Is Roman chamomile safe for babies? Yes, and here's how to use it correctly...
Is Roman chamomile safe for babies? - Yes.
Can Roman chamomile be used internally in babies? Topically? As an essential oil? A homeopathic remedy? - Roman chamomile should generally not be given to babies internally/orally in any form. Roman chamomile essential oil in particular should only be used topically in babies, and only in diluted quantities. The oil should not be used in a diffuser or vaporizer around infants. The tea/infusion of Roman chamomile can be used topically in bathwater or as a wash in some cases. Older children may be able to take small quantities of the Roman chamomile infusion, but the essential oil should not be used internally until children are much older.
Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis / Chamaemelum nobile) is a different plant that German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla). These two plants look similar, share similar medicinal properties, and indeed do have some similar chemical constituents, but they are different and should be treated accordingly. Here, we're talking specifically about Roman chamomile, and we use the Latin name Anthemis nobilis throughout (Chamaemelum nobile is a synonym for Anthemis nobilis in scientific literature).
Truthfully, there are comparatively few sources that differentiate between the uses of Roman chamomile and German chamomile, especially when it comes to how either of these two herbs should be used in children and infants. However, regardless, “chamomile” (which could refer to either the Roman or German variety) is widely considered to be one of the safest herbs for use in children. The constituents of Roman and German chamomile aren’t exactly the same, but they are similar enough that one can assume that both are likely to have a similar degree of safety when used in little people.
Given that research is extremely limited as to the differences between these two herbs in regard to their safety in children (and in babies specifically), I would use caution when administering Roman chamomile internally to babies. However, the infusion of Roman chamomile and the essential oil are very safe when used topically in appropriately diluted doses. The appropriate doses are discussed in more detail below.
Medicinal Applications of Roman Chamomile in Babies
Below is a list of all of the generally accepted medicinal applications of Roman chamomile that apply to infants and children. When used in the appropriate ways, this herb can have the same effect in babies and children; keep in mind again that the herb should not be administered orally to babies or very young children.- Antibiotic
- Antiseptic
- Disinfectant
- Vermifuge / Anthelmintic
- Antispasmodic
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Abdominal spasms
- Peptic ulcer
- Indigestion
- Gastric debility
- Intestinal cramps
- Colic
- Nervous system complaints
- Restlessness
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Hypertension (Roman chamomile is hypotensive)
- Insomnia
- Phobias
- Hysteria
- Anti-inflammatory
- Liver disorders
- Fever (as a diaphoretic)
- Sore throat (in the early stages)
- Diabetes (Roman chamomile is hypoglycemic)
- Insect repellant
- Antifungal
- Antiplatelet aggregatory
- Bronchodilatory
- Antioxidant
- Sedative
- Cytotoxic / Anticancer
- Roman chamomile has been found to specifically have anticancer effects on cervical carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines.
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Canker sores / Aphthous stomatitis / Aphthous ulcer
- Rubefacient
- Deobstruent
- Diuretic
- Expectorant
Below is an additional list of the medicinal applications of Roman chamomile essential oil that apply to children and babies. These are slightly different than those of the whole herb since the essential oil is a concentrated, isolated part of the herb; this can occasionally alter or enhance certain healing properties:
- Antiseptic
- Antibiotic
- Analgesic
- Anti Inflammatory
- Antidepressant
- Antispasmodic
- Antineuralgic
- Nervous system irritation
- Digestive system issues
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Gas / flatulence
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Loss of appetite
- Wound healing
- Heartburn
- Hemorrhoids
- Sinusitis (by inhalation)
- Hay fever (by inhalation)
- Ear inflammation (by inhalation)
- Insomnia
- Relaxation
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for Fussiness
Roman chamomile has long been used to relieve fussiness in infants, especially when caused by colic or other types of discomfort. Combine 1 drop of Anthemis nobilis essential oil with 3 tablespoons of a neutral carrier oil, and then rub this oil gently into the feet of a fussy baby before naptime or bedtime. You can leave the baby’s feet bare or put on some clean cotton socks after application of the oilThe Roman chamomile oil mix can be applied to a baby’s feet up to 3 times per day if needed.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for Teething Pains
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Roman chamomile should not be used internally in babies.Combine 1 drop of Roman chamomile essential oil with 3 tablespoons of carrier oil, and apply gently to Baby’s face around the jawline.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil for Dry Scalp and Cradle Cap
Dry, itchy scalp in babies can be treated using 1 drop of Roman chamomile essential oil combined with 3 tablespoons of carrier oil. Rub this oil mixture into Baby’s scalp, paying special attention to the areas where the skin is dry. You may either rub the oil off right away if needed, or leave it on to soak in during naptime or overnight. The same treatment can be used to treat cradle cap in babies.Roman Chamomile Infusion for Parasites in Children
One of the traditional uses of Roman chamomile was as an anthelmintic in children. For this purpose, the herb was administered as a warm infusion. Though Roman chamomile infusions shouldn’t be given internally to infants, small amounts of the infusion may be used for this purpose in younger and older children.Roman Chamomile Infusion Bath for Anxiety, Tension, Skin Problems, and More in Children and Infants
Roman chamomile infusions shouldn’t be given to infants and very small children orally, but they can be administered safely via a bath. Add 1 cup of Roman chamomile infusion to the bathwater of an infant or child for this purpose. Alternatively, you can make an infusion and then apply it directly to the skin using a washcloth (this may be ideal for situations where you want to use Roman chamomile to treat a very specific skin-related problem, such as a wound or skin infection).Via this type of topical application, Roman chamomile may help act as a treatment for the following problems in babies and children:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Infections on the skin
- Skin wounds
- Insect bites
Though this is a topical application of Roman chamomile, it’s important to remember that even skin-based treatments can be very powerful, since medicines like this can and do pass through the skin and into the blood. So, although the applications I have listed above are more skin (or emotion) specific, the use of a Roman chamomile infusion in the bath might also help treat other problems like gastrointestinal cramping, internal pathogenic infections, childhood cancer, and more. This is especially true for infants and children, since babies in particular have thinner and more permeable skin (this is also part of the reason why it’s wise to use very small doses with babies, even when using topical medicines).
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How to Use Roman Chamomile in Babies and Children
For skin applications of Roman chamomile essential oil, use a ratio of 1 drop of Roman chamomile oil to every 3 tablespoons of a carrier oil. Avoid areas close to the eyes, ears, and mouth when applying this oil mix to an infant’s skin. Don’t apply Roman chamomile essential oil (or other essential oils) to the baby’s skin before 3 months of age. Do not use Roman chamomile essential oil (or any other essential oil) in premature infants until at least 3 months after when their due date would have been.To prepare a Roman chamomile infusion for topical use in children and babies, add 2 grams of Roman chamomile flower heads for 1 cup of boiling water. Allow this to steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain. If using in a bath, you can add this infusion to the bathwater right away, always being sure to check that the hot infusion didn’t accidentally make the bathwater too hot (let it cool to a reasonable temperature if this is the case). If you’re using the infusion as a wash, make sure that it’s cooled completely, or only comfortably warm, before using.
Roman Chamomile Allergy in Infants and Children
Roman chamomile is a member of the Asterceae plant family; allergies to these plants are relatively common, so parents should be careful and aware when first using Roman chamomile on their babies and children. The first few times that you use Roman chamomile, be cautious. Signs of an allergic reaction may include facial swelling, lethargy, hives, or nausea.
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Resources:
• doTerra (n.d). Roman Chamomile. Retrieved April 18, 2023 from: https://www.doterra.com/US/en/education/pe/roman-chamomile-oil
• Saar Soleares (n.d). How to Use Essential Oils on Babies & Children. Retrieved April 19, 2023 from: https://www.saarsoleares.com/blogs/natural-solutions-for-healthier-moms-children/how-to-use-essential-oils-on-babies
• Mount Sinai (n.d). Roman Chamomile. Retrieved April 20, 2023 from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/roman-chamomile#:~:text=Talk%20to%20your%20doctor%20to,Roman%20chamomile%20to%20a%20child.&text=Tea%3A%20Pour%201%20cup%20of,times%20per%20day%20between%20meals.
