Helichrysum
Species name: Helichrysum essential oil is extracted from Helichrysum angustifolium, of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family.
Also known as: Helichrysum is commonly known as everlasting oil, Immortelle and St. John's herb (which is quite different from St. John's Wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum).
Helichrysum oil has a strong, fruity/straw scent, and can range in tone from light yellow to red. The texture of this essential oil is thin and watery.
Helichrysum essential oil is classified as an aromatic herb.
Helichrysum oil is extracted from the fresh or dried flowering-head clusters by steam distillation, but to get the best quality of essential oil, the distillation must take place within a day after harvesting the blooms, and by using the younger plants, the greater the essential oil yield will be.
There are a great number of types of helichrysum, but there are very few that are actually viable for essential oil extraction.
Helichrysum petals were used during medieval history in Europe, and were strewn on floors, wardrobes, and straw sleeping mattresses.
Home Remedies using Helichrysum Essential Oil:
Benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil:
The therapeutic uses for Helichrysum oil are to treat and prevent allergies, help prevent inflammation, to calm spasms in the stomach, colon, and bowels. Helichrysum is a great astringent, helps reduce excess water retention, and relieves pain.
It is useful for breaking up excess mucus in nasal passages and the entire respiratory system, and it has been effective as a nerve tonic as well.
Helichrysum oil is beneficial for diabetics and others who have circulation problems. It can relieve the pain and inflammation of muscles and joints, and has a therapeutive effect on congestion and other symptoms associated with things like bronchitis, the common cold, and asthma and even liver and spleen congestion.
Helichrysum can help heal and reduce the appearance of skin blemishes like acne, stretch marks, scars due to wounds, rashes, and boils. Folk remedies and natural cures tout this essential oil as having great success in the appearance of aging and healing scars.
- Helichrysum essential oil is effective in inhalation therapy when it is diluted in a warm bath, inhaled in steam therapy, it can help relieve muscle pain and body aches. This essential oil is also beneficial for respiratory problems and as a digestive aid.
- As a massage oil, when blended with other essential oil or diluted in a carrier oil, helichrysum oil can assist with muscle aches and pains, respiratory problems and the digestive system.
- When a few drops of helichrysum oil is added to a cream or lotion, and rubbed into the skin, it can help to alleviate dermatitis, banish acne and heal wounds with minimal scarring. Helichrysum essential oil can also help delay or reduce the visible signs of aging in the skin, maintaining elasticity and a smooth, youthful appearance.
Side Effects of Helichrysum Essential Oil:
Helichrysum essential oil is considered non-toxic. It is not a known skin irritant and rarely do people develop sensitizations with prolonged use, but it should not be used on children less than twelve years of age.
