Herbal Hair Recipes with Chamomile





Different types of chamomile, including Roman, German, and Wild chamomile, belong to the same botanical family known as Matricaria chamomilla. They all posses a wide range of medicinal qualities, which have been extensively utilized by traditional societies and documented by naturalists since the early antiquity. Modern researchers seem to validate a number of healing properties of chamomile, and especially those related to treating hair problems. The fact that chamomile as a medicinal herb has been readily accepted by present-day medicine is a good assurance that it is indeed a natural, God-given remedy that can still be helpful  in curing weak hair and an array of other ailments.


Generations of humans used fragrant flowers of chamomile to make beneficial teas to calm an upset stomach, medicinal baths to soothe the skin, and herbal rinses to strengthen the hair. Roman chamomile has also been praised as an antispasmodic, helpful for menstrual cramps; a “female sedative”, useful for “hysteria”, PMS-related nervous tension, and anxiety; an appetite stimulant; an anaesthetic, effective for reducing pains and aches; and a powerful  anti-inflammatory herb capable of healing many scalp and skin conditions.

Chamomile’s medicinal uses can be traced to ancient Egypt, where it was employed by priests as an herb able to rejuvenate women’s skin, eyes, and hair, as well as an anti-fever medication. The ancient Romans believed that chamomile tea was good for digestion and even advocated it as an insect repellent and antidote for the venom of poisonous snakes. And, according to a German herbalist, early Teutonic tribes dedicated chamomile to their Sun God and believed that it had profound healing properties as a magical “cure-all”. The use of chamomile for health and beauty, therefore, can be called universal.

But let us focus on hair-friendly qualities of chamomile! Many natural healers and naturopathic doctors recommend chamomile as a healing plant for softening, lightening, and strengthening blond hair. In some cases, it can be helpful for treating hair loss and such scalp problems as psoriasis, itchiness, and inflammation. The following herbal recipes for home-made hair products feature fresh or dried chamomile flowers as the main ingredient:

Quick Chamomile Shampoo

The best way to make a beneficial herbal shampoo is to mix a strong water infusion of a hair herb with a mild commercial shampoo without additives or colouring agents. For this recipe, use a heaping teaspoon of chamomile steeped for 30 minutes in ¼ cup boiling water. Strain the “tea”, let cool, and mix it carefully with ¼ cup shampoo. Use this beneficial herbal mix to regularly clean your hair.

Chamomile-Rosemary Conditioning Oil

This remedy should be prepared at least a week in advance, to allow the basic oil to absorb the herbal essences.  Take about 1 cup chamomile flowers and ½ cup rosemary leaves. Place the herbal mixture in the top of a double boiler, add 2 cups jojoba oil, and heat the oil with herbs for 30 minutes. Pour the herbal oil into a glass container, cover, and let stand in a warm place. When the oil is ready, use it for a weekly scalp and hair massage to sooth and condition your locks. Massage small amounts into the leather and hair, leave for about an hour, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water or some shampoo, if needed. This conditioning oil is particularly good for dry and brittle hair.

Blond Highlighting Rinse with Chamomile

For best, natural-looking results, use this herbal rinse on a regular basis and dry your hair in bright sunlight. Prior to applying the rinse, shampoo your hair and rinse carefully with plain water. To prepare the herbal rinse, simmer a mixture of 1 cup chamomile flowers and 4 tablespoons mullein flowers in 4 cups boiling water for 30 minutes; then cover and steep overnight. In the morning, strain and squeeze the liquid from the herbs. Stir in 2 tablespoons rose water (can be obtained from ethnic Indian stores) and fresh juice of 1 lemon. To use, pour the herbal rinse through your hair several times, catching the liquid in a large bowl.

Christiana Roberts

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Posted on May 9, 2008 
Filed Under Hair Care, Hair Loss Treatments

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