CAPE CHAMOMILE OIL (Eriocephalus punctulatus) Family: Asteraceae
INTRODUCTION Eriocephalus punctulatus (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. A limited quantity of E. punctulatus oil was produced and marketed during the early 1970's, and was enthusiastically accepted by the perfumery trade. Unfortunately it was found the wild crafted material failed to regenerate after severe defoliation, and the project was abandoned. New research has resulted in the development of clonal material having a unique chemical and organoleptic qualities. This has resulted in the establishment of commercial plantations and the development of sustainable harvesting systems. E. punctulatus 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.
DISTRIBUTION E. punctulatus is found in the mountainous areas of the eastern Free State Province, South Africa.
EXTRACTION Essential oil by steam distillation of stem and leaves. The oil is extracted from a cultivated selected clone.
DESCRIPTION OF THE OIL The oil is distinctive for its striking 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.
MAIN CHEMICAL COMPONENTS 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 to the azulene compounds; 1,4-dimethylazulene and 1,4-dimethyl-7-ethyl azulene
TRADITIONAL USES The leaves are used in baths for its relaxing and invigorating scent. Used in pillows, the scent encourages pleasant dreams. The fumes of the burning fresh plant are used to disinfect the house and clear evil sprits after a death has occurred.
AROMATHERAPY:
PROPERTIES: Analgesic, anti-allergic, anti-convulsive, antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cholagogic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, sedative, splenetic, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vasoconstricor.
USES: Allergies, boils, colitis, cystitis, depression, dermatitis, diarrhoea, earache, eczema, fevers, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, irritability, menopause, neuralgia, period pains, rheumatism, teething pains, toothache, urticaria, vaginitis.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS: Early pregnancy.
BLENDS: Bergamot, benzoin, cedarwood, frankincense, fennel, geranium, ginger, lemon, mandarin, palmarosa, sandalwood, sweet orange, vetivert, ylang-ylang.
GENERAL USES: Mental and Emotional. To instil a positive sense of well being, helps to overcome depression. Used as an aid in combatting 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. Aids sleep. Information from the USA is that Cape Chamomile oil can assist in the treatment of depression. 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. 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, excema etc. All types of skin problems especially sensitive areas that tend to become inflamed. A children’s remedy helpful for nappy rash, ear and tooth ache, swollen gums, sore throat and general irritability. The azulene component of the oil provides anti- inflammatory properties for skin ailments, as in German or blue chamomile.