Helichrysum Essential Oil Belongs In Your Medicine Cabinet

In the United States, common use of the term 'Aromatherapy' is a bit misleading. The practice has been given a 'touchy-feely', 'soft-science' status to the general public through mainstream media. With progressive natural health practitioners, and throughout much of the rest of the world, the therapeutic use of essential oils has a more elevated, scientifically-backed status. In the realm of medical aromatherapy, Helichrysum italicum essential oil holds an important place for its broad range of healing actions, which can benefit individuals from many walks of life.

There are many, many species of the Helichrysum plant; it is crucial to find oil distilled from a particular variety for therapeutic use. The most healing essential oil is extracted from the small golden flowers of the Helichrysum ‘italicum’ species, with the ‘serotinum’ sub-species being the most highly regarded. Though oils from other Helichrysum species are available, their therapeutic actions are not as dramatic. To make matters more complicated, Helichrysum essential oil is also known as ‘Immortelle’ and ‘Everlasting’ – check the Latin name to be sure of the oil’s source.

Helichrysum italicum is found growing wild around the Mediterranean, where fine grades of the essential oil are distilled. With growth in the oil’s popularity, exceptional oils are now being produced in North America as well, with laboratory credentials and brilliant aromas to prove it. As with many other essential oils, it is the care taken in the growing of the plant and use of precise distillation techniques that make an oil ‘therapeutic grade’; where different geographical locations can sometimes produce different ‘chemotypes’ of essential oils, this does not seem to be the case with Helichrysum. As is also the case with most essential oils, a pleasing, well-rounded, natural aroma is indicative of its healing potency.

So what are the wonderful healing effects of this oil? Helichrysum has a brilliant synergy of naturally active molecular ingredients. It is the only essential oil known to contain regenerative ‘di-ketones’, chemicals which signal living tissues to heal themselves. Other oils contain ketone molecules, but these can be harmful in high amounts. Helichrysum oil and its components are totally benign and regarded as completely safe. Helichrysum also contains curcumene molecules recently being studied for their strong anti-inflammatory properties, and ‘spasmolytic esters’ (muscle and tissue relaxants).

The oil has a great variety of applications due to this broad range of action: “The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is unique” states Dr. Schnaubelt. It is regularly used for skin, muscle and connective tissue injuries and healing with profound results. As noted in ‘Medical Aromatherapy’: “Generally, Helichrysum italicum works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and regenerated.”

The oil is exceptionally handy for moms with little sports enthusiasts where bumps and bruises seem to be a regular part of their game. A little Helichrysum oil immediately applied on the hurt area can prevent a bruise from even appearing, and if applied later (and perhaps several times over the next couple of days) can significantly speed healing. Of course, the effect isn’t limited to little ones – the oil is growing in popularity for folks of all ages that are into sports and fitness, for use with acute and chronic injuries alike. Most often, the oil should be used ‘neat’ right away, then a 5-10% dilution in a common base oil applied thereafter; the oil is safe to use as frequently as desired.

Helichrysum is included in many therapeutic blends for the skin. It is considered anti-inflammatory, tissue regenerating and a cicatrisant (scar reducing). To treat scars, old and new, use 25 drops Helichrysum, 25 drops Rosemary Verbenone and 75 drops Calophyllum (Tamanu) in each ounce of Hazelnut oil. Apply regularly to the scar; this formula is even used for smoothing of old keloid scars over a period of six months. For additional support, add 75 drops of Rosehip seed oil to the blend. Helichrysum is used in blends to reduce stretch marks after pregnancy: Use a 3% dilution of Helichrysum oil in Hazelnut with 20% Rosehip seed as the base and apply regularly. During pregnancy, a low dilution blend (1% total essential oils) of Neroli and Cypress in Hazelnut oil is recommended to prevent the marks from occurring. Hemorrhoids may be relieved with 1% Helichrysum and 1% German Chamomile in Sesame oil. Allergic skin reactions and eczema may be calmed with 1% each Helichrysum and Blue Tansy essential oils in Hazelnut oil.

Helichrysum essential oil is indicated for many other conditions, and should be discussed with your healthcare provider to see if it makes sense as an adjunct therapy. The oil may ease symptoms of neuralgia through its regenerative and analgesic properties – apply a 3% dilution of the oil in Hazelnut or Jojoba to tingling or painful areas. It may offer support for other physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar concentration, with added warming oils may be added for improved. Helichrysum acts as an anti-coagulant, and is supportive of the veins. It is considered effective for reducing tinnitus: a drop is placed on a cotton ball and put in the ear each night for two weeks – some recommend simply placing a drop on the pinky and massaging the ear canal. The antispasmodic and decongestive actions help with coughs, colds and asthma. It also can offer great support for stress related exhaustion and headaches.

More esoterically, the oil may be used ‘aroma’ therapeutically for those with emotional pain, and physical pain or conditions associated with the emotional wounding. It is particularly noted to support release of deeply rooted or stuck emotions such as enduring resentment, suppressed anger, or a persistently bitter or negative attitude. Massage is the most healing of modalities for employing the oil, as healing touch can affect the psyche as much as the body. Use the oil at a low concentration in any common massage base alone or with other soothing essential oils such as Lavender or Chamomile.

So as you can see, Helichrysum is well-suited to a great many individuals concerned with natural health, wellness and fitness. Whether you’ve got active children, you’re active sports enthusiast or have one in your family, you’re healing your skin or improving its appearance, or have other muscular, nerve, joint or vascular conditions, Helichrysum italicum oil may offer welcome healing action. Helichrysum can be applied regularly, as it is a safe essential oil with no contraindications. The oil is still relatively rare, and the flowers only yields a small amount, so the cost may seem a little high - but a little goes a long way. It is only used undiluted in acute situations; otherwise a low dilution is often used. Helichrysum italicum is one of aromatherapy’s stand-out healing oils, coming highly recommended by many natural healers, and deserves a place in nearly everyone’s medicine chest.