blue tansy essential oil

Blue Tansy Essential Oil comes from the common European Herb, Tansy. It is steam distilled specifically from the Tanacetum Annuum. Tansy Oil (Tanacetum Vulgare, Common Tansy) is toxic and should never be used for aromatherapy purposes, whereas Blue Tansy Essential Oil is a wonderful oil used for many applications such as anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-allergen and anti-fungal. The distinction is very important! The true Blue Tansy Oil can be hard to acquire and is frequently adulterated. 

Extracted through steam distillation of the leaves and flowers, Blue Tansy is also known by its Latin name, Vigtia Annua, or other names such as Moroccan Tansy or Moroccan Chamomile. The name Blue Tansy is actually a misnomer; the plant itself has yellow flowers. It is an annual Mediterranean plant found generally in northern Morocco, growing up to 40cm in height. The Tanacetum Annuum plant is from the Asteraceae family, and is generally harvested around August - October. 

The aroma from Blue Tansy is very sweet and herbaceous, with fruity undertones, a top – middle note and a medium consistency. Blue Tansy's delightful scent is warmly herbaceous and camphoric with a complex sweetness that is reminiscent of apples with a hint of spice. Some consider its aroma to be wine-like and fruity. 

The Blue Tansy Plant over the years has gradually disappeared due to the excessive harvesting of wild plants. It has now been reintroduced into Morocco, which is a major producer of this plant. 

Due to the Chamazulene content (which is not found in Tanacetum Vulgare), Blue Tansy has a gorgeous deep blue colour that forms when the flowering tops of the plant are distilled. Chamazulene is only produced when distilling certain plants accurately. German Chamomile, Helichrysum, Yarrow and Blue Tansy are some of the only plants that produce this when distilled.  The Tansy plant is actually very genetically similar to Chamomile and shares much of its sister-plant’s calming qualities.  

Like many plants, once distilled, Blue Tansy has hundreds of different compounds. Major constituents of Blue Tansy Essential Oil are Chamazulene, B-Myrcene, Camphor, Sabinene, B-Eudesmol, 3,6-Dihydrochamazulene, B-Pinene, a-Phellandrene.  These constituents means Blue Tansy has a wide range of benefits and applications, including analgesic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, sedative, stimulant of hormones and vermifuge.

Always consult a medical practitioner or qualified aromatherapist when considering using Essential Oils topically, and always dilute with a carrier oil.