Helichrysum oil produced from the Helichrysum italicum plant, which is considered a medicinal plant with various promising pharmacological advantages since it can be used as a herbal antibiotic, anti-fungal and antimicrobial. The helichrysum italicum plant is also often referred to by other names, such as curry plant, immortelle, or Italian strawflower.
It’s a perennial herb mostly found in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. Countries like Italy, Spain, Turkey, and Portugal are known to have used Helichrysum for centuries in folk medicine. It has documents of use dating back since the times of ancient Greece. The plant flowers are small and yellow, and the oil is usually extracted from these flowers by using a steam distillation process.
It has been said that the plant was a blessing from the Greek gods, claims which carry significance due to its very essential status in the Mediterranean and traditional Greek medicine. Copious studies have proven the numerous health benefits that make Helichrysum essential oil special. These include its antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and its anti-inflammatory impacts.
Let’s talk a little bit in more detail about a few of those benefits:
Health Benefits:
Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects for Skincare
Helichrysum’s flavonoids and terpene compounds have been found in current research papers to be beneficial against hazardous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus that can result in a multitude of health issues from minor skin irritations to serious, life-threatening complications. The most significant benefit of this traditional remedy is its ability to detect inflammation and effectively decrease it. It has direct interaction with the free radicals and elicits an anti-inflammatory effect by mimicking the motilities of steroids in the body.
Many people opt for Helichrysum oil when it comes to many skin ailments. It has been proven to be a powerful treatment for acne because of the oil’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. People also like to use helichrysum essential oil for scars to inhibit inflammation and stimulate optimal and fast healing. (1)
Mixing it with carrier oils such as coconut can produce amazing results when the mixture is employed directly onto the irritated area. This oil is among the few essential oils that can be used safely directly to the skin without having to be diluted with a carrier oil like so many other essential oils, and this is one of the reasons why it’s ideal for skincare.
Antiviral Properties for Increased Immunity
Since a large part of the immune system is actually located within the gut, the gut-healing and anti-inflammatory ability of Helichrysum can help to boost immunity effectively. In recent studies, the flavonoids of Helichrysum essential oil displayed inhibition of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi, even strong enough to fight off herpes simplex virus type 1. The helichrysum compound that gets most of the credit for fighting off these viruses and other nasty invaders is known as galangin. (2, 3)
Natural Digestive and Diuretic
Helichrysum stimulates the creation of gastric juices that are essential to break down food and prevent indigestion. For thousands of years in folk medicine, the oil has been utilized as a diuretic, helping to decrease bloating by reducing excess water from the body, and for soothing stomach aches. Scientific research verifies the use of Helichrysum italicum as a remedy for digestive and intestinal diseases due to its antispasmodic properties. (4)
The flowers of Helichrysum italicum are acknowledged as a traditional remedy for the treatment of different intestinal complaints. They are used as an herbal tea for healing digestive issues, some of which include leaky gut and intestinal disorders. You can also take helichrysum oil internally as long as it’s organic.
Better Heart Health
Helichrysum’s hypotensive properties improve blood vessels’ circulation, reducing inflammation, increasing smooth muscle function, and lowering blood pressure according to the 2008 report executed by the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Durban. In the in vivo/in vitro animal study, the cardiovascular benefits of the use of helichrysum oil help the basis for its possible use in the control of high blood pressure and protection of cardiovascular health — like it’s been historically used for many years in European folkloric medicine. (5)
Helichrysum oil acts as an anticoagulant and can be a blessing for those who run the risk of heart attacks due to cholesterol. It can provide immediate comfort in these instances through thinning the blood. Extensive research is presently being done on how to derive anticoagulants from herbal substances because cardiovascular disorders and cases of strokes are growing at a very fast rate.
Mucolytic Effects
Mucus helps keep all the internal tracts ( trachea, food pipe, pharynx, intestines, etc.) moist, thereby guarding them against inflammations and infections. Mucus is necessary for the body, and without it, these tracts would suffer from wounds. However, mucus can become a predicament when it starts thickening and depositing in the respiratory system succeeding in infection—the same mucus presents congestion, coughs, and flu-like symptoms. Being a mucolytic, Helichrysum essential oil promotes the thinning of resistant or excess mucus through hydrolysis and its elimination from the body. This can efficiently lessen congestion and coughs emerging from cold and other ailments. (6)
Ease Spasms
A spasm is an undesirable or immoderate contraction in the body. It may additionally manifest in the respiratory tract, lungs, nerves, muscle tissues, or intestines and might also result in severe breathlessness, cramps, convulsions, and stomach pains. In very severe cases, spasms can even be fatal!
Helichrysum oil is ideal for assisting these types of conditions due to the fact it’s an antispasmodic and can give you rapid relief in case a spasm begins, and it can also work as a precautionary measure if inhaled regularly. (7)
Pain Killer
Helichrysum does not only fight the signs and symptoms of aging but can be an advantageous pain reliever. It’s not a secret that our bodies begin to ache further as we age, and thankfully, the strength of the eternal flower can be an effective herbal solution.
When used topically, the oil can present relief from muscle cramps. The anti-inflammatory properties in Helichrysum are responsible for the ease this oil provides. It’ll increase circulation while reducing swelling, which allows the joints and muscle tissue to heal.
Furthermore, you can add Helichrysum to massage oil, or add a few drops of this oil to a tub to help the pain fade away while relaxing. (8)
Potential Natural Anti-Cancer
Interestingly, research posted in BMC highlights the anticancer properties of Helichrysum. The research reveals the antitumor characteristics of extracts from the Helichrysum plant. The antitumor ability of the helichrysum extracts on most cancers strains have been very dose-dependent, but the research is one of a couple of studies that spotlight the potential for Helichrysum to be applied in the natural combat against cancer. (9)
Stress Reducer
The earthy and piney aroma of Helichrysum can be grounding. The scent promotes a feeling of calm and can be proactive in emotional healing. Using Helichrysum oil in a rubdown or in the bath is recognized to reduce stress and support a positive mindset.
To use helichrysum oil for natural stress-relief diffuse at home to enjoy the benefits. Furthermore, you can combine Helichrysum oil with others like lavender, frankincense, and myrrh for relaxation. Simply inhale deeply and exhale your concerns away!
Other uses for Helichrysum Oil
Allergy Relief: considering that the oil is regarded as an anti-inflammatory, it can effortlessly decrease most basic allergic reactions by minimizing the inflammatory symptoms, making it an exquisite natural remedy for hives. It can also be used in frequent colds and coughs.
Candida: Helichrysum is a very potent antifungal and can eliminate fungal infections. According to studies, the composites in helichrysum oil seem to confirm antifungal actions against harmful Candida albicans growth. (10) Candida is a prevalent type of yeast infection, and it can occur in the intestinal tract, mouth, or vagina, and it may also influence the skin and other mucous membranes.
Kidney Stones: Helichrysum oil may additionally limit the chance of kidney stones by detoxifying the liver and kidneys. The plants were also determined to be helpful for urinary tract stones or urolithiasis. (11)
Fights Malaria: Helichrysum Oil is considered to have anti-malarial properties. It can, therefore, help in conflict parasite-causing malaria. (12)
Helps in healing gall-bladder: In many European countries, individuals use Helichrysum oil to deal with gall-bladder related problems. The inflammation and the pain from gall-bladder dysfunctions can be relieved by the use of this oil. (13)
There are multiple ways to use Helichrysum essential oil to enjoy its many health and skin benefits, and whether it’s used as an ointment or as an air diffuser, please remember to always choose Organic oils to avoid the artificial fertilizers & pesticides sprayed on all non-organic crops; otherwise, you’re defeating their health benefits.
Anti-inflammatory Massage Oil
Ingredients:
4 drops Organic Helichrysum essential oil
2 drops Organic Myrrh essential oil
6 drops Organic Ginger essential oil
7 drops Organic Patchouli essential oil
7 drops Organic Ylang-Ylang essential oil
2 ounces carrier oil of your choice, such as coconut oil, grapeseed or avocado oil
Directions: In a clean and dry pump bottle, add all of the oils. Blend the mixture by gentle shaking. Once you’ve combined all the ingredients, you can now use the combo by way of massaging onto inflamed muscles, joints, or different swollen, painful areas.
Migraine Relief Diffuser Blend
Ingredients:
- 3 drops Organic Helichrysum essential Oil
- 3 drops Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
- 2 drops Organic Basil Essential Oil
- 2 drops Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Directions: In a small glass jar, combine all of the oils. Place drop by drop into your diffuser. Diffuse it every time a terrible headache strikes to get some relief.
When it comes to the health-safety of the oil and unfavorable reactions, Helichrysum italicum doesn’t show a extensive quantity of allergic reactions or negative effects.
If you’re considering beginning a therapeutic regimen the use of Helichrysum Essential Oil, it’s better to seek advice from a physician first.
And finally, try to use the specific amounts of the oil as per directions or recipes above, otherwise, it could be toxic and cause inflammation, allergies, and other problems.
Enjoy these excellent recipes, and let us know which ones you tried and how they helped you. We’d love to know!
“Ea veri choro!”
