Blue Tansy Blue Tansy (Morocco)

Why Morocco?
Blue Tansy is endemic to northern Morocco, particularly in the Larache province of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. This area, rich in ancient history, and diverse cultures, shown even through their three official languages of Berber, Arabic, and French, is known for its agricultural traditions and cultural vibrancy. Here, the land is dry and sun-drenched, dotted with short vegetation, grazing sheep, and winding red-brown dirt paths. The scent of local dishes like tagine fills the air, and the spirit of community is woven into every aspect of life.

Historically, Blue Tansy was wild-harvested, growing abundantly across the northern Mediterranean. But as global demand surged, wild populations came under pressure. In 2016, doTERRA’s sourcing partner led the first intentional cultivation of Blue Tansy in Morocco. Working with several cooperatives and hundreds of smallholder farmers, they helped transition from wild to cultivated—preserving the plant while creating new income opportunities for rural families.

Blue Tansy is more than an essential oil—it’s a story of adaptation, stewardship, and cultural richness. From seed to still, every step is guided by hands that know the land and hearts committed to its care. In every bottle, the essence of Morocco lingers—bold, beautiful, and born of a landscape where tradition and innovation grow side by side.

Harvest and Production Process

Blue Tansy is an annual plant that grows up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. Farmers begin by saving seeds from the previous year’s crop, developing small nurseries of seedlings during the winter. These are transplanted into the fields in February, after the frost has passed. The plant is typically harvested in September, when oil yields are at their peak.

After harvest, the aerial parts—stems, flowers, and leaves—are left to dry in the field for one to two days. The dried biomass is then transported to a distillation facility in Guisser. The essential oil is steam distilled, and because its density is nearly identical to water, a careful separation process is required to extract the oil. Yields are low, averaging around 0.1%, and vary depending on the moisture content of the plant material, but it takes about 3 pounds to produce 5 mL of Blue Tansy essential oil.

Social Impact

doTERRA’s sourcing partner has built a sourcing model on fairness, transparency, and long-term partnership. Farmers are paid based on the weight and quality of their biomass, with higher prices offered for material rich in leaves and flowers. This partner consistently pays 10% above prevailing market rates to maintain strong relationships with contracted farmers. During harvest season, field officers are employed to manage purchases and check quality control.

The cooperatives function as informal collectives, giving farmers greater bargaining power and access to shared resources. This model not only supports economic resilience but also allows for scaling production across multiple regions—helping mitigate risks like drought and climate variability.