Helichrysum Essential Oil from Natural Health Crafters

Helichrysum

Helichrysum Helichrysum angustifolium there are hundreds of species of helichrysum, but only a few produce an essential oil. The two varieties most commonly used in aromarherapy are Helichiysum angustifolium and HeIichrysum italicum. The shrubby plants are almost identical, except in size, the former growing to a height of 60cm and the Italian variety reaching just 30cm. Native to the Mediterranean region, the plant has silvery lance-shaped leaves and clusters of ball shaped yellow flowers. Its crushed leaves have a curry-like scent, hence the common name ‘curry plant’. In France it is charmingly called immortelle’, similarly ‘everlasting flower' is another of its English names. When dried, the blooms keep their shape and colour for years.

The generic name helichrysum derives from the Greek helios (sun) and chrysos (gold), as the flower heads resemble little golden suns. Teas made from the flowering tops of Italian helichrysum were traditionally used for skin complaints, asthma, coughs, arthritis, poor digestion and headaches. They were also taken to help expel worms. Another variety, Helichrysum stoeches, was used internally as a remedy for catarrh and feverish ailments, and applied externally to speed the healing of bruises.

The essential oil is captured by steam distillation of the flowering tops. However, the yield is very low, as reflected by the high price of the product. The colour of the oil varies, depending on where the plant is grown, and may be pale greenish-yellow or orangey-red. Powerful and diffusive, the complex aroma reveals honey-like top notes, sweet, fruity nuances and a bitter, tea-like undertone. On inhaling the aroma, its effect is generally perceived as warming, energizing and grounding.

Helichrysum oil has been used for decades as a perfumery material, and is therefore regarded as safe to use on the skin. Yet, relatively little modern medical research has been carried out to confirm or disprove the aromatherapy benefits of the oil. In 1996, a Greek trial documented its bactericidal action. Most other trials on various species have confirmed the antiseptic, antiinflamatory, anti-haematomic (disperses small blood clots) and antibacterial properties of helichrysum in general. Interestingly, helichrysum’s unusual aroma has been attributed to the presence of neryl acetate; no other essential oil contains the substance in such quantity. Anecdotal evidence among aromatherapists suggests that the oil mirrors the properties traditionally attributed to the helichrysum herbal remedy. However, it appears to be more active when used in combination with other oils (especially lavender and rosemary). The oil has been found to increase the body’s ability to ward off infectious illness, such as coughs, colds and flu. For such purposes, it may be used in the bath, in steam inhalations or diluted in a carrier oil and applied as a chest rub. Applied as a cold compress, or incorporated into an ointment base, helichrysum oil has been found to accelerate the healing of cuts, burns and bruises. Like camomile, it may be used in massage blends to ease arthritic and rheumatic pain, and incorporated into lotions or gels for soothing inflamed skin conditions, such as sunburn and acne.

Many aromarherapists believe that the effect of lymphatic drainage massage, a specialized technique employed for detoxification purposes, may be enhanced when helichrysum is added to the massage oil. Although helichrysum oil is said to be helpful for allergy related conditions, such as asthma and chronic eczema, home treatment for these conditions is not recommended. For without a clear understanding of the underlying nature of the condition, long-term use of any essential oil may make the complaint worse. Above all, helichrysum oil is valued in aromatherapy for its psychological effects. If the aroma is liked, its warming sensation can be helpful for people who feel cold or who may have received too little warmth and affection in their lives. Added to the bath water or made into a massage oil, it relaxes yet also fortifies an overwrought system.