Chamomile essential oil, derived from the flowers of the Matricaria recutita plant (commonly known as German chamomile), has been prized for its healing properties throughout history. Native to southern and eastern Europe, this herb has been cherished for centuries, with mentions in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman texts. Today, it thrives in various parts of the world, particularly in countries like Germany, Hungary, and North America, due to its soothing and therapeutic benefits.

To produce chamomile essential oil, harvesters collect fresh chamomile flowers and distill them within 24 hours to ensure optimal potency. Steam distillation, a method that preserves the oil’s delicate aromatic compounds, is commonly used. As steam passes through the plant material, the essential oils evaporate and mix with the steam. Once the mixture cools, the oil separates from the water because of their differing densities, resulting in a concentrated chamomile essential oil. Rich in chamazulene, an anti-inflammatory compound, the oil has a distinctive blue colour.