Excellentia International CHAMOMILE OIL BLUE ORGANIC

An annual plant with erected stems and alternate leaves divided in thin lashes that are thicker and wider than those of Roman Chamomile, and 40 - 60 cm high. The oil is produced by water steam distillation with an average yield of 0.1%. This plant is native to the Balkans and has been used in shampoos since the days of the Vikings, because it adds luster to blond hair. It used to be cultivated in Hungary and exported to Germany to be distilled and used in tea form. Chamazulene, a strong anti-inflammatory compound, is produced during the distillation through the conversion of a sesquiterpene lactone called "Matricin" which provides the characteristic blue color to the oil. The oil is a deep blue liquid (sometimes viscous) with a strong medicinal, phenolic, sweet and fruity odor. Its apple aroma is the characteristic fragrance in many herbal skin-care products and it is the reason why this plant is called "Manzanilla" in Spain.