Blue Tansy also known as Moroccan Chamomile is botanically classified as a member of the Asteraceae family. Utilised topically for its treatment of inflamed and irritated skin as well as within aromatherapy as a mild calmative and mind relaxant, blue tansy is characterized by an intensely sweet herbal scent and a deep, dark royal blue colour.
The Plant
A flowering herbaceous plant with finely divided compound leaves and yellow, button- like flowers, the leaves are divided into segments giving it a fern like appearance. It contains the most chamazulene of all the blue oils that are extracted via steam distillation.
History
It is difficult to find a detailed description of Blue Tansy’s exact historical usage, however evidence suggests it has been used in ancient Egyptian and African and Mediterranean cultures as a medicine as well as in perfumery. In Chinese Medicine it has been traditionally used as an important Qui regulator to clear excess heat as well as to calm the mind.
The Aroma
Possessing a sweet and softly diffusive herbaceous aroma, the scent of blue tansy is best known for its relaxation inducing properties. Particularly beneficial for allergies and asthma– blue tansy can be used effectively as an inhalant to relieve respiratory discomfort.
Therapeutics
Blue Tansy essential oil is considered by Aromatherapists to be particularly beneficial in treating inflamed and damaged skin. Like any other blue oil it is excellent in assisting in the reduction of muscle pain and strains and has shown to help calm down inflammatory health conditions such as rheumatism and sciatica. Tanacetum anuum is classed as a nervine and is one of the best aromatherapeutic remedies to ease stress, calm down anxiety and help fade away nervous tension. May Lindstrom captures the benefits of blue tansy in her Beauty balm almost poetically in two sentences:
“Our balmy blue enchantress greets your skin with cool serenity, melting on touch to a fluid potion that tenderly envelopes you in the most decadent azule calm.”
“Mystical blue tansy eases feelings of emotional anxiety while releasing heat and providing nourishment and relief to delicate, inflamed and irritable skin conditions.”
Blue Tansy is most efficacious when used in concentrations of 5% or less.
The Benefits
- Acts as an anti- inflammatory and anti- histamine agent
- Calms down skin irritations such as eczema and sunburns
- Exerts calming and soothing properties
- Acts as a gentle cleansing agent
- Soothes sore muscles and joints
- Smoothes broken capillaries
- Assist in the strengthening of skin tissue
Products Containing Blue Tansy include May Lindstrom’s Blue Cocoon Beauty Balm
