An Essential Guide To The Aromatherapy Oils Of Morocco- Moroccan Chamomile
Chamomile essential oils are among the most popular and well-known in aromatherapy, widely understood as having relaxing properties and helping to promote a good night's sleep. The most common varieties used include Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and the blue-coloured German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).
Moroccan Chamomile (Ormensis multicaulis) is often called Wild Maroc Chamomile as it is found growing abundantly in the wild throughout Morocco. This wild-harvested flower produces around 800 kg of essential oil anuually primarily from the Kenitra and Gharb regions.
Is Moroccan Chamomile Essential Oil Different From Other Chamomile?
Moroccan Chamomile does have similar properties to the other two chamomiles mentioned above, but it is to be considered as a separate essential oil as it it is not a 'true' chamomile. Moroccan chamomile belongs to a different daisy (Asteraceae) family, so is more of a distant relative and is used in different ways.
Moroccan Chamomile is not considered as safe and gentle as the other two and is not made into tea or recommended for internal consumption.
Another Moroccan essential oil is confusingly called Moroccan Chamomile, this is Blue Tansy Essential Oil (Tanacetum aunnum) which will be the next oil covered in this series. It does come from the daisy (Asteraceae) family and grows in Morocco, the oil once extracted come out a vivid blue as it contains chamazulene which is the phytochemical that also gives German Chamomile its blue colour. It is easy to tell the oils apart, the true Moroccan Chamomile (Ormensis spp) is a yellow/amber colour and the Tansy is of course blue.
The essential oil of Moroccan Chamomile is extracted using steam distillation which is a technique practiced throughout Morocco and forms part of their valuable herbal heritage thriving to this day..
What Are The Benefits Of Moroccan Chamomile?
Skin soothing
Relieves redness
Reduce inflammation- anti-inflammatory
Stress relief/tension
Scalp soothing
Anti-spasmodic
What Is Moroccan Chamomile Used For?
Moroccan Chamomile is widely used in the cosmetics and perfume industries, its soothing skin actions make it an ideal ingredient for formulations designed for acne-prone or eczema-prone skin. It is an excellent choice for formulations designed to soothe the scalp where there is dryness and irritation.
Due to it's anti-spasmodic and tension-releasing action it could be used in massage formulations to relieve tension and soothe sore muscles.
In perfumery Moroccan Chamomile is light, fresh floral and herbaceous with hints of balsam and camphor.
Choose products containing Moroccan Chamomile if you are looking for calming the skin, body and mind.
Recommended Products Containing Moroccan Chamomile
I only select products that contain pure oils and extracts from brands I trust following my extensive experience as a herbalist and formulator, one of my passions is to research botanical ingredients including herbal extracts, herbal oils, glycerites, essential oils and other natural active ingredients. My recommendations only include products I would be happy to use myself as I am very fussy about natural ingredients and fragrances.
I am in the process of developing a new site dedicated to my interest in herbal cosmetics as I approach the end of my cosmetic formulation diploma cosmeticherbalist.com.
This will feature plant-based cosmetic ingredient profiles, recipes, foraged ingredients, global trends and product reviews.
Experience Moroccan Herbal Heritage For Yourself..
An Immersive Herbal Tour Of Morocco - A Nomadic Herbalist & TimelessFez Collaboration
Next spring, Nomadic Herbalist in conjunction with Timeless Fez will be hosting a unique Herbal Immersion aimed at those seeking slow, meaningful travel experiences that take them far beyond the usual tourist routes to get a rare glimpse into Morocco's thriving herbal heritage.
'Root & Remedies' is a four- day guided exploration to discover the medicinal plants of the Middle Atlas Mountains. This is a rare insight into foraging practices which are seldom seen and an opportunity to learn about Morocco's native herbs. The tour traces this ancient process from root to remedies, from the collection of raw plant material through to the finished products sold in the souks such as medicines in Souk Attarine and cosmetics in the Henna Souk.
Take part in the transformative processes of distillation and soap-making during hands-on workshops and begin with a guided, meditative sensory introduction to some key herbs.
Herbal tourism is a growing niche in sustainable, nature-based transformative travel which keeps traditions alive, preserving herbal heritage and supporting rural economies to continue foraging herbs.
It is important to give value to the wild landscapes of Morocco and preserve what grows there, alongisde this it is equally important to preserve the knowledge and wisdom of the foragers and those who transform raw herbal material into useful products. These are the people who speak to the plants and translate to the people, the alchemists and weavers of magic.
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