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The Scents of Chamomile

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A look inside the LisaLise natural cosmetics lab with free formulas, DIY how-to's, ingredients tips, sneak peeks, and more.

The Scents of Chamomile

Lise

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Let’s take a fresh look at a classic herb that grows in abundance, is known around the globe, and has a long and well documented history of use for health and well being. Some call this herb the Earth Apple.

You’ve probably already guessed from the photo that we’re going to be examining chamomile today.

I’ve used a lot of chamomile from many different suppliers, but was pleasantly surprised to experience my own local supplier expand their selection of chamomile a few years ago.

The 2 herbs pictured below are both chamomile. On the left: dried organic Roman Chamomile and on the right, dried organic Roman Chamomile.

Yes, really.

The botanical (and INCI) name for the chamomile on the left: Chameamelum Nobile. The botanical (and INCI) name for the cham on the right: Anthemis Nobilis. I know I told you they were the same, and they truly are.

Roman chamomile goes by both of these names (now), so whether the label says Anthemis Nobilis or Chameamelum Nobile, it is the same plant.

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Why These Chamomiles Look so Different

The chamomile on the left is hand-sorted to include only whole flowers (and comes with an understandably higher price to match).

You: Is the pricier one it a better chamomile?

Me: That depends entirely on what kind of chamomile fragrance experience you are looking for. The most noticeable difference between these 2 is their scent.

The Fragrance of 2 Dried Chamomiles

The buds (pictured above on the right) have a sharp, crisp, apple/earthy fragrance with a sweet overtone any fan of chamomile would instantly recognize. The whole flowers differentiate with a pleasantly delicate, round, and quite perfume-like scent reminiscent of a gentle whiff of Spring air - recognizably chamomile but with a more subtle and feminine tone.

Chamomile Nose and Taste Test: Infusion

As these are food grade ingredients, I have tested them internally as well as externally. Side by side taste testing of cups of tea revealed that the tea with the whole flowers was lighter and had a more fragrantly delicate taste than the tea with the buds which tasted more intense with the classic apple/earthy fragrance of the dried buds.

Both had a richer and full flavor than any store-bought teabag I have ever tasted.

Conclusions after taste testing: The taste fully reflects the scent of each. More importantly, I have been making my own chamomile teabags for my daily morning cup ever since.

Tip: If you can’t be bothered making teabags (it’s ok - I don’t always find the time either), pop your dried chamomile into a little tea sieve like this one  for an instant cuppa.

Tip: If you can’t be bothered making teabags (it’s ok - I don’t always find the time either), pop your dried chamomile into a little tea sieve like this one for an instant cuppa.

Testing These Chamomiles for Skincare

Both of these dried chamomiles have been tested in a number of ways and passed with flying colors in everything. It’s no wonder. Apart from being a bonafide fan of chamomile, I am very lucky to have a local source of ‘freshly dried’ quality organic ingredients.

In my experience, it makes a noticeable difference in the quality of the end product if you start with quality raw materials. Choosing ‘the good stuff’ brings you one step closer to a perfect end result.

Some of the ways I have used these chamomile flowers

  • Water infusion for skin mists, skin tonics, cleansers, face creams

  • Vinegar infusion for hair rinses, cleansers, deodorants

  • Dry (and ground to powder) for face masks, shampoo bars, cleansing powders

Do Tell

Do you work with Chamomile? How do you prefer to use it?

PS: This book includes several formulas for products with chamomile - both dried and infused. Click the picture for more information.