Extraction process :
The harvest of chamomile is made with a harvester.
Chamomiles are distilled in two ways: traditionally or in a truck box. Traditional distillation involves harvesting the chamomile with its stems without grinding it. The fresh plant is left outside to dry in the sun, before it is extracted classically, by steaming in distillation tanks. Truck box distillation consists in harvesting chamomile and its stem with a harvester by grinding it. The chamomile is extracted inside the harvest box, with a water vapor entry and an exit towards a coolant, where the essential oil is collected.
Traditional distillation gives a warmer and herbaceous scent, as both green and volatile molecules have evaporated during the drying step.
In 2018, world cultivation of Roman chamomile spread over 1000 hectares of land, for a total production of about 16 tons of essential oil.
Chemotypes :
Roman chamomile is a so-called ''esters '' chamomile, for its composition. There are several varieties of chamomile, some of which are used in perfumery:
Matricaria chamomilla, or blue chamomile, whose essential oil of blue colour is also widely used in perfumery.
Anthemis arvensis is an scentless variety of chamomile.
Anthemis cotula, or stinky chamomile, is renowned for its very powerful and unpleasant smell.
Anthemis tinctoria, or yellow chamomile, is a yellow variety, grown in Europe and West Asia.
Ormenis multicaulis, or Moroccan wild chamomile, grown for its essential oil in the Mediterranean basin. It has a fruity and green note.
Matricaria discoidea, or pineapple weed, native to North America and subsequently introduced in France.
Aromatherapy :
Informations provided below are taken from reference works in aromatherapy. They are given for information purposes only and can not constitute medical information, nor engage the responsibility of ScenTree.
Chamomile is best known for its use in infusion, accompanied by honey and lemon. Roman chamomile has relaxing virtues and helps relieve some nausea.
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