Chamomile essential oil is one of my favourite oils. It has soothing, calming properties that work wonders for both the skin and the mind. My dadi (grandmother) used to make chamomile oil at home, and her method was simple yet effective. Today, I still follow her process to create this beautiful oil, and it is something anyone can do, even if you are new to making essential oils. Let me take you through the steps on how to make chamomile essential oil at home using her trusted method.
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Why Make Chamomile Essential Oil at Home?
There are so many reasons why making chamomile oil at home is a great idea. Buying essential oils can be expensive, and you are never quite sure of the purity. When you make it yourself, you know exactly what is going into your oil, and you can tailor it to your needs.
Here is why I love making chamomile oil at home:
- Purity: You control the ingredients, ensuring no chemicals or preservatives.
- Cost-effective: Homemade chamomile oil is much cheaper than store-bought.
- Personalised blend: You can add other essential oils or use a carrier oil that suits your skin.
- Natural remedies: Chamomile oil is excellent for reducing skin inflammation, calming the mind, and soothing tired muscles.
What You will Need to Make Chamomile Essential Oil
Here is a simple list of everything you need to make chamomile essential oil at home. These are things my dadi used, and I stick to these as they are easily available and natural.
- Dried chamomile flowers (you can find these online or in herbal shops)
- Carrier oil (my dadi preferred olive oil, but you can use almond or coconut oil)
- A clean glass jar (mason jars work well)
- A strainer (to remove the flowers after infusion)
- A dark glass bottle (for storing the oil)
How To Make Chamomile Essential Oil at Home
The process of making chamomile oil is really simple. My dadi used to do it in small batches, and it always turned out perfect.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Flowers
Take a handful of dried chamomile flowers. If you have fresh chamomile flowers, you can use them as well, but make sure they are thoroughly dried. Any moisture can spoil the oil.
2. Add the Carrier Oil
Pour your chosen carrier oil into the jar. You want enough oil to cover the flowers completely. Olive oil is a great choice because it’s nourishing for the skin, but almond oil works beautifully too.
3. Infuse the Oil
This is the magical part. There are a few ways to infuse chamomile oil at home:
- Sunlight Method (my dadi’s favourite): Place the jar in a sunny spot for 2-4 weeks. Gently shake the jar each day to assist with the infusion.
- Stovetop Method: If you are in a hurry, place the jar in a pot of warm water (double boiler method) for a few hours. Keep the heat low to avoid damaging the oil.
4. Strain the Oil
After the infusion time, strain the oil to remove the chamomile flowers. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to make sure no flower bits remain in the oil.
5. Store the Oil
Pour the infused chamomile oil into a dark glass bottle. The dark glass protects the oil from sunlight, helping it last longer.
Storage Tips for Chamomile Essential Oil
Storing your homemade chamomile oil properly is essential to keep it fresh and effective. My dadi used to store hers in a cool cupboard away from sunlight, and that is what I do too.
- Dark glass bottle: Use a dark-coloured bottle to prevent light from spoiling the oil.
- Cool, dry place: Store it in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Shelf life: Your homemade chamomile oil will last around 6-12 months if stored correctly.
How to Use Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile oil is incredibly versatile. Here is how I use it, and trust me, these methods work wonders:
- Skin Care: I use a few drops of chamomile oil in my moisturiser or as a direct spot treatment for irritated skin. It calms redness and soothes inflammation.
- Hair Care: Add chamomile oil to your shampoo or conditioner for shiny, healthy hair. It also aids in relieving dandruff and soothing an itchy scalp.
- Aromatherapy: Chamomile oil is known for its calming effect. I put a few drops in my diffuser before bed to promote restful sleep.
- Massage Oil: I mix it with coconut oil for a relaxing massage. It’s perfect for sore muscles and tension relief.
Benefits of Chamomile Essential Oil
My dadi always believed in natural remedies, and chamomile oil was one of her go-to solutions for many problems. Here is why you will love it too:
- Calming for the mind: Chamomile is known for its soothing and relaxing properties. It helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory: It is excellent for calming irritated skin, reducing redness, and healing minor cuts or burns.
- Antioxidant-rich: Chamomile oil is packed with antioxidants that help repair skin and slow down ageing.
- Gentle on sensitive skin: It is safe for most skin types, even sensitive skin, and helps to reduce conditions like eczema and rosacea. Nourish Your Hair with Natural Conditioners in hindi >>
Tips for Maximising Your Chamomile Oil
Here are a few tips my dadi always followed to make sure the oil was the best quality:
- Use high-quality flowers
- Do not rush the process
- Store properly
Precautions and Side Effects
Although chamomile oil is generally safe, it is always best to do a patch test before using it directly on the skin. Some people may have allergies to chamomile, especially if they are allergic to ragweed.
- Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to ragweed, it is better to avoid chamomile oil.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using chamomile oil.
Conclusion
Making chamomile essential oil at home is easy, cost-effective, and a wonderful way to take control of your health and beauty routines. By following my dadi’s simple method, you can create a pure and soothing chamomile oil that benefits your skin, hair, and overall well-being. Give it a try and enjoy the calming effects of chamomile oil in your daily life.
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