The essential oil of Helichrysum is relatively unknown in
the United States, though interest and experience with this
natural healing phenomenon is growing – and with very good
reason. Helichrysum is one of the most potent, dramatically
healing essential oils used in European medical
aromatherapy today. As noted by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in
'Medical Aromatherapy: Healing With Essential Oils', the
effects of this oil are "so convincing that it has never
met with any kind of criticism." An essential oil so
useful, even those de-bunking aromatherapy do not challenge
its wonderful effects! So what is Helichrysum oil, and how
can it benefit the newcomer to aromatherapy?
There are many, many species of the Helichrysum plant; it
is crucial to find oil distilled from a particular variety
for therapeutic use. The most healing essential oil is
extracted from the small golden flowers of the Helichrysum
'italicum' species, with the 'serotinum' sub-species being
the most highly regarded. Though oils from other
Helichrysum species are available, their therapeutic
actions are not as dramatic. To make matters more
complicated, Helichrysum essential oil is also known as
'Immortelle' and 'Everlasting' – check the Latin name to be
sure of the oil's source.
The Helichrysum flower is native to the Mediterranean,
where much of the finest oil is distilled. Because of the
growing popularity of the oil, outstanding varieties are
now being produced in the United States, with laboratory
test results showing exceptionally high concentrations of
the principal active constituents – as high or higher than
even the fine European varieties. These domestically
produced oils are a great bargain compared to the imported
oils, with their high therapeutic efficacy and lower costs.
Whichever source you choose, be sure it is pure Helichrysum
italicum essential oil you use for therapeutic purposes.
So what are the wonderful healing effects of this oil?
Helichrysum has a brilliant synergy of naturally active
molecular ingredients. It is the only essential oil known
to contain regenerative 'di-ketones', chemicals which
signal living tissues to heal themselves. Other oils
contain ketone molecules, but these can be harmful in high
amounts. Helichrysum oil and its components are totally
benign and regarded as completely safe. Helichrysum also
contains curcumene molecules recently being studied for
their strong anti-inflammatory properties, and 'spasmolytic
esters' (muscle and tissue relaxants).
As Dr. Schnaubelt notes: "The pain-reducing, analgesic, and
regenerative effect is unique...Generally, Helichrysum
italicum works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue
needs to be calmed down and regenerated." The oil has a
great variety of applications due to this broad range of
action. It is regularly used for skin, muscle and
connective tissue injuries and healing with profound
results. Most simply, the essential oil may be applied
directly to larger cuts, scrapes and even surgical
incisions to speed healing (true Lavender oil works well
for small wounds – add a little Tea Tree in either case for
a stronger anti-microbial effect).
It is an excellent remedy to have available when sports
enthusiasts young and old are at play. Helichrysum is used
'neat' (undiluted) on injuries such as bruises and twists
that have just occurred to prevent further damage from
swelling and hematoma. If applied immediately, a bruise may
not even appear; if application is delayed, the oil will
still speed healing. Tendonitis may be addressed with a
blend of 1% Helichrysum, 1% Lemon Eucalyptus and 1% Yarrow
oils in a base of Comfrey cream applied regularly to the
area.
Helichrysum is included in many therapeutic blends for the
skin. It is considered anti-inflammatory, tissue
regenerating and a cicatrisant (scar reducing). To treat
scars, old and new, use 25 drops Helichrysum, 25 drops
Rosemary Verbenone and 75 drops Calophyllum (Tamanu) in
each ounce of Hazelnut oil. Apply regularly to the scar;
this formula is even used for smoothing of old keloid scars
over a period of six months. For additional support, add 75
drops of Rosehip seed oil to the blend. Helichrysum is used
in blends to reduce stretch marks after pregnancy: Use a 3%
dilution of Helichrysum oil in Hazelnut with 20% Rosehip
seed as the base and apply regularly. During pregnancy, a
low dilution blend (1% total essential oils) of Neroli and
Cypress in Hazelnut oil is recommended to prevent the marks
from occurring. Hemorrhoids may be relieved with 1%
Helichrysum and 1% German Chamomile in Sesame oil.
Allergic skin reactions and eczema may be calmed with 1%
each Helichrysum and Blue Tansy essential oils in Hazelnut
oil.
Helichrysum essential oil has been used for a great many
other conditions. Briefly, the oil is employed to ease
symptoms of neuralgia; its regenerative properties may be
helpful, and its pain-relieving action can be of great
support. Use the oil at a 1-5% dilution as a massage blend
for painful or tingling areas. One drop is placed on a
cotton ball and put in the ear each night for two weeks to
relieve tinnitus. It may offer support for other physical
conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar
blend - other warming oils may be added for improved
circulation (Black Pepper and Ginger are often used, in a
base of Sesame). Helichrysum acts as an anti-coagulant, and
is supportive of the veins and in cases of thrombophlebitis
(where vein degeneration has lead to clot formation). The
antispasmodic, anticatarrhal, and decongestive actions can
offer support in cases of coughs, colds and asthma. It is
further used for headaches, relief of nervous tension, and
exhaustion due to stress.
The spicy-floral aroma of Helichrysum is uplifting and
grounding, with an effect on the psyche that may help
release 'stuck' emotions. According to Gabriel Mojay's
'Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit': "Those (emotions)
that are most indicated…are enduring resentment,
half-conscious anger, bitterness of spirit, and a
stubbornly negative attitude." Helichrysum makes an
excellent addition to many aromatherapy massage blends for
this reason; the physical and psychological actions of the
oil offer synergistic support to individuals experiencing
pain. The touch of caring therapeutic massage using the
wonderful properties of Helichrysum is likely to bring
profound relief for many people.
So whether you've got energetic kids, you're active sports
enthusiast, you're healing your skin in one of many ways,
or have other muscular, nerve, joint or vascular
conditions, essential oil of the Helichrysum italicum
flower may bring welcome healing action. As a natural
health professional, you may employ Helichrysum regularly,
as it is a safe essential oil with no contraindications.
The oil is precious – the flowers only yields a small
amount, though a little goes a long way (as with most
essential oils). It is only used undiluted in acute cases;
otherwise a dilution of 3% or less is often called for.
Helichrysum 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.
----------------------------------------------------
Michelle Rae Cech, ND, M.Ir., is the wellness consultant to
an essential oil supplier in Boulder, Colorado, found
online at http://www.anandaapothecary.com
She also has a
professional practice, supporting clients through the use
of a wide variety of natural modalities including
herbology, iridology, and reflexology.
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