(Tanacetum annuum) Also known as Moroccan Blue Chamomile Blue Tansy has anti-inflammatory properties and is traditionally used in blends to support healthy skin and breathing, for minor skin issues and to ease pain and stress.
Therapeutic Uses Blue Tansy essential oil may support, aid, ease, soothe, reduce, calm, relax, promote and/or maintain healthy function of the following: Allergies Antihistaminic (may neutralize histamine and hold further production in check) Anxiety Arthritis Asthma Bacteria Breathing Bruising Calming Chicken Pox Convulsions Coughs Depression Endocrine Epileptic Fibromyalgia Fungal, skin issues, ears, dandruff, dysentery Hiccups Hormones Impulsive behavior Inflammation, especially of the skin, respiratory, sciatica, digestive and nervous systems Insect bites, deterrent (apply topically, diffuse, spray) Itch Measles Mumps Nerve pain Pain Panic Parasites, round worms, tape worms, hook worms Rashes Sedative Sneezing Thymus Thyroid Viru Hopewell Essential Oil Blends Containing Blue Tansy DeepEase Evening Peace Freedom Heaven’s Scent Ouch! Peaceful Regeneration Rejuvenate Serenity Sleepy Time Strength Tender Skin Tendon Ease Research Kurt Schnaubelt wrote: "Tanacetum annuum apparently works at an early stage of the inflammation cascade, preventing the synthesis of the proteins that would transmit inflammation. Experience in the aromatherapy community suggests that this oil is nontoxic and its liberal addition to preparations for topical or inhalation is free of risks" (Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils p. 27).
"Translation factors such as NF-kappa beta are key regulators of inflammatory and immune responses. They are essential for the transcription of multiple pro-inflammatory molecules. Sesquiterpene lactones, for instance, from Arnica herb or Inula graveolens or Tanacetum annuum essential oil, have been demonstrated to be effective against inflammatory processes by preventing activation of translation factors such as NF-kappa beta by different inflammation stimuli" (Schnaubelt: Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils). "Through its sesquiterpene lactones, Tanacetum annuum modulates the cascade of events that mediate inflammation, ultimately slowing or decreasing the release of histamine."
A classic blend for allergy relief consists of 4.5 ml MQV [Niaouli], 0.5 ml Tanacetum annuum [Blue Tansy], and 3 to 4 drops of Peppermint oil. Allergy symptoms such as runny nose and watery, itchy eyes can be minimized by simply applying 1 or 2 drops of this blend topically on the face. It is advantageous to wash or rinse the face with cold water, simply to create an extra degree of cooling, and then apply the oils on the moist facial skin. While this treatment will not cure the susceptibility to the allergen, it will make the symptoms more bearable. Over time it will contribute to undoing the mistaken conditioning of the immune system" (Schnaubelt: Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils, page 147.) In Medical Aromatherapy, Schnaubelt wrote that Blue Tansy has "good anti-histaminic and/ or anti-allergic properties," and notes that it can be used in blends for asthma (between ribs at top of stomach) and for emphysema (in diffuser: 10 parts Pinus sylvestris, 5 parts cypress, 1 part Tanacetum). It is also used to help calm down dermatitis inflammations resulting from many different causes. Schnaubelt suggests a topical blend that consists of 5 ml sesame oil, 3 drops Helichrysum, and 2 drops Tanacetum annuum. "This blend works as a first-aid remedy for painful sunburns or other situations where skin is actually damaged." This combination has been used in a water-based spray to ease the effects of radiation treatments.
Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. The blue color may stain. Kurt Schnaubelt notes that external use "seems to display its strongest effects if its maximum concentration in a blend does not exceed 5%." Since Blue Tansy does not have a limiting dilution parameter, we suggest that for adults you follow the General Guidelines found on the Dilution Chart, which is: 2-3% for daily application Up to 25% for short-term use
Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal inhaler. Internal: Blue Tansy is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French aromatherapy" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for information about internal usage.
