Whether it’s dealing with tummy troubles, annoying bug bites, nasty sunburns from too much fun in the sun, or simply loads of stress brought on by travelling (it happens!), there are many ailments that afflict travelers.

But what if I told you that there’s a natural remedy that could replace the need to visit a chemist, and mean you don’t have to load up on medications?!

Chamomile is one of the world’s most widely used medicinal plants, once used by the ancient Romans to soothe all kinds of ailments.

While you may be familiar with the calming effects of Chamomile tea, you may not be aware that diffusing undiluted Roman Chamomile Essential Oil can be an even more effective treatment for a wide variety of travel troubles.

An immune system boosting plant that can soothe the gastrointestinal system, make those bug bites stop itching, make that sunburn feel less blistering, and help you relax when seated in that middle seat between two obnoxious airline passengers; ‘Roman Chamomile Essential Oil’ are four words every traveler should know!

There are some impressive research findings to back up these claims, so today I want to share how you can benefit from using chamomile essential oil too, and how to use it effectively and safely.

The Benefits of Using Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for Travelers

About Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

Regarded as a medicinal plant as early as the Middle Ages, chamomile has been cultivated in Europe since the 16th century. There are several types, but only two varieties are most commonly cultivated for use in everyday products.

One variety of chamomile is referred to as German chamomile, though it’s Roman chamomile (or “True Chamomile”) that is found in products like teas, body creams, ointments, and essential oils.

Essential oils are concentrated extracts sourced from plants which have been proven to help soothe a number of ailments. Chamomile flowers are steamed in order to produce chamomile essential oil, unlike teas and powders which see the flowers being dried.

Found throughout Western Europe and North Africa, Roman chamomile is sometimes referred to as the “earth-apple” due to the fact the plant has the aroma of fresh apples. And much like an apple, a bit of chamomile a day may very well keep the doctor away!

The main magic active ingredient in chamomile plants is the aromatic chemical compound known as chamazulene, which is found in the white daisy-like chamomile flowers. The benzodiazepine-like compound in the flower head is what provides the soothing sedative effects.

Products with chamomile contain anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. Widely considered to be nontoxic, chamomile has gone on to be grown commercially in both North and South America in addition to its native range.

Its uses and benefits are many, and its risks are minimal.

Uses for Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

It’s said that chamomile brought courage to Roman soldiers during war. Today, it may not be heavily used by militaries around the world (let’s be honest – sipping a cup of chamomile in front of your enemy is hardly intimidating!), however it is helping millions of people around the world fight battles against minor ailments.

Chamomile extract is found in shampoos, perfumes, face creams, and essential oils which can be placed in a diffuser to fill a room with the lovely and calming aroma.

One of the most versatile chamomile products is essential oil as it can be added to many of the products you already own or regularly use on a daily basis. This can save you the cost and hassle of buying multiple specific products that contain chamomile extract.

Simply add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to your favorite shampoo and conditioner or face and body moisturizers to turn them into instant healing products. This can help you achieve youthful-looking skin and healthy hair while at the same time blessing both with a lovely floral scent that will be pleasing to both you and others.

Safety tip: While chamomile tea is safe to consume, chamomile essential oil is generally not intended for internal use. It is, however, very safe to use topically on most areas of the body and can be safely breathed in when being used with a diffuser.

The calming effects of chamomile can be further achieved by applying the oil to pillows and bed linen before sleep, and diffusing the oil throughout a room can help diminish irritability and anger.

And we all know irritability and anger can often present itself when travelling with your partner for long periods of time (we speak from experience!!)

Using an Essential Oil Diffuser

The best way to spread the lovely scent of chamomile and its many benefits throughout a room is through the use of an essential oil diffusion device.

Many available essential oil diffusers are lightweight and highly portable, making them perfect for travelers. Some tabletop diffusers are even works of art in terms of design and are usually very silent when operating. Most diffuse oils without the use of water or heat.

Many diffusers allow you to control the potency of the essential oil being diffused and you can often set a period of time for the oils to be diffused, including periods of time when it’s off.

If you plan on travelling with your diffuser, make sure you look for one which can accommodate varying electric currents and carry an international power adapter to accommodate different outlet types. You want to look for one that can handle a range of 100-240 volts.

Many essential oils have a shelf life of a couple of years, but you can further extend the life of your oils by storing them in a refrigerator.

Benefits of Using Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

The many benefits of chamomile have been recognized throughout ancient Rome, Egypt, and Greece for centuries.

One of the most common benefits of chamomile is its ability to calm your body and mind, with many people around the world regularly consuming chamomile tea. Acting as a calming agent, chamomile has the ability to reduce stress and help promote quality sleep.

While some benefits of chamomile can only be achieved through consumption, many benefits are possible through aromatherapy. If used both ways, chamomile has the potential to help prevent and soothe a wide range of different ailments.

Its antioxidant properties help to boost the immune system, which allows travelers to more effectively fight off fight the common cold and infections, and its anti-inflammation properties can bring pain relief for those suffering from a bad back or arthritis.

Let’s break down some of the other common benefits of using chamomile. The benefits you experience may vary depending on whether you use chamomile topically, through a diffuser, or consume it orally.

Aids in Digestion

One of the biggest problems many travelers face is upset stomachs, especially when sampling new exotic foods. Chamomile can help ease indigestion, nausea, and gas.

It has also been proven to be beneficial for those suffering from IBS as it can act as an anti-spasmodic agent. Chamomile can also be used to treat cramping, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Heals Wounds Quicker

Chamomile’s antibacterial and inflammation properties make it ideal for healing minor wounds and cuts more quickly. It can be used to treat ulcers, sores, sore gums, and cracked nipples.

When you’re traveling, you don’t want minor scratches to linger for days on end, so quick healing is a massive benefit of having a vile of oil handy.

Helps Treat Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand and chamomile may be helpful if you’re suffering from either.  Chamomile can increase cortisol levels which can in turn reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression.

Some studies have shown that more than 50% of patients who used chamomile saw a reduction in their anxiety.

Eases Skin Irritation

Chamomile has been shown to be effective treatment for many skin conditions including eczema and rashes caused by atopic dermatitis. It can also help with sinus inflammation, hay fever, and sore throat.

Relieves Pain

Patients using chamomile often reduce their need for pain relief medication. Chamomile is like nature’s aspirin which can help bring pain relief for those with headaches, muscle aches, carpal tunnel, and arthritis.

Promotes Better Sleep

Those who consume chamomile before bed have reported an increase in sleep quality as it acts almost like a mild tranquilizer to help bring a sense of calm.

Chamomile oil can also be placed on pillows and bed sheets to promote longer and deeper sleep. This is fantastic for being able to find quality sleep when you’re battling with jetlag, or if you’re struggling with sleeping in transit, like on planes, trains, buses, cars etc.

May Even Help Fight Cancer

Studies have shown that cancer cells were more likely to die when treated with chamomile extract. The extract may also reduce the ability of cancer cells to grow blood vessels which give life to tumors.

Risks of Using Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

The risks of using Roman chamomile are few and far between, though there are some instances where it should be used sparingly. There are no known harmful interactions with medications, foods, or other herbs and supplements, but it’s always wise to consult a doctor if you are taking prescription medications.

While some chamomile essential oils may be able to be consumed, most are very concentrated and should not be taking orally unless they specifically say they are safe to do so.

Women who are pregnant or trying for a baby should also refrain from using chamomile products including teas, and these should not be given to infants or small children without checking with your doctor first.

If you’re naturally allergic to plants like daisies, ragweed, or marigolds, you might find that you are mildly allergic to chamomile too. But this is easy to test; you can test a small area of your skin with diluted chamomile oil before proceeding to use fully if you’re worried.

Other Tips for Using Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

To make sure you’re capturing the full natural potency and therapeutic benefits of chamomile oil, seek out organic chamomile that is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Look for oils that are promoted as being 100% natural and which are harvested from carefully selected farms during the prime harvesting cycles. Look for chamomile products containing Apigenin, chamomile’s major bioactive antioxidant.

Our recommendation: Roman Chamonile Essential Oil from Gya Labs is a great product, and the brand I personally use.

Roman Chamomile essential oil can also be used in combination with other essential oils to achieve even more healthy benefits. Some notable essential oils to use alongside chamomile include clary sage, lavender, Patchouli, and ylang ylang.

Use clary sage to further ease menstrual discomfort, lavender to promote a healthy complexion and reduce the signs of acne, patchouli to prevent infections, and ylang ylang to boost your libido in the bedroom.

Lavender oil, along with lemon balm, eucalyptus, and rosemary oil, can also be used as a natural mosquito repellent to keep Mosquito-Borne Diseases including yellow fever and malaria at bay.

Click here to buy Roman Chamomile Essential Oil now!