Guaiazulene

The particular components that give many essential oils their blue hew, are called guaiazulene or chamazulene. Also known as ‘azulene’ this naturally occurring organic compound was named after the Spanish word for blue, azul, as an ode to it’s striking deep blue color. It was first isolated from a German chamomile herb in the 15th century and that is still the most common source though it can be found in blue tansy, yarrow and blue cypress plants. Guaiazulene is a gentle, non-irritating ingredient that is well tolerated even on hypersensitive skin when used as a coloring agent, but of course it is much more than it’s beautiful color. Guaiazulene has proven to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antipyretic, ulcer-protective, and antifungal properties, according to a report by Paula Gardiner, Assistant Director for the Program for Integrative Medicine and Health Care Disparities at Boston Medical Center. According to the US Library of Medicine, inflammation occurs in response to the immune system’s response to foreign substances and guaiazulene has shown to inhibit these actions reducing inflammation, and redness and infusing a soothing, and calming quality to minimize these symptoms. Further, the antioxidant benefits and antibiotic benefits have shown effectiveness at easing conditions like eczema and rashes.