What is Helichrysum?!?!

Helichrysum is the Latin name for a flowering plant meaning “immortal” or “everlasting.”

Helichrysum essential oil comes from the Helichrysum italicum plant, which is generally found in the Mediterranean and in southern Europe. The oil can be found in all green parts of the plant, including stems and leaves. Dried flowers from the plant can also be used for medicinal purposes.

Helichrysum italicum is also called a curry plant because its leaves have a strong curry-like smell.

A perennial herb, Helichrysum italicum produces golden-yellow flower blossoms that have been used in herbal health practices since ancient times in Greece. The golden flowers of this small shrub are used to produce Helichrysum essential oil, using the process of steam distillation. Because of the significant benefits of Helichrysum for the skin.

Some Benefits of Using Helichrysum Oil

• Helps Reduce Allergies

• Antimicrobial Properties

• Skin, Muscle, and Joint Inflammation

• Wound Healing

• Digestive Disorders

• Eczema Relief

• Anti-Aging Properties

• Aroma Therapy

So let's talk about some of these benefits, shall we?

Helps to Reduce Allergies

Helichrysum may be able to reduce allergy symptoms, particularly contact dermatitis, a type of allergic rash caused by contact with an allergen.

In addition, allergy symptoms are often the result of inflammation, which happens when the immune system reacts to an allergen. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory properties of Helichrysum may help reduce allergy symptoms.

Antimicrobial Properties

Helichrysum essential oil may have antimicrobial properties that help fight colds and coughs. Additionally, colds and coughs can cause inflammation in your airways and inside your nose.

Studies suggest that Helichrysum may also help to reduce the inflammation inside your nose and airways making it easier to breathe normally.

Skin, Muscle, and Joint Inflammation

Treating skin inflammation is a long-standing traditional use of Helichrysum Oil. One laboratory study suggests that Helichrysum is generally anti-inflammatory, and therefore it may be able to treat skin inflammation. Because studies suggest that Helichrysum essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it may be able to reduce muscle and joint inflammation when rubbed into the affected area soothing any discomfort and inflammation.

Wound Healing

Helichrysum Oil may be able to help wounds heal more quickly, although the mechanisms are unclear.

Skin infections are also a common side effect of a wound not healing properly. The antimicrobial properties of the Helichrysum can help prevent infection, which helps the wound heal in turn.

A study in 2016, found that essential oils combined with antibiotics were more effective than only antibiotics in preventing infection in skin wounds.

The antibacterial effects of Helichrysum are one of its most studied areas. Most of these studies have been done in the lab, but they do suggest that Helichrysum essential oil may be able to slow or stop the growth of a range of bacteria, including ones that cause staph infections and more.

Candida is a type of fungus that can cause a yeast infection, thrush, and other infections throughout the body.

Some evidence from labratory tests in 2018, suggests that Helichrysum essential oil can stop or slow the growth of candida. When analyzing the composition of this essential oil in both the liquid and vapor phases it was found to be effective against candida.

Helps Treat Digestive Disorders

Helichrysum essential oil is traditionally used to treat a wide range of digestive issues, such as:

• Stomachaches

• Bloating

• Indigestion

• Acid Reflux

• Constipation

A study in 2013, in the lab, suggests that Helichrysum oil from the plant’s flower can help stop intestinal spasms, which can help reduce the symptoms of some digestive issues such as cramps, pain, and bloating. It is also used for the treatment of gallbladder disorders, which is a traditional use of Helichrysum throughout Europe. There is some evidence that Helichrysum essential oil can help reduce gallbladder inflammation and associated pain.

Help to Treat Eczema

Traditionally used for itch relief, the benefits of Helichrysum essential oil include strong antibacterial properties and natural wound healing activity. In a recent scientific study, Helichrysum essential oil was noted to inhibit the growth of the Staphylococcus bacteria by as much as 75%.

In a separate 2014 study, Helichrysum essential oil was observed to promote wound healing, reducing the appearance of scarring by up to 50% in some patients.

Anti-Aging Properties

Since it is known as the Immortal or Everlasting Flower, Helichrysum holds many benefits for the skin. With this reputation, Helichrysum is used in many anti-aging products and can help target aging spots. If you want to enlist the help of Helichrysum essential oil in your anti-aging skincare routine, apply the oil to your face daily to target fine lines and wrinkles. Helichrysum oil can be used to help promote healthy skin cell regeneration and a glowing, youthful complexion. So whether you apply the oil directly to your face or add it to your favorite facial cleanser, it can help give you the glow you need. 

And last but not least...

Aroma Therapy

Because of its chemical makeup, Helichrysum essential oil is known to have calming, soothing properties. The presence of chemical components called esters contributes to Helichrysum oil’s calming characteristics — making it the perfect oil for when you want to create a soothing sensation. When your body could use a little pacifying, massage Helichrysum essential oil on the back of the neck for a soothing sensation.

When you want an energizing massage, Helichrysum oil can be used to promote vitality. Consider using Helichrysum oil for your next full body massage to provide a soothing sensation, along with a herbaceous, energizing aroma.

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There are many other benefits and uses for this oil but if I listed them all we would be here for a very long time!