Cape Chamomile Essential Oil

COA         MSDS

Botanical binomial: (Eriocephalus tenuifolius and Eriocephalus punctulatus)
Eriocephalus tenuifolius (Asteraceae)

Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

Other names: 

Country of Origin: South Africa

Part of plant used in production: Flower head

Methods of production: Essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of stems and leaves. The oil is extracted from a selected cultivated
clone.

Description:

Cape Chamomile (Eriocephalus tenuifolius and Eriocephalus punctulatus)
Eriocephalus tenuifolius (Asteraceae) is a particularly fragrant, though rare, aromatic shrub endemic to remote mountain areas in South Africa. It is used traditionally for both medicinal purposes and the fumigation of dwellings during cultural rituals. 
Research has resulted in the development of clonal material having that unique chemical and organoleptic qualities. This has resulted in the establishment of commercial plantations and the development of sustainable harvesting systems. E. tenuifolius is a bushy shrub which grows up to a metre in height. The simple needle-like leaves are long, narrow and gland dotted. The inflorescence is a small capitulum with purple disc florets and white ray florets. The fruiting heads extrude their involucre wool, hence its colloquial name;
kapok bush.

Characteristics: 

The oil is distinctive for its striking dark, deep blue colour. It has a fine fruity fragrance, with roman chamomile-like notes. The blue colour is due to the presence of azulenic compounds. Indeed it has been hailed as the fourth chamomile oil! Cape Chamomile oil has a very low taste threshold value
and appears to have great potential as a fruity flavour enhancer. It has been suggested that the oil can be used as an alternative to roman chamomile, and experts have suggested it could add a whole new dimension to the flavour and fragrance industry.

Properties: Analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, carminative, cicatrisant, hepatic, nerve sedative, vermifuge, vulnerary.

Constituents: 

The oil is largely composed of fragrant esters, most significantly; 2-methylpropyl 2-methylpropionate, 2-methylbutyl 2-methylpropionate and linalyl acetate. The blue colour is due tothe azulenic compounds; 1,4-dimethylazulene and 1,4-dimethyl-7-ethyl azulenic

Uses:

FRAGRANCE
Cape Chamomile can be used extensively in high-class perfumes.
It is classified: Masking
CosIng Ref: 82485
COSMETICS
Cape chamomile has excellent cosmetic properties which include its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Cape chamomile is presently being used in a range of local cosmetics.

GENERAL USES:
Mental and Emotional: To promote a positive sense of well being, helps to overcome depression. Used as an aid in combating stress related ailments, thereby improving the quality of sleep. Particularly helpful for the over-stimulated mind, and over active emotions. Excellent at transition times e.g.,
childhood, adolescence and menopause.
Physical: Anti-inflammatory and soothing, so it helps with eruptions on the skin in the form of boils, abscesses, infected cuts and wounds, insect bites, sunburn, acne, skin rashes, eczema etc. All types of skin problems especially sensitive areas that tend to become inflamed. Aids
sleep.

It also has potential for the treatment of stress related ailments, especially for improving sleep patterns. This is due to the presence of linalyl acetate which is the major component of lavender oil.The azulenic component of the oil would provide anti-inflammatory properties for skin ailments, as in German or blue chamomile.

Safety: For external use only. Should be diluted prior to skin application. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth. May cause skin irritation for some individuals, a skin patch test is recommended prior to use. Consult your healthcare professional before using essential oils during pregnancy.