The essential oil of Helichrysum is relatively unknown in the United States, though interest in this natural healing phenomenon is growing, and with very good reason. Helichrysum is one of the most potent, dramatically healing essential oils used in medical aromatherapy today. As noted in 'Medical Aromatherapy: Healing With Essential Oils', the effects of this oil are "so convincing" as to have "never met with any kind of criticism." What is this little known oil, where does it come from, and what are its healing actions? Let's have a look!
With so many species of Helichrysum grown, and several essential oils distilled from these, it is important to recognize the most important of the therapeutic varieties. It is the 'italicum' species of the Helichrysum plant that is mentioned with highest regard in the aromatherapy literature; moreover, the 'serotinum' sub-species may be the most potent. When looking for the oil, be sure it is 100% pure, undiluted, Helichrysum italicum for best effects.
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.
By now you're likely asking: "So what does it DO?" Ah, well, a great many things! Helichrysum italicum is a unique essential oil in its distinct synergy of molecular components. It is the only oil known to contain safe but powerful regenerative di-ketones. Its curcumene components have been studied for their anti-inflammatory action; further, the oil contains what are known as 'spasmolytic esters' which cause tissues to relax. Relaxing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative - a wonderful combination in a single therapeutic oil.
As Dr. Schnaubelt notes in Medical Aromatherapy: "The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is unique...(the oil) works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and regenerated." Its most common use is for healing skin, muscle and connective tissue. Helichrysum may be applied directly to cuts and scrapes, perhaps with a small amount of Tea Tree oil for additional antibacterial action. It has been recommended for surgical wounds, applied beginning seven days after a procedure. Continued application may significantly reduce scar formation, and can even treat old scars of various origins (we'll get to the recipes for this shortly!)
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 found in many recipes for healing and supporting skin health. It is found often as a primary component to reduce the appearance of acne and keloid scars: use 1 milliliter Helichrysum and 1 milliliter Rosemary c.t. Verbenone in each ounce of a 25/75 blend of Rosehip seed and Hazelnut oils. While older scars may take up to six months of application, the effects are said to be surprisingly dramatic. Stretch marks post-partum and after significant weight loss may also be reduced using the same blend.
Briefly, Helichrysum italicum is also used for neuralgia - with its regenerative and analgesic actions: Use the oil diluted as a massage formula for painful or tingling areas. . It may offer support for other physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar blend, with other warming oils added for improved circulation (small amounts of Black Pepper and Ginger essential oils are often used). The oil may help tinnitus symptoms: place one drop on a cotton ball in the ear each night for one to two weeks. Helichrysum acts as an anti-coagulant, and is supportive of the veins and in cases where vein degeneration has lead to clot formation. It can offer support in cases of coughs, colds and asthma; It is further used for headaches, nervous tension, and exhaustion from stress. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice on Helichrysum's use as part of your health and wellness program.
On the more esoteric side, where aromatherapy also affects the psyche and emotions, according to Mojay's 'Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit': "Those (emotions) that are most indicated...sare enduring resentment, half-conscious anger, bitterness of spirit, and a stubbornly negative attitude." For many, there can be a direct link between these hardened emotions and physical manifestation of illness. Aromatherapy massage with Helichrysum may be extremely beneficial, as one receives the oil's aroma, its biological effects, and the healing touch of massage. Here, the oil may be used in a 1-3% dilution, alone or with other oils tailored to the person's needs.
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.
With so many species of Helichrysum grown, and several essential oils distilled from these, it is important to recognize the most important of the therapeutic varieties. It is the 'italicum' species of the Helichrysum plant that is mentioned with highest regard in the aromatherapy literature; moreover, the 'serotinum' sub-species may be the most potent. When looking for the oil, be sure it is 100% pure, undiluted, Helichrysum italicum for best effects.
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.
By now you're likely asking: "So what does it DO?" Ah, well, a great many things! Helichrysum italicum is a unique essential oil in its distinct synergy of molecular components. It is the only oil known to contain safe but powerful regenerative di-ketones. Its curcumene components have been studied for their anti-inflammatory action; further, the oil contains what are known as 'spasmolytic esters' which cause tissues to relax. Relaxing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative - a wonderful combination in a single therapeutic oil.
As Dr. Schnaubelt notes in Medical Aromatherapy: "The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is unique...(the oil) works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and regenerated." Its most common use is for healing skin, muscle and connective tissue. Helichrysum may be applied directly to cuts and scrapes, perhaps with a small amount of Tea Tree oil for additional antibacterial action. It has been recommended for surgical wounds, applied beginning seven days after a procedure. Continued application may significantly reduce scar formation, and can even treat old scars of various origins (we'll get to the recipes for this shortly!)
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 found in many recipes for healing and supporting skin health. It is found often as a primary component to reduce the appearance of acne and keloid scars: use 1 milliliter Helichrysum and 1 milliliter Rosemary c.t. Verbenone in each ounce of a 25/75 blend of Rosehip seed and Hazelnut oils. While older scars may take up to six months of application, the effects are said to be surprisingly dramatic. Stretch marks post-partum and after significant weight loss may also be reduced using the same blend.
Briefly, Helichrysum italicum is also used for neuralgia - with its regenerative and analgesic actions: Use the oil diluted as a massage formula for painful or tingling areas. . It may offer support for other physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar blend, with other warming oils added for improved circulation (small amounts of Black Pepper and Ginger essential oils are often used). The oil may help tinnitus symptoms: place one drop on a cotton ball in the ear each night for one to two weeks. Helichrysum acts as an anti-coagulant, and is supportive of the veins and in cases where vein degeneration has lead to clot formation. It can offer support in cases of coughs, colds and asthma; It is further used for headaches, nervous tension, and exhaustion from stress. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice on Helichrysum's use as part of your health and wellness program.
On the more esoteric side, where aromatherapy also affects the psyche and emotions, according to Mojay's 'Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit': "Those (emotions) that are most indicated...sare enduring resentment, half-conscious anger, bitterness of spirit, and a stubbornly negative attitude." For many, there can be a direct link between these hardened emotions and physical manifestation of illness. Aromatherapy massage with Helichrysum may be extremely beneficial, as one receives the oil's aroma, its biological effects, and the healing touch of massage. Here, the oil may be used in a 1-3% dilution, alone or with other oils tailored to the person's needs.
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.
About the Author:
The author is a co-founder of Ananda Aromatherapy Essential Oils. More information on the therapeutic use of essential oils can be found at The Ananda Apothecary.
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