Guide to essential oils

Essential oil of Blue tansy (blue chamomile)

Powerfully soothing thanks to its chamazulene content, Blue Tansy essential oil is renowned for calming itching and irritation. With its unusual blue colour, Blue Tansy essential oil soothes skin discomfort. In aromatherapy, Blue Tansy essential oil is recommended to handle minor allergies.

How to use

  • Skin application and massage

    Skin application and massage

    Suitable

  • Cosmetic active ingredient

    Cosmetic active ingredient

    Appropriate

Features

Properties and uses

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Flowering tops

Botanical name

Tanacetum annuum

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Properties and uses

Blue Tansy essential oil is traditionally used for: Skin allergies, asthma.

Health

Find out more

Properties

In terms of health, blue tansy essential oil is renowned for the following properties:

  • Rich in anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, antihistamine and antipruritic active ingredients.

  • Supports circulation

  • Calming

  • Oestrogen mimetic action

Uses

Blue Tansy (or Blue Chamomile) essential oil is traditionally used to improve the following issues:

Asthma attacks

  • Skin inflammation, itching, redness, skin allergies, eczema, hives, stings, etc.

  • Skin prone to redness: rosacea, etc.

  • Inflammatory pain: arthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis, neuritis, sciatica, etc.

  • Venous problems: congestion, varicose veins, etc.

Synergies

  • Skin soothing: St John's wort, Helichrysum Italicum, True Lavender,

  • German chamomile, Peppermint, Spike Lavender

  • Respiratory health: Khella, Sweet Inula essential oils

  • Calming, joint health: Lemon Eucalyptus, Katafray essential oils,

  • Circulatory health: Mediterranean Cypress, Mastic Tree essential oils

In practice

Skin soothing and joint health: Mix into your oil blend. Lightly massage the mixture into the affected area.

Respiratory comfort: blend into your oil blend. Massage or rub your blend into the chest and upper back.

Precautions

  • Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Do not use on children under 6, epileptics or the elderly. Contains ketones with neurotoxic and abortifacient properties.

  • Not for internal use; do not ingest.

  • Use only in low doses and for a limited time.

  • Possible oestrogen-like action; not recommended in cases of fibrocystic breast changes or hormone-dependent cancer (breast, ovarian, endometrial).

  • Diffusion and inhalation are not recommended; the cutaneous route is preferred for this essential oil.

  • Certain natural compounds contained in this essential oil may present a risk of allergy for certain sensitive individuals when the essential oil is incorporated into a cosmetic composition (in accordance with the 7th Amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive (2003/15/EC)): limonene.

  • As a general rule, always carry out a test application of your mixture, in the crease of the elbow, at least 48 hours before use.

  • Dangerous. Observe safety precautions.

  • May cause an allergic skin reaction. May be fatal if swallowed and enters the respiratory tract (if accidentally swallowed, do not induce vomiting). May cause damage to organs. Toxic to aquatic organisms, causing long-term adverse effects (in the event of massive spillage of the product into a watercourse).

Find out more

Blue Tansy, also known as Blue Chamomile or Moroccan Chamomile, is a member of the Asteraceae botanical family. This annual botanical plant grows in Mediterranean regions and in north-west Morocco. Once revered by the Egyptians, it is now a vital part of the herbalist's toolkit.

The essential oil obtained from the plant's leaves has a characteristic blue colour due to the presence of chamazulene. Chamazulene is renowned for its calming and soothing properties, and has traditionally been used as a complement to treatments to help soothe asthma andallergies.

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml


However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

EO = Essential Oil VO = Carrier Oil or Macerated Oil

Skin allergy (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Use: Roman chamomile essential oil

Apply 2 undiluted drops to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day until there is a noticeable improvement.

To apply (oily blend):

Mix:

  • Roman chamomile essential oil: 5 drops

  • Rose geranium essential oil: 5 drops

  • True lavender essential oil: 5 drops

  • Calendula macerated oil: 10 drops

Apply to the affected area, 2 to 3 times a day, until there is a noticeable improvement.

To apply (talcum powder):

Ask your pharmacist to make the following talc:

  • Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) essential oil: 1 g

  • Chamaemelum nobile essential oil (Roman chamomile): 1 g

  • Tanacetum annuum (blue tansy) essential oil: 1 g

  • Aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) essential oil: 1 g

  • Venice talc: 100 g

Sprinkle on affected areas. Spray 3 to 4 times a day for 3 to 4 days.

Atopic eczema (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Solid form (cream)

  • Peppermint essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Blue tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Katafray essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Helichrysum essential oil: 1 ml

  • Evening primrose oil: 5 ml

  • Argan oil: 5 ml

  • Calendula oil: 5 ml

  • Eucerin pH5 (or shea butter): add up to 100 g as required for product optimisation

Use: 2 to 3 topical applications a day until noticeable improvement.

Eczema in adults and children (over 6 years and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Liquid form (oily)

  • Egyptian rose geranium: 1.5 ml

  • Spike lavender essential oil: 1.5 ml

  • Rosewood essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Myrrh essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Blue tansy essential oil: 0. 3 ml

  • Wheatgerm carrier oil: 10 ml

  • Tamanu carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Evening primrose carrier oil: add up to 50 ml extra as required for product optimisation

Uses: 1 topical application 3 times a day for 3 weeks or more

.

Eczema or atopic dermatitis in adults (Aroma News - NARD)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Tanacetum Annuum (Blue Tansy) essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Artemisia Dracunculus (Tarragon) essential oil: 1 ml

  • Lavandula vera (True Lavender) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Wheatgerm carrier oil: additional 50 ml

Use: 3 topical applications a day, in addition to a healthy diet supplemented with essential fatty acids.

Hives (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 2 ml

  • Spike Lavender essential oil: 2 ml

  • Roman chamomile essential oil: 1 ml

  • Rose Geranium essential oil: 1 ml

  • Talc: 100 g

Use : Prepare the powder or ask your pharmacist to make it for you. Powder the body 2 to 4 times a day, as required.

Allergic asthma (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingRespiratory problems

Ask your pharmacist to make the following massage oil in a 10 ml bottle:

  • Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon) essential oil: 1 ml

  • Chamaemelum nobile (Roman chamomile) essential oil: 1 ml

  • Tanacetum annuum (Annual Tansy) essential oil: 1 ml

  • Amni visnaga (Khella) essential oil: 1 ml

  • Calophylla macerated oil: 6 ml

Apply 5 drops to the solar plexus, upper back and along the spine. Repeat every ¼ hour until improvement.

Mosquito and spider bites - Treatment (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingVarious

Liquid form (non-greasy)

  • Rose Geranium essential oil: 5 ml

  • Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil: 4.5 ml

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

Use: Apply 2 to 3 drops to the sting 3 times a day.

Mosquito bites - Treatment (P. Franchomme)

Health & wellbeingVarious

  • Citrus aurantium var. aurantium (Seville Orange) essential oil: 1.5 g

  • Citrus limon (Lemon) essential oil: 1.5 g

  • Citrus reticulata (Mandarin) essential oil: 1.75 g

  • Tanacetum annuum (Blue Tansy) essential oil: 0.25 g

  • 50 ml carrier oil.

Use: Apply 2 to 3 times, 15 minutes apart.

Aroma-Zone Note: Mandarin, Orange and Lemon essential oils are photosensitising. Do not expose your skin to the sun after applying this blend.

Redness from acne (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Daucus carota essential oil (carrot): 0.5 ml

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 0.2 ml

  • Pistacia lentiscus essential oil (mastic tree): 0.2 ml

  • Tanacetum annuum essential oil (blue tansy): 0.1 ml

  • Cistus ladaniferus CT pinene essential oil (gum rockrose): 0.2 ml

  • Calendula officinalis OV (marigold): 3 ml

  • Transcutol: add up to 15 ml extra for blend consistency

Use: 1 application morning and evening until clear improvement.

Aroma-Zone comment: Transcutol is a pharmaceutical blend that is not widely used and allows fats such as essential oils to penetrate the skin easily. It can easily be replaced by a dry carrier oil such as hazelnut, kukui or macadamia oil.

Sunburn in children (over 6 years of age and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

Liquid form (oily)

  • Spike Lavender essential oil: 2 ml

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Helichrysum essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Wheat Germ carrier oil: 10 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Tamanu carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Calendula carrier oil: 15 ml

  • St John's wort carrier oil: 50 ml

Aroma-Zone Note: St John's wort macerated oil presents a risk of photosensitisation. Do not expose your skin to the sun after applying this mixture.

Use: Apply topically 3 to 4 times a day for 4 to 5 days.

Lichen planus (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Liquid form (oily)

  • Ravintsara essential oil: 1 ml

  • True Lavender essential oil: 1 ml

  • Helichrysum essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Rosehip carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 10 ml

  • St John's wort carrier oil: 30ml

Aroma-Zone Note: St John's wort macerated oil presents a risk of photosensitisation. Do not expose your skin to the sun after applying this mixture. Use: Apply locally 3 times a day until you see improvement.

Muscle strain and tears in children (over 6 years old and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

Liquid form (non-greasy)

  • Helichrysum essential oil: 2 ml

  • Blue tansy essential oil 0. 5 ml

  • Lemon eucalyptus essential oil: 2 ml

  • Lavandin super essential oil: 2 ml

  • Patagonian pine essential oil: 1 ml

  • Arnica carrier oil: 2 ml

  • Jojoba carrier oil: additional to 15 ml

Use: Apply 4 to 6 drops of the blend locally 4 times a day.

Sprains, effusions in children (over 6 years and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

Liquid form (non-greasy)

  • Immortelle essential oil: 3 ml

  • Bay laurel oil essential oil: 2 ml

  • Annual tansy essential oil: 1 ml

  • Arnica oil carrier oil: 2 ml

  • Transcutol: Top up to 15 ml

Use: Apply 4 to 6 drops of the blend locally 6 times a day.

Aroma-Zone comment: Transcutol is a pharmaceutical preparation which is not widely used and which allows fatty substances such as essential oils to penetrate the skin easily. It can easily be replaced by a dry carier oil such as Hazelnut, Kukui or Macadamia oil.

Psoriasis in adults and children (over 6 years and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Solid form (gel)

  • Jatamansi spikenard essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Myrrh essential oil: 1 ml

  • Palmarosa essential oil: 1 ml

  • Roman chamomile essential oil: 1 ml

  • Cineole myrtle essential oil: 1 ml

  • Annual tansy: 0.5 ml

  • Rosemary verbenone: 0.5 ml

  • Calophylla carrier oil: 3 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 3 ml

  • 2% carbomer gel: add 100 ml to make up

Aroma-Zone comment: carbomer gel can be replaced by a vegetable gel made from guar gum or tragacanth gum Dosage: 1 topical application 3 times a day for 3 weeks or more.

Vulvitis in children (over 6 years old, after consulting a doctor and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

Solid form (oily cream)

  • Roman chamomile essential oil: 0.8 g

  • True Lavender essential oil: 0.8 g

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 0.3 g

  • Tamanu carrier oil: 3 g

  • Argan carrier oil: 5 g

  • Eucerin pH5: additional 100 g

Use: Apply topically 3 times a day for 5 days.

Muscle pain in children (over 6 years old and on medical advice) (J-P. Willem)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

  • Peppermint essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil: 1 ml

  • Seville Orange essential oil: 1 ml

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Arnica carrier oil: 2 ml

  • Transcutol: additional 15 ml

Use : Apply 4 to 6 drops of the mixture to the inflamed area, 4 times a day, for 7 days.

Aroma-Zone comment: Transcutol is a little-used pharmaceutical preparation which allows fats such as essential oils to penetrate the skin easily. It can easily be replaced by a dry carrier oil such as Hazelnut, Candlenut or Macadamia oil.

Pressure sores and other bed sores (under medical supervision) (Aroma News - NARD)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 3 ml

  • Cupressus sempervirens (cypress) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Cistus ladaniferus CT pinene (gum rockrose) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Pistacia lentiscus (mastic tree) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Commiphora molmol (myrrh) essential oil: 5 ml

  • Tanacetum annuum (blue tansy) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Lavandula spica (spike lavender) essential oil: 10 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 50 ml

  • Evening primrose carrier oil: 50 ml

  • Thyme or chestnut honey: 100 g

  • Green clay: 570 g

  • Wheatgerm carrier oil: between 180 and 250 ml to obtain a paste of the ideal consistency

Use: 1 topical application morning and evening, cover with an occlusive dressing

Before each new application, cleanse to remove any remnants of the previous application. Keep the mixture in a cool place (fridge door)

.

Frostbite lotion (C. Lacroix)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • 60 drops benzoin essential oil

  • 30 drops helichrysum essential oil

  • 60 drops spike lavender essential oil

  • 30 drops blue tansy essential oil

  • 5 ml avocado carrier oil

  • 5 ml tamanu oil

  • 30 ml wheat germ carrier oil

Use: Blend the essential oils and carrier oils, then top up with wheat germ carrier oil. Apply every three hours to areas affected by chilblain, until completely healed.

Heat rash - prickly heat (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Helichrysum essential oil: 1 ml

  • Mastic Tree essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Atlas Cedar essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Peppermint essential oil: 2 ml

  • Talc: 50 g

  • Green clay: 50 g

Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a container.

Dermatitis herpetiformis (on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 1 ml

  • Peppermint essential oil: 2 ml

  • Spike Lavender essential oil: 2 ml

  • Talc: 50 g

  • Green clay: 50 g

Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a container.

Use: Apply locally 3 to 4 times a day.

Bibliography

1

"Huiles essentielles - 2000 ans de découvertes aromathérapeutiques pour une médecine d'avenir"

Dominique Baudoux

2

"Aromatherapy"

Dr Jean Valnet - Éditions Maloine

3

'L'aromathérapie exactement'

P. Franchomme and Dr D. Pénoël

4

'La bible de l'aromathérapie'

Nerys Purchon

5

'L'ABC des huiles essentielles'

Dr Telphon

6

'Aromatherapy'

Nelly Grosjean

7

'Les huiles essentielles pour votre santé'

G. Roulier

8

"Les cahiers pratiques de l'aromathérapie française - Pédiatrie"

Dominique Baudoux - Editions Amyris

9

Aroma-News newsletters from the NARD association

10

"L'aromathérapie - Se soigner par les huiles essentielles"

Dominique Baudoux - Editions Amyris