Blue tansy is a flowering plant — also known as “Moroccan chamomile” — native to northern Africa, with beautiful bright yellow flowers. The steam distillation process of the plant produces a rich, cobalt blue oil, contrary to the color of the flowers. It’s really important to note that blue tansy is different from tansy, which is invasive in North American and can be toxic. Blue tansy goes by its botanical/Latin name, tanacetum annuum, anything else is not blue tansy.

The deep blue color of the oil is created from a chemical called chamazulene. Chamazulene is known mostly for its ability to support healthy inflammatory responses. This chemical does not naturally exist in the plant but is formed when a sesquiterpene called matricin is steam distilled. Matricin though, is naturally found in the flower heads of blue tansy, and also in chamomile [fun fact german chamomile EO is also blue!]. In fact, there’s so much chamazulene in blue tansy that the oil can stain skin and surfaces blue! So don’t get it on your nice new white shirt!