Description
Helichrysum oil is extracted from Helichrysum angustifolium (also known as Helichrysum italicum), of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family and is commonly known as everlasting oil, Immortelle and St. John’s herb (not to be confused with St. John’s Wort which is known as Hypericum perforatum). This oil is a strong smelling oil – people normally would describe it as a “herbal smell” and is not unpleasant – yet it does however dominate finer more fragile fragrances.
Oil properties
Helichrysum oil has a strongly straw-like, fruity smell, with a honey and tea undertone and the color can range from pale yellow to red. The viscosity is watery.
Origin of Helichrysum
This evergreen aromatic herb grows up to 60 cm (24 in) and is also called Italian Everlastings or Immortelle. It has a branched stem, silver-green scented leaves and dark yellow daisy-like flowers, which become dry as the plant matures, yet retain their color.
High quality oil is achieved if distillation occurs within 24 hours of harvesting; the younger plants yield greater quantities.
There are about 500 species of helichrysum, but only a few produce essential oil.
Helichrysum petals were used throughout Europe as a strewing herb in Medieval times.
Extraction
Helichrysum oil is extracted from the fresh or dried flowering-head clusters by steam distillation.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components of helichrysum oil are a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, neryl acetate, nerol, geraniol, eugenol, italidone and other b-diketones.
Precautions
Helichrysum oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing, but should not be used on children under 12 years.
Therapeutic Properties
The therapeutic properties of helichrysum oil are anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, analgesic, expectorant, cytophylactic, cholagogue and nervine.
Uses
Helichrysum oil is helpful for circulatory disorders; it can relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis. It has a beneficial effect on colds, flu, bronchitis, coughs and asthma.
Helichrysum oil has superb regenerating qualities and can assist in the healing of scars, acne, dermatitis, stretch marks, boils and abscesses. Folk medicine also presents this as a great boon for healing scars and fighting the ravages of aging.
It aids the digestive system, reducing liver and spleen congestion.
- Vapor therapy or used in a bath
- Blended massage oil
- As a blended massage, oil helichrysum oil can assist with muscle aches and pains, respiratory problems and the digestive system
- Creams and lotions
- In a cream or as a lotion, helichrysum oil can be beneficial to dermatitis, acne and the healing of scars as well as countering the effects of aging.
More information about Helichrysum Oil
Skin Care ~ powerful anti-ageing properties ~ regenerates skin ~ combats wrinkles, fine lines, age & liver spots ~ retains moisture, prevent dehydration, dry & cracked skin ~ keeps skin smooth & soft ~ excellent anti-inflammatory properties ~ helps inflamed skin ~ treatment for skin allergies, acne, blemishes, dermatitis, stretch marks, eczema, rashes, burns, bruises, herpes, psoriasis, abscesses, boils, sunburn & skin conditions ~ profound scar healing properties
Childrens Remedy ~ promotes cell health & growth ~ repairs of the body ~ beneficial for growing children or children who have obstructed growth
Digestive System ~ aids in digestion & acidity ~ treats stomach cramps
Immune System ~ speeds up wound healing ~ relieves body spasms ~ aids in fighting fever ~ relieves inflammation & soothing ~ helps maintain health of liver & spleen ~ inhibits microbial & fungal infections ~ neutralizes effects of nicotine & drugs ~ beneficial for treating tinnitus ~ helps stop bleeding ~ treats earache & nose bleeds
Lymphatic System ~ excellent detoxification properties ~ lymphatic drainage ~ stimulant ~ powerful remedy for varicose veins
Musculoskeletal System ~ helps relieve muscular & joint aches, pains & cramps ~ back pain ~ beneficial for treating arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, neuraliga, hematoma ~ analgestic (pain relieving) & anti-inflammatory properties
Nervous System ~ strengthens & protects ~ beneficial for depression, anxiety, despair, shock, stress, anger & tension ~ uplifting effect ~ helps alleviate pain caused from nervous issues ~ neuropathy & neuritis
Respiratory System ~ expectorant properties ~ treats congestion, colds, flu, asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, coughs, spasms
Urinary System ~ treatment for cystitis
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ heals physical & emotional heartache, pain & scarring ~ opens the heart, connects the body & spirit ~ assists in releasing emotional blacks that are rooted in the subconscious mind ~ makes one feel secure & safe ~ helps emotional heartache ~ promotes inner strength ~ brings awareness of the energies that affect our lives ~ calms those with pain emotions ~ patience while trying to understand love ~ brings courage, endurance & persistence ~ enables the path ahead to be clearer
Blends Well with ~ Ambrette Seed, Amyris, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Blood Orange, Cananga, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Citronella, Clary Sage, Clove, Copiaba, Cypress, Frangipani, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Lotus Pink, May Chang, Mandarin, Marjoram, Melissa, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli, Petitigrain, Rose, Rose Geranium, Rosewood, Sage, Sandalwood, Tagetes, Tangerine, Violet Leaf, Yarrow, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ Non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitising
