| Helichrysum is one of the most potent, dramatically | | | | appearing; if application is delayed, the oil will still |
| healing essential oils used in European medical | | | | speed healing. Overuse or overstretching of tendons |
| aromatherapy today - An essential oil so useful, even | | | | can be helped with a blend of Helichrysum, Eucalyptus |
| those de-bunking aromatherapy do not challenge its | | | | citradora and Yarrow flower oils in Comfrey cream. |
| wonderful effects! What is Helichrysum oil, and how | | | | Helichrysum is included in many therapeutic blends for |
| can it benefit the newcomer to aromatherapy? | | | | the skin. It is considered anti-inflammatory, tissue |
| In the United States, common use of the term | | | | regenerating and a cicatrisant (scar reducing). To |
| 'Aromatherapy' is a bit misleading. The practice has | | | | treat scars, old and new, use 25 drops Helichrysum, |
| been given a 'touchy-feely', 'soft-science' status to | | | | 25 drops Rosemary Verbenone and 75 drops |
| the general public through mainstream media. In much | | | | Calophyllum (Tamanu) in each ounce of Hazelnut oil. |
| of the rest of the world, however, the therapeutic | | | | Apply regularly to the scar; this formula is even used |
| use of essential oils has a more elevated, | | | | for smoothing of old keloid scars over a period of six |
| scientifically-backed status. In the realm of medical | | | | months. To futher enhance the mixture, create a |
| aromatherapy, Helichrysum italicum essential oil holds | | | | base of Hazelnut and Rosehip seed oils in a 75/25 |
| an important place for its extremely broad range of | | | | ratio. Helichrysum is used in blends to reduce stretch |
| healing action, which can benefit individuals from | | | | marks after pregnancy: Use a 3% dilution of |
| many walks of life. | | | | Helichrysum oil in Hazelnut with 20% Rosehip seed as |
| There are over five hundred species of the plant; it is | | | | the base and apply regularly. During pregnancy, a low |
| crucial to find oil distilled from a particular variety for | | | | dilution blend (1% total essential oils) of Neroli and |
| therapeutic use. The most potent oil is distilled from | | | | Cypress in Hazelnut oil is recommended to prevent |
| the tiny gold flower of the italicum species; the | | | | the marks from occurring. Hemorrhoids may be |
| serotinum sub-species is noted by some authors as | | | | relieved with 1% Helichrysum and 1% German |
| the most healing of all. Though oils from other | | | | Chamomile in Sesame oil. Allergic skin reactions and |
| Helichrysum species are available, their therapeutic | | | | eczema may be calmed with 1% each Helichrysum |
| actions are not as dramatic. To make matters more | | | | and Blue Tansy essential oils in Hazelnut oil. |
| complicated, Helichrysum essential oil is also known as | | | | Helichrysum essential oil has been used for a great |
| Immortelle' and Everlasting' — check | | | | many other conditions. In brief, it is chosen to |
| the Latin name to be sure of the oil's source. | | | | support the healing of neuropathy; its regenerative |
| The Helichrysum flower is native to the | | | | properties may be helpful, and its pain-relieving action |
| Mediterranean, where much of the finest oil is distilled. | | | | can be of great support. Use the oil at a 1-5% dilution |
| Because of the growing popularity of the oil, | | | | as a massage blend for painful or tingling areas. One |
| outstanding varieties are now being produced in the | | | | drop is placed on a cotton ball and put in the ear |
| United States, with laboratory test results showing | | | | each night for two weeks to relieve tinnitus. It may |
| exceptionally high concentrations of the principal | | | | offer support for other physical conditions such as |
| active constituents — as high or higher than | | | | fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar blend - other |
| even the fine European varieties. These domestically | | | | warming oils may be added for improved circulation |
| produced oils are a great bargain compared to the | | | | (Black Pepper and Ginger are often used, in a base |
| imported oils, with their high therapeutic efficacy and | | | | of Sesame). Helichrysum acts as an anti-coagulant, |
| lower costs. Wherever the origin of the oil, ensure it | | | | and is supportive of the veins and in cases of |
| is therapeutic grade from a reliable supplier to obtain | | | | thrombophlebitis (where vein degeneration has lead |
| the most benefits. | | | | to clot formation). The antispasmodic, anticatarrhal, |
| So what are the wonderful healing effects of this oil? | | | | and decongestive actions can offer support in cases |
| Helichrysum has a brilliant synergy of naturally active | | | | of coughs, colds and asthma. It is further used for |
| molecular ingredients. It is the only essential oil known | | | | headaches, relief of nervous tension, and exhaustion |
| to contain regenerative di-ketones', chemicals | | | | due to stress. |
| which signal living tissues to heal themselves. A few | | | | The spicy-floral aroma of Helichrysum is uplifting and |
| other essential oils contain ketones, though most of | | | | grounding, with an effect on the psyche that may |
| these are employed in very limited applications due to | | | | help release stuck' emotions. According to Gabriel |
| safety concerns. Essential oil steam distilled from the | | | | Mojay's Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit': |
| Helichrysum flower, along with its active molecules, is | | | | "Those (emotions) that are most indicated
are |
| extremely safe. Helichrysum also contains curcumene | | | | enduring resentment, half-conscious anger, bitterness |
| molecules recently being studied for their strong | | | | of spirit, and a stubbornly negative attitude." |
| anti-inflammatory properties, and spasmolytic | | | | Helichrysum makes an excellent addition to many |
| esters' (muscle and tissue relaxants). | | | | aromatherapy massage blends for this reason; the |
| As Dr. Schnaubelt notes: "The pain-reducing, analgesic, | | | | biologic and emotional effects of the essential oil |
| and regenerative effect is unique...Generally, | | | | combine to those individuals in pain. The touch of |
| Helichrysum italicum works for all conditions in which | | | | caring therapeutic massage using the wonderful |
| inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and | | | | properties of Helichrysum is likely to bring profound |
| regenerated." The oil has a great variety of | | | | relief for many people. |
| applications due to this broad range of action. It is | | | | So whether you've got energetic kids, you're active |
| regularly used for skin, muscle and connective tissue | | | | sports enthusiast, you're healing your skin in one of |
| injuries and healing with profound results. Most simply, | | | | many ways, or have other muscular, nerve, joint or |
| the essential oil may be applied directly to larger cuts, | | | | vascular conditions, essential oil of the Helichrysum |
| scrapes and even surgical incisions to speed healing | | | | italicum flower may bring welcome healing action. The |
| (true Lavender oil works well for small wounds | | | | essential oil can be used regularly and often by health |
| — add a little Tea Tree in either case for a | | | | professionals with its excellent safety profile. |
| stronger anti-microbial effect). | | | | The oil is precious — the flowers only yields a |
| It is an excellent remedy to have available when | | | | small amount, though a little goes a long way (as with |
| sports enthusiasts young and old are at play. | | | | most essential oils). It is only used undiluted in acute |
| Helichrysum is used neat' (undiluted) on injuries | | | | cases; otherwise a dilution of 3% or less is often |
| such as bruises and twists that have just occurred to | | | | called for. Helichrysum is one of aromatherapy's |
| prevent further damage from swelling and | | | | stand-out healing oils, coming highly recommended by |
| hematoma. Hopefully the oil is on-hand, as its | | | | many natural healers, and deserves a place in nearly |
| immediate application can prevent a bruise from | | | | everyone's medicine chest. |