotic and antifungal properties. For the mind, it’s clinically proven to help with depression, anxiety and insomnia. We’ll dive into these areas, as they’re big ones!
Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is our body’s built-in defense system, activated when something is a bit ‘off’. We get into trouble when there is long-term inflammation. Then our defense system just can’t relax, can’t catch a break. This leads to a long list of potential issues in the body. On the surface, our skin can react in different ways – from simple redness and acne breakouts to more frustrating conditions like dermatitis and eczema.
Blue chamomile contains antioxidant compounds – chamazulene, bisabolol, apigenin, camphor, etc. – that slow down or suppress the release of chemicals associated with inflammation – prostaglandins, leukotrienes, histamines, etc.
Research states that “the compounds in Blue German Chamomile provide remarkable improvement in dermatitis symptoms, including smaller lymph nodes, reduced thickness, decreased swelling, and of course, reduced levels of inflammation. Interestingly, the impact of Blue German Chamomile was stronger than that of its mainstream counterpart – hydrocortisone cream. So not only can blue Blue German Chamomile help with the treatment of allergic inflammation like dermatitis, but it does so better than hydrocortisone, which can be quite damaging to long-term skin health.” There were very similar results on eczema as well.
Since inflammation can lead to a wide array of skin issues, the anti-inflammatory benefits of Blue Chamomile are broad. Perhaps that is why it’s known as “capable of anything” because inflammation is also capable of anything in a bad way. Blue Chamomile in a good way.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants play a role in keeping our skin strong, healthy and fresh because they help slow down oxidation. Oxidation is what leads to the formation of free radicals, which are known for causing cell damage. Blue Chamomile contains powerful antioxidants, like bisabolol and chamazulene for example, which protect against free radical damage and improve the appearance of aging or damaged skin. Its antioxidants may even protect against sunburn and the ensuing damage of excess sun exposure.
In this study looking at the effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile, the leaves and flowers of feverfew, chamomile, and marigold (calendula) were compared regarding to their antioxidant activities, and it was found that extracts from flower heads and leaves of chamomile are the richest source of antioxidant activity – and among their chemical compounds, bisabolol and chamazulene have the highest antioxidants.
Another study confirmed a higher antioxidant and radical scavenging activity of chamazulene when compared to ascorbic acid (vitamin C), α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and even butylated hydroxytoluene (lab synthesized antioxidant). Which is amazing actually. Nature’s healing.
Antimicrobial
Each of us contains trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, etc.) yet most of them are actually good for us and actually promote skin health, as we discussed in a previous story. But there are some microbes that give us trouble. For instance, acne is often linked to bacteria.
Blue Chamomile contains several chemical compounds that give it a strong antimicrobial profile, particular in to the areas of bacteria and fungi. And unlike synthetic antibiotics, it won’t destroy all of the good bacteria we need to keep our skin strong and healthy.
Antidepressant
Anxiety and depression are all too pervasive these days. They’re the most commonly reported mental conditions, in fact. We live in societies that are expected to function at a very high level around the clock, and while there is some merit in this, it doesn’t always promote individual well-being. From alienating work to a reliance on media that fuels anxiety and depression, we all have days, or weeks, when we feel stuck in a negative loop.
It’s okay to need some support sometimes. And German Blue Chamomile can offer support during stints of situational anxiety and depression.
A 2017 study evaluated the short-term treatment of anxiety using chamomile extract. After eight weeks, 58% of participants reported a reduction of their anxiety symptoms. Another 2018 study found that chamomile helped reduce anxiety symptoms and increased morning cortisol levels (low morning levels of cortisol have been linked to anxiety disorders). Other studies show a similar improvement in depression symptoms.
Perhaps other treatments are needed for chronic hormonal imbalances and anxiety, but for those of us who just need a little support during the day, spraying on German Blue Chamomile and really taking a moment to breathe it in can have wonderful mental benefits. It certainly cannot hurt.
The four areas above are big ones, but there are other impressive benefits of German Blue Chamomile (Matricaria recuitita, or Matricaria chamomilla).
- It’s used on the gums of teething babies to relieve pain.
- It’s also used to reduce pain for conditions like osteoporosis and migraines.
- It has anti-cancer properties, as researchers found that its chemical compound apigenin both inhibited the growth of and induced cell death in a human cancer cell line.
- It’s often used in the hair care industry for its excellent scalp benefits.
- Soothes itchiness anywhere on the body.
The list goes on!
Alles zutraut – capable of anything.
Want to make your own Blue Chamomile toner?
This is such a wonderful facial toner that I can’t get enough of this time of year. You can use this anywhere on your body though, or as a scalp tonic. I often spray the backs of my hands with it, as that’s where all of my age spots and dryness are the most extreme (nothing says ‘welcome to middle age’ like the backs of our hands). You can use it as a very gentle aftershave spray. On cuts, scrapes and bruises. If you have any itchiness, even itchy eyes, you can soak a cloth with blue chamomile toner and place it the itchy area for a few minutes.
What You’ll Need:
Chamomile (German Blue) Hydrosol – Matricaria recuita (or Matricaria chamomilla) floral water – thoroughly discussed above!
Witch Hazel Hydrosol – Hamamelis virginiana floral water – make sure it’s alcohol-free and a pure hydrosol of witch hazel, which is astringent yet very soothing. Not only does it offer additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, but it will help cleanse pores, remove any lingering dirt or grime after cleansing, balance pH as needed and treat all sorts of skin irritation.
Pure Aloe Vera – Aloe barbadensis – you can use it straight from a healthy aloe plant if you have one, or you can buy aloe vera gel, which will probably contain some preservatives, so make sure it’s at least preservatives that you’re okay with. Aloe Vera is such a brilliant moisturizing and healing agent. It contains an array of antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins A, E and C, and it’s also highly anti-inflammatory.
Essential Oil of German Blue Chamomile – Matricaria recuita (or Matricaria chamomilla) oil – the essential oil is a concentrated form of all the Blue Chamomile benefits described above, so a little goes a very long way. Of course the oil and water contain different levels and types of properties, and so they work together beautifully. This is also what gives the toner it’s crystal blue color.
Essential Oil of Roman Chamomile – Anthemis Nobilis oil – for another punch of chamomile cousin, which we use mostly for its ability to promote calmness and peace, but it also has noteworthy skin benefits!
(optional) Essential Oil of Blue Yarrow – Achillea millefolium oil – I just love yarrow. It’s great for knocking out any acne trying to break through, it can even skin tone and promote an overall better complexion. So much to say about yarrow, definitely an ingredient to spotlight soon! I love how it just grounds me instantly, and I love the deep blue color of its essential oil! A very different yet complimentary blue oil.
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Wyld Blue Chamomile Toner
You’ll Need
- 40 ml German Blue Chamomile Hydrosol
- 10 ml Witch Hazel Hydrosol
- 1 tsp Pure Aloe Vera Gel
- 2 drops German Blue Chamomile Essential Oil
- 2 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
- (optional) 2 drops Blue Yarrow Essential Oil
- 50 ml glass bottle with misting spray top (you can use any color glass, but the darker colors can help protect the constituents from light damage better than clear glass)
To Make
In a small jar or glass, mix together your aloe vera gel and essential oils. Mix them until the essentials oils are fully dispersed. Add the blue chamomile and witch hazel hydrosols and mix well again. Using a small funnel, pour the mixture into your 50ml glass bottle. Screw on your spray top and give it one last gentle shake before you label and enjoy!
To Use
Mist on your face after cleansing, before moisturizing. You can also mist again after moisturizing to lock in the hydration. Use it throughout the day, as needed, to refresh skin.
You can also mist anywhere on the body for a boost of hydration and nutrients.
And as a scalp tonic, just part your hair and mist on scalp where needed.
Always let it air dry. Don’t try to dry it by rubbing it into your skin. This will basically transfer it to your fingertips rather than the area intended.
Our morning essentials lately – Wyld cleansing face oil, followed by blue chamomile toner, and when they’ve both had time to seep in, I use rms beauty ‘un’ cover-up around my eyes and any other troubled areas, and a little mascara if you’re lucky 😉
If you give it a go, let us know how you like it! And tag us on social media @wyldstudio too – we’d love to see and share.
