Helichrysum

Helichrysum italicum

History

Helichrysum is a yellow flower from the Mediterranean region that, when dried, retains its color and scent, thus earning its nickname, immortelle, or the immortal flower. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties which help heal scars and reverse the signs of aging. Additionally, it has been shown that it has the ability to support the health of neurological tissues as well as support the immune system. Finally Helichrysum is a mood booster. Its antidepressant properties are helpful for those experiencing shock, depression, stress, and hopelessness.

I love all the floral oils I have, but helichrysum essential oil is really worth investing in–not for its scent (which, I’ll be honest, it’s not my favorite)–but because it is so incredibly effective.

Immortelle: The Everlasting Oil

This cooling and soothing oil is a powerhouse when it comes to benefits. Pricey, but well worth it!

USE: Skin Care | Diffusion | First Aid

Helichrysum Essential Oil: Extracted via steam distillation from the fresh flowers. There are many types of Helichrysum but only Helichrysum italicum is used for essential oil extraction.

Helichrysum Essential Oil Blend: Many essential oil companies will sell Helichrysum blended in jojoba or other carrier oil as an affordable alternative to buying the pure essential oil. This is a great alternative if you don’t plan on diffusing helichrysum. However, try to purchase a blend that tells you the percent dilution (5%, 10%, etc) as you still need to make sure to use it at safe dilution levels of 0.5% or less.

Blends Well With

  • Chamomile
  • Geranium
  • Lavender
  • Rose
  • Rosewood
  • Clary Sage
  • Bergamot
  • Other Citruses

Key Benefits

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiallergenic
  • Antiseptic
  • Stops swelling and bruise formation.
  • Helps with spider veins
  • Reduces allergy symptoms: hives, contact dermatitis, etc.
  • Helps stop bleeding and pain in open wounds and cuts. Some people claim it acts like a liquid bandaid.
  • Rejenerative, heals burns and cuts
  • Helps fade scars, stretch marks, and acne scars and blemishes
  • May ease nerve pain
  • Relieves pain from rheumatism, arthritis, muscle aches, sprains, and strains
  • Boosts immunte system
  • Good to prevent and treat colds and flu
  • Treats respiratory ailments: bronchitis, coughs, whooping cough
  • Uplifting: relieves stress, depression, shock, or lethargy

Safety

Use well diluted if you are going to apply to small cuts, burns, or wounds that are not totally healed.

(As a norm, I never EVER use EOs–diluted or not–on open cuts, but Helichrysum has worked for me well in the past. Proceed at your own risk)

Topical Application

Luxurious Blemish Buster

1% dilution for face & neck.

  • 1 drops Rose Otto (or Absolute)
  • 2 drops Helichrysum
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion

3% dilution for body massage.

  • 3 drops Rose Otto (or Absolute)
  • 6 drops Helichrysum
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion

Gentle and Healing Blend

1% dilution for face & neck:

  • 2 drops Helichrysum
  • 2 drops Lavender
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) carrier oil OR lotion

Bruises

3% dilution for face & neck:

  • 7 Helichrysum
  • 7 Lavender
  • 5 Marjoram
  • 3 Geranium
  • 3 Roman Chamomile
  • 30 mL carrier oil OR lotion

Nerve Pain

2% dilution for carpel tunnel or other nerve pain:

  • 3 drops Helichrysum
  • 3 drops Balck pepper
  • 10 mL carrier

 

 

Healing

Cuts and Bruises

3% dilution rate to speed healing, and reduce scars. Decrease dilution rate to 1% for sensitive or elderly skin

In a 10 mL roll-on bottle, add the following number of drops of essential oils

  • 9 drops Helichrysum

Fill the rest of the bottle with your carrier of choice. (I prefer sweet almond or rosehip oil).

Cuts and Bruises+

3% dilution rate to speed healing. Excellent for fighting bacteria in small cuts. Decrease dilution rate to 1% for sensitive or elderly skin

In a 10 mL roll-on bottle, add the following number of drops of essential oils

  • 3 drops Helichrysum
  • 1 drop Frankincense
  • 1 drop Melaleuca
  • 3 drop Lavender
  • 1 drop Myrrh

Fill the rest of the bottle with your carrier of choice. (I prefer sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil).

Diffusing Blends

Cough-go-away

  • 3 drops Mandarin
  • 2 drops Lavender
  • 4 drops Helichrysum

I’ve Got Sunshine

  • 3 drops Orange
  • 2 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Helichrysum

Treasure Box

  • 3 drops Bergamot
  • 3 drops Frankincense
  • 2 drops Helichrysum

Featured in Episode 3

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