Roman Chamomile Materia Medica

The ancient Egyptians held that Roman chamomile was sacred to the sun god Ra, and used the essential oil to anoint the body for rituals in their god’s honor. The Egyptians dedicated Roman chamomile dedicated to the sun because of its usefulness in treating fevers, and to the moon because of its cooling property. It was also valued for its ability to ameliorate nervousness and was used in shampoos, cosmetics and perfumes.

One of the most significant folkloric signatures regarding the soul-nature of Roman chamomile is the fact that it was used in the Middle Ages as an aromatic strewing herb which was purposely planted in garden walkways. When tread upon, the essential oil sacs in the flowers disperse their apple-like scent into the air. This added a pleasant fragrance to public gatherings and celebrations. Curiously, it seems that walking upon the plant may actually vitalize it.

Roman chamomile and blue chamomile are closely related plants, and thus, their oil pictures on a physical level are very similar. Nevertheless, their inner (or soul) natures are markedly different and so in the practice of Spiritual PhytoEssencing, the two oils are not interchangeable. Hence, an understanding of the use of Roman chamomile in soul-spiritual work is best developed through a comparative study of the materia medica regarding Roman chamomile and blue chamomile oils.

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