Chamomile essential oil can come from German chamomile or Roman chamomile. They are different plants with different oils, so “chamomile oil” is not a complete identity.
Botanical identity
German chamomile is Matricaria chamomilla L., also sold under the synonym Matricaria recutita. Roman chamomile is Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.
Both belong to the daisy family, but they should not be treated as interchangeable ingredients. A useful label gives the full botanical name, plant part and extraction method.
How chamomile essential oil is made
The oils are normally steam-distilled from flower heads or flowering material. German chamomile oil is often deep blue because chamazulene forms during distillation. Roman chamomile oil is usually paler and has a different chemical profile.
Colour can change with composition, processing, age and storage. It is not enough to confirm species, purity or suitability.
Tea, extract and oil are different preparations
Chamomile tea, oral extracts, creams and distilled oil contain different mixtures at different concentrations. A clinical finding for one preparation cannot be transferred automatically to another.
NCCIH’s chamomile review discusses several preparations and notes that research has not established usefulness for every promoted condition. Its safety summary also records allergic reactions and possible medicine interactions.
Aroma and traditional use
German chamomile oil is usually described as strong, herbaceous and sweet. Roman chamomile is often described as fruity, apple-like and herbaceous.
Chamomile has a long history in drinks, cosmetics and herbal preparations. That history can explain why the oil is popular, but it does not establish that inhalation treats anxiety, insomnia or another condition.
Safety
Do not swallow chamomile essential oil or use it near the eyes. Use a product formulated for skin, or follow suitable dilution instructions for the exact species and purpose.
People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies or related plants may be more likely to react to chamomile. Stop after a rash, swelling or breathing symptom and seek urgent help for a severe reaction.
Check with a pharmacist or doctor before medicinal use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or alongside medicines. Do not assume guidance for chamomile tea also covers concentrated oil.
Evidence scores for chamomile
Chamomile oil and snoring
A pilot chamomile-extract trial did not improve its principal sleep outcomes. Tea, extract and essential oil are different preparations; none of those findings establishes a chamomile-oil treatment for snoring.
Primary research and its reported outcomes.
Read the chamomile comparison in our snoring guide for the evidence limits, other formulations and signs that need assessment.
Targeted evidence update: 14 September 2026. This section does not represent a new review of every claim on this profile.
German chamomile and tendonitis
Research in other conditions does not establish tendon healing or a recovery benefit. Our oil-specific evidence appraisal explains the studied preparation, comparison and limits. It also sets the claim alongside appropriate care.
Chamomile and sinus symptoms
Human studies concern chamomile extracts for chronic rhinosinusitis or allergic rhinitis, not bottled essential oil for an acute sinus infection. See the detailed sinusitis comparison for the preparations, findings and limitations.
Chamomile and jaw pain
Chamomile studies concern dental anxiety or diabetic neuropathy. They do not demonstrate reduced TMD pain, less grinding or improved jaw movement. See the detailed evidence comparison for the studies, limitations and care context.
Chamomile and earache
Chamomile evidence includes culture tests of finished extract products and a mixed-oil study in dogs. Neither establishes chamomile essential oil alone for human earache. See the detailed evidence comparison for the studies, limitations and care context.
Profile sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: German chamomile
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Roman chamomile
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chamomile
The eczema cream result was close to its base
Evidence update: 13 September 2026.
The Kamillosan study tested chamomile-extract cream and reported only a marginal difference from its vehicle after two weeks. This cannot establish the efficacy of distilled chamomile oil. A systematic review found insufficient evidence for firm topical-herbal eczema conclusions.
Related evidence review: Chamomile Oil for Eczema: Cream Trials, Allergy and Evidence Limits.
The chamomile continuation trial did not establish relapse prevention
Evidence update: 14 September 2026.
An early extract trial reported a modest anxiety benefit. In the larger continuation programme, symptom scores favoured chamomile but the primary time-to-relapse result was not significant. That responder-only phase and its earlier open-label report should not be counted as independent replications. The findings concern extract, not bottled essential oil.
Related evidence review: Chamomile for Anxiety: What Extract, Tea and Essential-Oil Studies Show.
Chamomile sleep results depend on preparation and outcome
Evidence update: 14 September 2026.
A recent inhalation trial reported improved sleep scores, while a placebo-controlled extract trial in chronic insomnia did not demonstrate a significant primary sleep benefit. Tea, extract and essential oil should not be treated as equivalent products.
Related evidence review: Chamomile for Sleep: Tea, Extract and Essential-Oil Evidence.
Related evidence review: Chamomile Oil for Psoriasis: The Blend Trial and Its Limits.