SINGIN' THE BLUES
An Analysis and Comparison of Three Essential Oils
Containing Chamazulene: What are They, What's In them,
and What are They Good For?
Inflammation is the body’s first line of defense against damaged cells, viruses, bacteria, etc. It is part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants; protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels and molecular mediators. The function of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissues damaged from the original insult and the inflammatory process, and to initiate tissue repair. Essential oils high in anti-inflammatory properties can be powerful allies in assisting the body's own ability to heal.
Matricaria recutita, (German chamomile), Achillea millefolium, (yarrow) and Tanecetum annuum (Moroccan blue tansy) 1all contain chamazulene, a very effective anti-inflammatory. They also share in common a number of other chemical constituents, mostly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, alcohols and oxides that increase their ability to soothe and heal. In fact, it appears that these three oils get an extra anti-inflammatory boost from beautiful blue chamazulene, making them among the most versatile and far reaching therapeutic essential oils, not only for inflammation but a myriad of other healing properties. Let's have a look at chamazulene first, then each oil in turn to see what makes them “tick”.
Azulene (named after the Spanish word for “blue” “azul”) is a natural organic compound and an isomer of naphthalene. Whereas naphthalene is colorless, azulene is dark blue. Two terpenoids, vetetivazulene (4,8-dimethyl-2-isopropylazulene) and guaiazulenene (1,4-dimethyl-7-isopropylazulene), that feature the azulene skeleton are found in nature as constituents of pigments in mushrooms, guaiac, wood oil and some marine invertebrates. Its structure was first reported by Lavaslov Ružička, followed by its organic synthesis in 1937 by Placidus Plattner.
One of azulene's hydrocarbon derivatives, chamazulene, is found in our three oils above, among others. This deep blue compound dates to the 15th century, when it was derived from the steam distillation of German chamomile, lending its name to the compound “chamazulene” As a whole, azulenes reside in the chemical classification group of bicyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene derivatives, with (C15H18) as their empirical formula.
Chamazulene does not exist in the fresh plant material but is biosynthesized through the process of steam distillation from the sesquiterpene lactone matricin which is crystalline in colour and present in German chamomile. It was later discovered to be present in several other plants, including yarrow and Tanacetum annum, during the late 1800s. Chamazulene was officially named in 1863 by English perfumer Septimus Piesse. Azulenes, although linked to the color hues of blue, can also be green, violet, blue/violet and red/violet.
Chamazulene is anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-spasmodic, cicatrizant, anti microbial and anti-allergenic. “Chamazulene prevents formation of inflammatory leukotrienes, thereby inhibiting the generation of toxic free radicals needed to trigger the allergic response. Chamazulene also stops stomach irritation caused by the release of free radicals that activate histamine.”
The percentage of chamazulene in Matricaria recutita, Achillea millefolium, and Tanecetum annuum ) varies greatly in the 14 samples I am using for discussion (Appendices 1-3). The lowest was 1.9%, (sample 1,Appendix 2, Achillea milfolium from Bulgaria); the highest was 19.93 (sample 4, Appendix 3, Tanecetum anuum from Morocco). Although it is unclear how much chamazulene it takes to be effective, it appears that even a small amount plays an important role in the overall effectiveness. Our three oils are very high in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes,,which have many of the same properties, i.e., anti inflammatory, analgesic, anti-allergenic, as those of chamazulene, so in reality it's small wonder that they work so well synergistically.
Monoterpenes have two units of isoprene with a molecular formula of (C10H16); they are present in almost every essential oil. They are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, decongestant and stimulating to the nervous system. In our three “blue” oils, we will see a number of monoterpenes including pinene, sabinene, myrcene, terpenene, p-cymene, phyllandrene, and camphene, among others.
Sesquiterpenes comprise three units of isoprene with a molecular formula of (C15H24), are anti inflammatory, antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-fungal and balancing. They aid in dissipating free radicals which are the agents of inflammation. Sesquiterpenes evaporate more slowly than monoterpenes; it stands to reason that they are slower to evaporate and may help bind and carry oxygen molecules throughout the body and into the cells, including the blood brain barrier. They have the unique capability of deleting faulty information in cellular memory. Our cells often have incorrect perceptions imbedded in their memories. The rooting out of these mis-perceptions often eliminates the root causes of a disease, especially a chronic one, and allows permanent healing to occur.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has said that if they could find an agent that would pass the blood-brain barrier, they would be able to find cures for ailments such as Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease... “The agents, of course, are essential oils-particularly those containing the brain oxygenating molecules of sesquiterpenes”.
Our first oil containing chamazulene is Matricaria recutica. German chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae family. As a therapeutic herb both German and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) have been revered for centuries for a myriad of healing properties. It is an annual herb with sparse, finely divided leaves and daisy like white flowers on single steps. The plant is native to Europe and northern Asia but is extensively cultivated in Hungary and eastern Europe. The Greeks, inspired by chamomile's district apple-like scent, named it kamai (ground) melon (apple). In Spanish it is still called manzanilla or “little apple”. It is probably one of the oldest known medicinal plants, often regarded as “the plant's physician and was thought to keep other plants in good health”. The ancient Egyptians infused the flowers into oil to rub on sore muscles. The Greek physician Dioscorides and Roman naturalist Pliny recommended chamomile to treat headaches and kidney, liver and bladder problems. India's ancient Ayurvedic physicians used it similarly. Germans have used chamomile since the dawn of history for digestive upsets and as a menstruation promoter and treatment of cramps. The plant was likely introduced to North America by German immigrants. It remains extremely popular and still widely used (both the herb and essential oil) in Germany and is often referred to as alles zutraut “capable of anything”.
The essential oil is distilled from the flowers; the scent is deep, sweet and herbacious. It has a very high odor intensity of 9 and is a middle note. Although it blends well with a number of other essential oils including citrus, lavender, geranium, neroli, cedar, patchouli, rose and ylang ylang, careful blending is necessary to balance the scent. The color ranges from a medium green to very deep blue (owing to the presence of chamazulene) depending on the source and quality of the oil. I acquired five different German chamomile oils to compare, both in terms of color and chemical makeup ( See Appendix 1).
Matricaria recutita is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antirheumatic, anti-arthritis, stimulates liver and gall bladder functions, anti neuralgic, antiseptic, anti depressant, anti fungal, eases nausea, relives colic, reduces the appearance of scars and blemishes, reduces painful menstruation, calms and soothes the nerves, aids digestion, wound healing, helps eliminate anger and frustration, stress management and reduces tantrums! So how can this oil do so much? A further look at its chemistry is necessary. The main constituents (comprising 80-91% in our samples) (see Appendix 1) of Matricia recutita are chamazulene , (-)α-bisabolol (sesquiterpene alcohol) -α bisabolol Oxide A, alpha-bisabolol Oxide B, -α bisabolone oxide, and farnesene (sesquiterpene).
According to Schnaubelt 14 (-)α-bisabolol is a delicate sesquiterpene alcohol component that is oxidized as the plant ages. The resulting bisabolol oxide or bisabolone-type essential oils are not as desirable for aromatherapy as the (-)α-bisabolol type. which is the main anti-inflammatory component of the essential oil. “Much research has gone into the selection and breeding of Chamomile plants with a particularly high content of α bisabolol, or more precisely (-)α-bisabolol, the main anti-inflammatory component of the essential oil”.
In skin care formulations bisabolol also helps increase the penetration power of other ingredients and because of its natural anti inflammatory properties it can help soothe and calm the skin. Bisabolol is a good source of panthenol (a form of Vitamin B) which acts as a natural humectant. It penetrates deep into the lower layers of skin which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Bisabolol has antimicrobial properties, which would contribute to the long history of German chamomile being used for almost every type of skin issue, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, wounds and sunburn. Bisabolol has been found to inhibit the enzymes in skin that can break down collagen and at the same time to stimulate collagen production. Since collagen is responsible for creating skin structure and shape, supporting it can help delay the appearance of aging.
Another sesquiterpene constituent of German chamomile is farnesene (alpha and beta). Farnascene occurs in many plant species and like other sesquiterpenes serves an important role in medical aromatherapy as it has the ability to surpass the blood brain barrier and enter brain tissue. Farnescene is anti bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti oxidant, antiseptic, anti viral and repels insects. It acts as a pheremone released by aphids upon death to warn other aphids.
β-farnescene is also used widely in the perfume industry due to its beautiful smell, which has been been compared to that of magnolia flowers and having citrusy notes with green, woody, vegetative odor with hints of lavender. Its contribution to beer is significant for aromatic qualities. It is possible that β-farnescene may lend its scent to German chamomile “This is the trick, almost no one goes into aromatic profiles of specific chemical compounds, my best answer here is that it would most likely be a sesquiterpene like farnesene, because the aroma is very deep and long lasting. Compared to blue tansy where the sabinene seems to give it the aromatic “brightness” that is almost stinging and intense at first. The farnesene seems to be contributing to the profile, but maybe not all the aromatic components are from this.”
The percentages of each chemical constituent in our German chamomile samples (Appendix 1) vary greatly, most likely because of geographic variety, growing and distilling practices. Sample #3 from England contained a very small amount (just over 17%) of the various bisabolol compounds, with the average of the others ranging from 49-70%. The amount of chamazulene also varied in the samples from 2.8-6%. The percentage of farnescene in sample #3 shows a much higher degree (41%) of farnascene than in the other samples, ranging from 12-31%. At the same it is markedly lower, almost absent, in the bisobolol components. One wonders if the habitat and growing conditions contribute to that and whether that sample would be less effective in delivering the expected positive bisobolol qualities. I could find no research to support that either way. There is a notation on the GCMS data that shows that the sample is not within the normal standard percentage found in the Bulgarian or Egyptian varieties. On the other hand, it could be an anomaly of this one particular sample. The sample from England also shows a higher level of Germacrene D and Bicyclo-germacrene than the samples from Bulgaria, Hungary and Egypt, where it is almost absent.
According to Schnaubelt, German chamomile oil is one of the most reliable anti-inflammatory agents in aromatherapy. “An overlooked quality is that it neutralizes toxic bacterial metabolic wastes, which are often the cause of fever during acute illness. German chamomile is an oil with distinct effects on the physical plane. It calms gastritis and stomach ulcers. To get the described benefits, care should be taken to utilize the (-)α- bisobolol chemotype, which may contain up to 30% of this compound.”
There are thousands of references and hundreds of evidence based studies done with Matricaria recutita that have shown incredible healing properties. Although it has fewer constituents than either yarrow or Tanacetum anuum, it appears that the synergy of the sesquiterpenes (chamazulene and farnascene) and oxides and alcohols (bisobolol components) are enough to provide a powerful therapeutic punch. It is generally safe to use although some a few sources recommend caution regarding some possible drug interactions.
Our second essential oil containing chamazulene is Achillea millfolium (yarrow). It is widespread all over the world and has been used for centuries by local peoples as folk or traditional herbal medicines for a variety of complaints including fever, respiratory infections, digestive problems, nervous tension and externally for sores, rashes and wounds. Use of yarrow as a natural medicine dates back to more than 60 thousand years and was found on the body of a Neanderthal and also one of the oldest recorded healing herbs used in Aruyvedic medicine. It has been called “little feather” in Spanish-speaking New Mexico and southern Colorado, A. millefolium is called plumajillo, or “little feather”, because of the shape of the leaves. Legend has it that Achilles used the plant during the Trojan War to help heal wounds. According to Culpepper, it is an herb of Venus, which induces sleep, eases pain and lessens bleeding. In ancient China, it was considered a sacred plant and its stems were used to make the 50 sticks used for divination by the I Ching.
The essential oil is distilled from the flowering tops of the plant, with flowers ranging from white, pink and yellow. Yarrow essential oil, like Matricaria recutita, is deep blue owing to the chamazulene content as a result of distillation. It has a deep herbaceous scent noted for its stress reducing action. Yarrow has an odor intensity of 7 and is a top note. Not recommended for use with babies, children and during pregnancy, may cause sensitization, contains ketones and should be used with caution. It is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, astringent, anti-spasmodic, carminative, digestive, emmenagugue, homeostatic and tonic. It is very useful for gynecological problems, its balancing quality helps regularize menstrual cycle and may relieve painful or heavy menstruation due to its anti inflammatory properties.
Battaglia notes that yarrow essential oil is not not only for wounds in skin care, but that it may be used for any irritated skin condition, particularly where its drying properties would be appropriate. “You can choose between, or experiment with yarrow, German chamomile, and blue Tansy to find the best inflammation reducing/soothing oil for your skin’s needs. It is regularly noted as a choice in eczema treatment formulations”.
As with Matricaria recutita, Achillea milfolium owes its wide range of healing powers to the synergy of its constituents. Yarrow has a number of monoterpenes (sabinene, alpha- and beta- pinenes, limonene), sesquiterpenes,(chamazulene, caryophyllene, Germacrene D), plus cineole 1, 8 (eucapyptol) (oxide), Terpinene-4-ol (monocyclic monoterenoid alkene alcohol), camphor and artemesia. As we will see shortly, Tanacetum anuum shares many of these same constituents, making their therapeutic properties similar in some respects. Appendix 2 illustrates four samples of Achillea milfollium with GCMS data ,three from Bulgaria, one from Canada. Let's look at a few of the predominant constituents.
Sabinene (monoterpene) is one of the main constituents of (and reason for) the hotness and spicy element of black pepper and a significant component present in carrots that contribute to its green, earthy flavor with relatively high odor activity values. Sabinene exhibits anti microbial, anti inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti fungal properties. It shows strong radical-scavenging activity which enables essential oils containing sabinene to be antioxidant in nature and has also been shown to be effective against Salmonella typhi, which causes food poisoning. It has been used to treat inflammation on the skin. In our samples (Appendix 2, the range of sabinene is 3% (sample 3, Canada) to 21.5% (sample 4,Bulgaria) The average expected range for Canadian yarrow is around 8%, and between 13-3.21% for the Bulgarian samples.
α -pinene and β-pinene: (monoterpenes) There are two isomers of pinene, alpha and beta. α-pinene is the most common terpine in nature and has the unmistakable aroma of pine needles occuring in conifer trees, rosemary, orange peel, terpenine and cannabis, while β-pinene is responsible for scents that are reminiscent of dill, parsley, basil, hops and, again, in cannabis) 31..Pinene is antibiotic, antiseptic, anti- bacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. β -pinene has been shown to be anti-depressant and acts in balancing the brain chemistry resulting in alterations of mood and depression. Pinene’s medical efficacy includes increased mental focus and energy. It also acts as a bronchodilator, making it helpful for people with asthma and other respiratory ailments. In addition, it is antibiotic and can be used as a topical antiseptic. Probably the most promising application of β-pinene is its potential power to reduce the size of cancerous tumors, according to a number of studies.
Cineole, 1, 8 (syn. eucalyptol) is a bicyclic monoterenoid ether found in over 200 essential oils. The name 1,8 refers to the fact that the oxygen atom is bonded to the first and eighth carbon atoms. 1,8 cineole is a remarkable chemical component offering strong therapeutic properties that have been well researched. .It is analgesic, anti-oxidant, anti bacterial, anti- inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, hypotensive, increases blood flow and mucolytic. It is found in fairly large amounts (over 50%) in eucalyptus (several), cajeput, sage, cardamom, marjoram, laurel leaf, niaouli, ravintsara and rosemary to name a few.34 In our yarrow samples the range is from 1.69% (sample 3, Canada; lower than the normal average for Canadian grown at 12%) the Bulgarian samples ranged between 8.5 and 13% and within the expected range.
Germacrene D (sesquiterpene) is one of five isomers of Germacrene and typically produced in a number of plant species for their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, though they also play a role as insect pheremones. Germacrene D is anti bacterial, insecticidal, anti-fungal and (together with caryophyllene) anti-cancer3. Our four samples (Appendix 2 show the average range of 5-10% and one, sample #3 (Canada) at 28%, well above the norm, coupled with the fairly low amount of sabinene, (and a significant potion of farnascene, not found in the others). One wonders if this is just anomalous to the particular sample or indicative of different growing, harvest and distilling methods.
β-Caryophyllene – is a bicyclic sesquiterpenoid alkene with a spicy, peppery scent and flavor found in many different edible plants. Spices like black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, as well as herbs like oregano, basil, hops, and rosemary and cannabis are known to exhibit high concentrations (over 20%) α- caryophyllene, (syn - α humulene ) is a monocyclic sesquiterpinol alkene and also found in hops and cannabis.38 – β-Caryophyllene is antibacterial, neuro-protective, anti-oxidant, analgesic, anti-proliferative, and anxiolytic. According to a number of ongoing studies, caryophyllene shows much promise as an anti-cancer agent.
“What makes caryophyllene chemically unique is its inclusion of a cyclobutane ring, which is a rarity in nature and makes it an attractive candidate for biotech research. Some cyclobutanes have already found medical uses, such as the chemotherapy drug Carboplatin. As BCP has also been shown to have cancer fighting properties it could be viable candidate for a new chemotherapy drug”.
In our yarrow samples (Appendix 2), the percentages of β-Caryophyllene range from 6-11%, within the normal expected range.
Camphor (bicyclic monoterpenoid ketone) and artemesia ketones are present to widely varying degrees in our samples; care should be taken as always with oils containing neurotoxic ketones and these would be contraindicated for children and during pregnancy.
Due to the chemical variation of the essential oil from different countries (and even within the same country as in our samples #1, 2, 4),it is especially important to have the GCMS data to insure that the best oil for the particular therapeutic goal is chosen. Along with the variety in chemotypes comes the responsibility of the safety of the oil. While some are rich in monoterpenes or alcohols, others are dominated by ketones or oxides and require safety considerations. There is much research available on the various species and subspecies of yarrow illustrating the versatility of this essential oil.
Our third and last essential oil containing chamazulene is Tanecetum Annuum (common names, blue tansy, Moroccan tansy, Moroccan chamomile, Moroccan blue chamomile). It is an annual plant, also in the Asteraceae family native to Northwestern Morocco. The essential oil is steam distilled from its arial parts, rendering it very dark blue due to its relatively high chamazulene content. It is a middle note with a complex, sweet, slightly floral aroma with camphorous and herbacious undertones. Before moving onto its chemical constituents and uses, it is necessary to look at a broad range of confusion, mislabeling and adulteration.
First, it should not be confused with Tannecetum vulgare, which can contain very high amounts of thujone and is not advised for therapeutic aromatherapy. Historically, the herb Tanacetum vulgare (common tansy, many chemotypes) was widely used to treat intestinal worms, rheumatism, digestive problems, fevers, sores, and to bring out measles. During the Middle Ages and later, high doses were used to induce abortions. Modern herbalists and aromatherapists are against its medicinal use because all species of common tansy are toxic and can cause hallucinations, spasms, convulsions and even death in large doses.
However, there is still at least one company (Bulk Apothecary) that completely misrepresents “tansy” as safe” and describes it as follows “Tanacetum annuum produces leaves and flowers from which the Tansy Clear Essential Oil is extracted . . .” while selling it as “Tanacetum vulgare” . Very confusing and potentially very dangerous.
“Botanical Name - Tanacetum vulgare. Plant Part - Leaves and Flowers. Extraction Method - Steam Distilled. Country of Origin – Morocco. Color - clear liquid.Description - Tanacetum annuum produces leaves and flowers, from which the Tansy Clear Essential Oil is extracted through high pressure, low heat steam extraction. Consistency – Thick. Strength of Aroma – Medium. Aromatic Scent - Tansy Clear Essential Oil has a surprisingly sweet scent making it perfect for applications in skin care products and skin therapies.History - Tansy Clear Essential Oil is also known as (true) Moroccan Chamomile, although another species grown in Morocco, Ormensis multicaulis, is loosely called Moroccan Chamomile.Cautions - Tansy Clear Essential”.
“Since Tanecetum annuum is often referred to as “Moroccan chamomile” it can also be confused with Ormensis multicaulis, also called Moroccan chamomile (but not blue in color, as it lacks chamazulene and has different therapeutic uses). It is still fairly commonly misidentified, or Latin names used interchangeably:” “Blue tansy is also known by its scientific names “Tanacetum Annuum or Tanacetum Vulgare.” 46(Author goes on to correctly identify the properties and composition of Tanacetum annuum which are of course very different from Tanecetum Vulgare)
To complicate matters further, in an otherwise accurate description of German chamomile, according to Michael Lavebre “Ormensis multicolis (blue chamomile) is dark blue, owing to the presence of azulene.” In a section on “Sources of Sequiterpenes in Essential Oils”, he identifies “German chamomile, yarrow and tansy” as containing chamazulene but makes no other reference to “tansy” in his book. Later in the Essential Oils Reference Table he identifies the properties of what should be Tanacetum annuum but refers again to “Ormensis multicolis. This book was written in 1991 and one of the earliest references to what we now know as (hopefully) Tanecetum annuum.
Jeanne Rose, in her informative paper on The Blue Oils also mentions confusion with Ormensis and correct identification, as well as confusing and misidentification of Artemesia arborescens with Tanecetum Annuum. “Here is an extreme example of an oil with two such different scents that they cannot be of the same species. It would be interesting to see just what species the producer had picked, distilled and sold to these companies.”
Dr. Robert Pappas also discussed the problems with adulteration. The recent drastically increased demand and following supply shortfall has resulted in a significant amount of adulterated or outright fake oil on the market. Typical adulterations are found with Nepalese chamomile, regular tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) as well as with other Moroccan oils such as Moroccan artemesias (artemesia herba alba), wild Moroccan chamomile (Ormensis mixta or multicaulis) and even Atlas cedar wood oil (Cedrus atlantica). All of these adulterations are easily detected by GC/MS. Of particular concern is the adulteration with the artemesias or with common vulgare tansy which typically contain high thujone, a known neurotoxin. There shold be no more than a trace of thujone in the oil of blue tansy, if any at all. … Any oil sold as Tanacetum hat is blue in color and also contains significant thujone is not an authentic oil.”
Although I received six different samples of Tanacetum anuum with GCMS data (See Appendix 3), one of the samples clearly was not Tanacetum anuum. It was a pale blue but contained no chamazulene, but did contain more than 50% thujone, making it more likely Tanacetum vulgare with some blue substance added. Because of the neurotoxity of thujone, especially in such high amounts, it is even more important to have test results. When brought to the attention of the distiller/seller of the obviously adulterated/mislabeled oil, no response was received.
Tanacetum anuum is known for the following healing properties: anti inflammatory, antiphlogistic, analgesic, nerve sedative, hypotensive, anti-histamine, anti-allergen and anti fungal. Like yarrow, it can be useful for reducing allergy and hay fever symptoms. It can be especially useful for asthma, muscular aches, eczema and sunburn. Schnaubelt recommends an “anti-inflammative synergy for external use of 5 ml sesame oil, 3 drops everlast [helichrysum italicum] and 2 drops Tanacetum anuum. This blend works as a first aid for painful sunburns or other situations where skin is actually damaged.”
Tanacetum anuum's main chemical constituents in addition to chamazulene and various chamazulene isomers, are myrcene, sabinene, alpha and beta pinene, Germacrene D, camphor, limonene, borneol, α-Phellandrene. Almost all these constituents also occur in our yarrow samples, although to differing degrees. Tanacetum anuum has more myrcene, more camphor, less caryophyllene; and less cineole 1, 8. α-Phellandrene occurs in Tanacetum anuum (4-5%) but only in trace amounts in the yarrow; it is one of two double bond monoterpenic isomers (together with β-phyllandrene) and at least partially responsible for the pleasing aroma of a number of essential oils. α-Phellandrene is anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, antioxidant and immuno-stimulant. I cannot find verification of its role in Tanacetum anuum but suspect that it may contribute to the its very unusual and pleasing blueberry like fruitiness.
Dr. Robert Pappas says of Tanacetum annum:
“The pleasant odor of this oil is unique and hard to compare to any other oil, having terpenic, camphoraceous and fruity notes all occurring simultaneously.53 ... “The oil has gained quite a following in aromatherapy circles for its therapeutic value and its easy to see the odor value from a perfumery standpoint but most perfumers are likely reluctant to formulate with the oil because of the intense color. Perhaps a fractionated version of the oil will one day be used in perfumery where the chamazulene has been removed (chamazulene contributes nothing to the odor).
Myrcene, a monoterpene, is found in both Tanacetum anuum and Achillea milfolium essential oils; it is analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-insomnia, anti psychotic and anti-spasmodic; its pleasant odor is one of the most important chemicals used in the perfume industry.
Although there has been little testing of Tanacetum anuum, it is generally thought to be safe to use during pregnancy; most sources indicate that it should not be used undiluted nor should it be ingested; it may interfere with certain medications including antidepressants, anti-psychotics, antihistamines and antibiotics. Because of its high camphor content, tanacetum anuum essential oil should not be used by people with epilepsy or Parkinson's disease.
Our five remaining samples are excellent examples of authentic Tanacetum anuum (Appendix 3) and show percentages well within the ideal range, according to the Dr. Pappas' EO Database; they also show the most homogenous percentages throughout the samples of any of our three “blue” oils; this may well be accounted for by the narrow distribution of the plant.
The “blue oils”, especially Tanacetum anuum, have become increasingly popular over the past decade, mostly in the cosmetic industry. Cham)azulene has become a very popular “buzz word” and contributed to a shortage of Tanacetum anuum oil during 2014-16 when the demand exceeded the supply, especially as it is confined to one geographic location (Morocco), was often adulterated or mislabeled.58 It's popularity has been propelled by social media over the last few years, both because of its apparent skin loving constituents and its very attractive scent.
“As an additive to its use in salves and ointments, azulene is thought to assist in calming a wide variety of skin irritations and conditions because of its soothing properties, anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial properties. Azulene can be found as an ingredient in bath salts, cosmetics, shaving creams and other topicals to help prevent or soothe minor skin irritations. “It is believed to assist in cell regeneration, so the oil is often found in skin care products used to combat wrinkles and skin blemishes”.
“Azulene: This Calming Blue Stuff is the Skin Equivalent of a Lullaby"
Brands seeking antimicrobial, anti-acne, but non-irritating ingredients have started to employ this ingredient, and the products are awesome. It makes perfect sense that a flower known for calming the mind and body for sleep — chamomile — would produce a chemical known as azulene that does the same for your skin.
You probably remember azulene if you've ever tried the abomination that is an at-home wax kit. The little blue bottle was filled with "azulene oil," which magically took away the sting of each rip. It was likely diluted in mineral oil, and still got the job done. Brands seeking antimicrobial, anti-acne, but non-irritating ingredients have started to employ this blue baby in their formulas, and they're awesome”.
In clinical studies azulenes and bisabolol have been shown to exhibit dramatic anti-inflammatory effects and chamazulene showed significant antioxidant protection. In practical terms this means that application of these natural substances will help to prevent skin blemishes from developing and will help stop deterioration of skin cells that leads to wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation.
On a personal note, I have been using Tanacetum anuum for about two years and have found it superior in number of blends. Indeed, it is the luscious scent that initially reeled me in and I have been using it in both therapeutic blends and perfumery. For seasonal allergies I added a couple of drops to my previous blend containing yarrow and adjusted the amount of each slightly, and had noticeably better results. For a relaxing diffuser blend I used substituted Tanacetum anuum for Roman chamomile, together with bergamot and geranium; the smell alone was intoxicating and greatly reduced anxiety for several clients.
As far as face and body care, I find Tanacetum anuum a superb ingredient, both for scent and visibly superior results. I had been making a very popular face crème for over a dozen years that contained a small amount of German chamomile (1 drop per oz, mostly because of high scent value), with several other essential oils. Upon experimenting with Tanacetum anuum, I changed the formula, adding two drops of the more aromatically pleasing Tanacetum anuum; the resulting blend not only was a beautiful pale blue but had better results in skin tone and elasticity in a wide range of clients (who also loved and preferred the scent).
In conclusion, we have seen that all three of our “blue oils” contain hefty amounts of healing compounds, especially monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, oxides and alcohols. These compounds are far-reaching in their therapeutic values, ranging from anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-viral, anti-spasmodic, relaxing, decongestant, emmenagogue, fungicidal, febrifuge, etc. and to various degrees are found in all these oils. Achillea milfolium and Tanacetum anuum share a closer “chemical constituent” footprint than Matricaria recutita, (with fewer overall constituents), where it is the combination of chamazulene and α-bisobolol that gives it its superior anti-inflammatory properties. Both the yarrow and Moroccan blue tansy seem to have a special affinity for the respiratory system and immune systems, especially good at tackling seasonable allergies, asthma and various skin ailments, perhaps due to the more complicated synergy of their chemical constituents.
It does appear that chamazulene is the anti-inflammatory “tie that binds”, boosting the already impressive array of healing compounds found in these three oils. Although Tanacetum anuum essential oil appears to have markedly higher levels of chamazulene and related dihydrochamazulene isomers, there have yet been no studies evidencing that the higher percentages increase the effectiveness overall. Hopefully more studies will be done with the newer chamazulene-rich oils (Tanacetum anuum and possibly Eriocephalus punctulatis (Cape chamomile). “This oil, which is not a true chamomile, is a relatively newcomer to the aromatherapy market and although it appears very promising extensive research is as yet unavailable”. In the meantime, one hopes to find even more ways to “sing” these beautifully powerful blue oils and incorporate them into aromatherapy practice and protocols.
Gwendolyn Evans
Clinical Aromatherapy 201
June 19, 2017