| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Tanacetum annuum |
| Pronunciation | BLOO TAN-zee |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae (Daisy Family) |
| Plant Part Used | Flowering Tops |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
| Origin Regions | Morocco, Northern Mediterranean, Canary Islands |
Description
Blue Tansy essential oil, sometimes called Moroccan Tansy, is a rare and precious oil distilled from the flowering tops of the Tanacetum annuum plant — a wild herb native to the Mediterranean basin. Its vibrant deep blue color and sweet, herbaceous aroma make it one of the most distinctive and beloved oils in both aromatherapy and skincare. The oil owes its striking sapphire hue to chamazulene, a compound formed during steam distillation that gives Blue Tansy its famous anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits.
The scent of Blue Tansy is sweet, fruity, and floral, with a soft herbal undertone and a hint of balsamic warmth. Unlike common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), which contains toxic thujone, Tanacetum annuum is safe for aromatherapeutic use when properly diluted. Its aroma is uplifting yet tranquil — simultaneously grounding the emotions and easing tension. Many describe it as the “oil of emotional balance,” bringing calm to both the body and spirit.
Blue Tansy is cherished for its skin-calming and anti-inflammatory properties, often used in premium facial serums, after-sun care, and soothing blends. It’s known to help ease irritation, redness, and heat in the skin, making it especially beneficial for those with sensitive or reactive skin. In addition, it offers a subtle cooling effect, gently relieving muscular or joint discomfort.
Emotionally, Blue Tansy encourages peace and emotional restoration. It’s a favorite for meditation, relaxation, and balancing the nervous system after stress or overwhelm. Its grounding, comforting scent can bring a sense of inner alignment — like deep breathing in a cool meadow after rainfall.
Beyond its physical and emotional benefits, Blue Tansy symbolizes calm confidence. Its deep color reflects its essence: transformation through tranquility, and strength through serenity.
History & Background
| Era / Region | Traditional Use | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Mediterranean | Folk remedy and perfumery | Used for its calming and cleansing properties |
| Morocco (modern times) | Cultivated and distilled | Main source of high-quality Blue Tansy oil |
| Modern Aromatherapy | Skincare and relaxation | Used to balance emotions and soothe the skin |
Though often confused with the toxic common tansy, Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) was rediscovered in the 20th century as a gentle, safe, and highly therapeutic essential oil. Its cultivation in Morocco and northern Mediterranean regions remains small-scale, contributing to its rarity and cost. Because its blue compound (chamazulene) is only produced during distillation, each batch’s color and depth tell the story of its careful creation — a fusion of earth, water, and aromatic chemistry.
Aroma Profile
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Aroma Type | Sweet, fruity, herbaceous, and slightly floral |
| Scent Strength | Medium (Middle to Base Note) |
| Blends Well With | Lavender, German Chamomile, Frankincense, Clary Sage, Helichrysum, and Geranium |
Blue Tansy’s calming sweetness balances sharper or resinous oils beautifully. It’s a cornerstone in many restorative or luxury blends.
Chemical Composition
| Compound | Approx. % | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Chamazulene | 1–3% | Anti-inflammatory; gives deep blue color |
| Sabinene | 10–20% | Balancing, antioxidant |
| β-Pinene | 5–15% | Uplifting and clarifying |
| Myrcene | 5–10% | Relaxing, soothing for the nervous system |
| Camphor | Trace | Mildly cooling and clarifying |
| Limonene | 2–5% | Fresh, mood-elevating top note |
The combination of chamazulene and sabinene gives Blue Tansy both its characteristic color and its ability to calm inflammation — emotionally and physically.
Cautions & Safety
| Type | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Internal Use | Not for internal use. |
| Topical Use | Dilute to 1–2%. Can stain skin or fabrics blue temporarily. |
| Pregnancy / Children | Safe when diluted properly; avoid high doses. |
| Photosensitivity | Non-phototoxic. |
| Storage | Store away from heat and light. Oil may thicken and deepen in color with age. |
Blue Tansy is gentle and well-tolerated but should always be used with proper dilution to prevent temporary skin staining or overexposure.
Uses & Application Steps
Blue Tansy essential oil is treasured for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and emotionally harmonizing qualities. It helps the body and mind release heat and tension — making it ideal for skincare, emotional grounding, and bedtime routines.
Aromatic Use
- Add 3–4 drops to a diffuser for relaxation and emotional grounding.
- Combine with Lavender and Frankincense to promote peace before sleep.
- Use during meditation or yoga to deepen breathing and tranquility.
Topical Use
- Dilute 1–2 drops in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of carrier oil or facial serum.
- Apply to areas of irritation or redness to calm the skin.
- Add a drop to a palm of lotion or aloe gel for cooling after-sun care.
Massage or Bath Use
- Mix 3 drops with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil for a tension-relieving massage.
- Combine with German Chamomile and Clary Sage for menstrual or muscle comfort.
- Add to bathwater with Epsom salts for full-body relaxation and skin softening.
Perfumery / Blending
- Use as a heart or base note for luxury natural perfumes.
- Pairs beautifully with citrus, floral, and resinous oils.
- Adds a deep blue hue and soft herbal sweetness to blends.
Further Reading & External Links
| Source | URL |
|---|---|
| AromaWeb — Blue Tansy Essential Oil Profile | https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/blue-tansy-essential-oil.php |
| Eden Botanicals — Blue Tansy Essential Oil | https://www.edenbotanicals.com/blue-tansy.html |
| Florihana — Blue Tansy Organic Essential Oil | https://www.florihana.com/us/essential-oils/80-blue-tansy-organic-3700343010226.html |
| Plant Therapy — Blue Tansy Essential Oil | https://www.planttherapy.com/products/blue-tansy-essential-oil |
| PubChem — Chamazulene Compound Summary | https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/92369 |
Citations & References
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
- PubChem Database — Chamazulene (CID: 92369).
- IFRA Standards, 2024 Update.
- AromaWeb — Blue Tansy Essential Oil Profile.
- Eden Botanicals — Blue Tansy Product Page.
Conclusion
Blue Tansy essential oil embodies tranquility in its purest form. Its deep blue color reflects its ability to cool, calm, and transform — emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Few oils carry such a soothing energy while remaining so luxuriously aromatic.
Emotionally, Blue Tansy acts like a deep exhale. It helps release stress and anxiety, clears mental clutter, and restores peaceful focus. It encourages emotional resilience through stillness, not force — teaching the power of soft strength.
Physically, its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits have earned it a place in many high-end skincare formulas. It cools heat, eases redness, and supports skin repair with gentle precision. Spiritually, it is the oil of flow and balance, reconnecting the self to calm awareness and patient renewal.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any essential oil. Conduct your own research by reviewing all citations and references listed above.