Blue Tansy
(Tanacetum Annuum)
Native to Northern Morocco and Mediterranean regions, The Blue Tansy plant is greatly known for producing a blue colored essential oil. Although the flowers are a bright yellow, the essential oil contains a high amount of the constituent chamazulene, giving it a characteristic dark blue color.
Blue Tansy is considered a rare plant, mainly because it was almost harvested to extinction. It's a crucial ingredient in many creams and lotions that are anti-aging and beneficial to the skin in general.
The plant itself is recommended to be used topically only, due to the potential of taking internally a toxic dose. There are many different ways to use this beautiful plant in a topical manner. Such as making a tea for use as a skin wash, an oil infusion of the plant can be used in the making of balms, salves or even creams. Also, because of it's anti-inflammatory properties a liniment could be beneficial for such problems as sore muscles.
Latin Name: Tanacetum Annuum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Blue Moroccan Chamomile or Moroccan Tansy
Parts Used: Flowers and leaves
Plant Type: The slender leaves of Blue Tansy are draped in an ethereal white “fur,” while the blooms are an unmistakable yellow. Do not confuse Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) with the common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), known as being highly toxic.
Properties: 
Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, calming, antihistimine, because of the high content of Camphor it helps promote the healing of skin, and helps moisturize.
Constituents: Chamazulene, Sabinine, Camphor, Beta-myrcene, Beta-eudesmol, dihydrochamazulene, a-phellandrene and Beta-pinene.
Medicinal Uses: Because Blue Tansy is known for it's skin healing properties a preparation of a tea would be great for use as a skin wash, an oil infusion of the plant can be used in the making of balms, salves or even creams. Also, because of it's anti-inflammatory properties a liniment could be beneficial for such problems as sore muscles.
Foraging: Leaves are collected in the Spring, flowers bloom in July. It is recommended to only use the Blue Tansy plant as a wash for the skin.
Preparation Methods: Dried leaves and/or flowers are used to make a tea for use as a skin wash.
Suggestions for Preparation
Tea (Infusion):
Boil 1 teaspoon of dried or 2 teaspoons of fresh flowers and/or leaves in 1 cup of boiling water, let steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
Use as a wash for the skin.
Safety & Contraindications:
Not recommended to be taken internally due to toxicity. Not recommended during pregnancy, Blue tansy may be an issue for those with problems metabolizing CYP2D6 drugs.
Plant Identification
It is an annual plant that grows to 40 centimetres in height, with yellow heads that bloom from August (sometimes earlier) to October. The slender leaves of the Tanacetum annuum are draped in an ethereal white “fur,” while the blooms are an unmistakable yellow. Blue Tansy (Tanacetum annuum) is a different plant from the common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).
Blue Tansy Look Alikes
Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea)
Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Highly Toxic
Information Disclaimer
Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs that are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs.
Resources:
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