Latin name: Anthemis Nobilis

Part of the plant used: Flowers

Origin: England

Extraction method: steam distillation

Roman manzanilla produces an essential oil that is light blue when fresh. It can be extracted from the flower and the upper parts of the plant. It has excellent calming properties and is said to alleviate irritation, impatience and help premenstrual syndrome and other menstrual and menopausal problems. Roman manzanilla is a perennial plant with the smell of fresh manzana, and is cultivated mainly in France, Belgium and Eastern Europe.

This herb is excellent for skin problems such as acne, eccema, skin rashes, cold sores, dermatitis, dry skin/itchy skin and any allergy. It is said to be good for abdominal pain, gallbladder problems and throat infections, and helps to alleviate allergies, liver pain and asthma. This oil is useful in diluted solutions to soothe children suffering from colic, irritability, diarrhea and teething. In a vaporizer, calm headaches, nerve disorders and migraines. If this product is gentle enough to use with children and babies, always consult an expert before administering it.

The medicinal use of manzanilla dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. The Egyptians dedicated it to the gods of the sun. A papyrus document dating from 2800 BC records the use of manzanilla to treat skin disorders. Manzanilla oil is used to embalm bodies. It is said that Hippocrates, the great Greek doctor, used manzanilla as an herbal remedy. In mythology, the manzanilla is one of the new sacred hierbas given by Wodan, the gods of the underworld, to mortals to improve their lives.