TANSY BLUE ESSENTIAL OIL

Tanacetum annum

A member of the Daisy family (Asteraceae), Blue Tansy is at home in the arid regions of the southwestern Mediterranean Basin. Also known as Moroccan Chamomile, it is cultivated in northern Morocco and southern Spain. Both these common names have led to confusion. Blue Tansy is closely related to ordinary Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and has similar yellow flowers. The 'Blue' attribute refers to the colour of its oil. The process of steam distillation transforms the Chamazulene and turns it bright blue. Chamazulene is also found in Yarrow and German Chamomile, which also yield inky blue oils. Thus, in terms of its appearance, Blue Tansy resembles ordinary (but toxic!) Tansy, while its aromatherapy qualities are more like those of German Chamomile.

Traditional
Blue Tansy is a relatively recent addition to the aromatherapist’s oil cabinet. It quickly became popular, thanks to its excellent skin-soothing qualities. Blue Tansy oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-histaminic. It can be used in blends (no more than 3%) for irritable and inflamed skin conditions and blended with Sesame and Hazelnut oil it soothes burnt skin (radiation treatment, sunburn). It can also alleviate allergic skin eruptions, but only if there is no blistering. Blended with Ravensara, it can be used in steam inhalations to soothe respiratory conditions. It is also said to relieve muscle aches and pains.

Magical
Blue Tansy conveys a sense of inner peace. It centres the mind and can help to let go of the irritations and tensions of the day. It is an excellent oil for meditation and to open the heart chakra.

Scent
Blue Tansy oil has a somewhat sweet, herbaceous, aromatic scent - what the perfumes would call a middle note. It blends well with Spike Lavender, Helichrysum, Cypress, Clary Sage, Cedarwood, Amyris, and Bergamot. Add sparingly, as it can easily overpower other oils. It seems to work best in concentrations of no more than 3% in dilution.

Synonyms
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Country of origin
Morocco