026 Organic Helichrysum angustifolium essential oil

027 Wild, Organic Helichrysum italicum essential oil from Croatia

helichrysum essential oil The generic name helichrysum derives from the Greek helios (sun) and chrysos (gold), as the flower heads resemble little golden suns. There are about 500 species of helichrysum, of which only a few produce essential oil for distillation.

The two varieties considered the best for therapeutic use are Helichrysum italica and Helichrysum angustifolium. The shrubby plants are almost identical, except in size, the former growing to a height of 60cm and the Italian variety reaching just 30cm.

Along with frankincense, myrrh, spikenard, and rose, helichrysum is ranked with the most ancient and valuable healing substances in the world. Helichrysum is one of the most important essential oils in aromatherapy because of its profound and wideranging healing properties, and because it works well in combination with many other essential oils; enabling the other oils to be even more effective than they would be by themselves.

Helichrysum is more anti-inflammatory than German Chamomile, more tissue regenerating than Lavender, more cicatrisant (helping the formation of scar tissue and preventing scarring) than Frankincense. It heals physical and emotional scarring, opens the heart, connects body and spirit, and opens human beings to spiritual life. Helichrysum oil is also known as Everlasting Oil or Immortelle.

The essential oil of helichrysum is captured by steam distillation of the flowering tops. The yield is very low relative to other essential oil plants and this of course is reflected in a relatively high value and price.

Botanical Name: Helichrysum angustifolium, Helichrysum italicum
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Fresh flowers and flowering tops
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Powerful, rich honey-like scent with a delicate tea-like undertone
Largest Producing Countries: France, Italy, and Spain
Traditional Use: Used as a fixative in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes.
Properties: Analgesic, anti-allergenic, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, astringent, cholagogue, cicatrizant, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal, hepatic, nervine, and stimulant.
Benefits: Abscess, acne, allergic conditions, asthma, bactericidal infections, boils, bronchitis, bruising, burns, chronic coughs, circulatory disorders, colds, cuts, debility, depression, dermatitis, eczema, fever, flu, lethargy, liver congestion, muscular aches and pains, nervous exhaustion, neuralgia, pain relief, rheumatism, scarring, skin inflammation, spleen congestion, sprains, strained muscles, stress-related conditions, whooping coughs, and wounds.
Blends Well With: Bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, chamomile german, clary sage, clove, cypress, eucalyptus citriodora, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, labdanum, lavender, lemon, lime, mandarin, mimosa, neroli, niaouli, oakmoss, orange, oregano, palmarosa, pine, ravensara, rose, rosemary, sage, tea tree, thyme linalol, vetiver, and ylang ylang.
Recipe: Make a massage oil for sprains, strains, aching muscles and arthritic joints. Mix two drops each of helichrysum, lavender and clary-sage essential oils in two tablespoons of sweet almond oil. Massage into affected areas.
Safety Data: Non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing. Helichrysum oil should not be used by children younger than 12 or by pregnant women. Also, helichrysum can evoke powerful emotions in some individual and should therefore be used in moderation.

General Guidelines for safe use of essential oils

Be an experienced and knowledgeable user of essential oils and research all oils thoroughly and/or consult with a skilled practitioner before any use.

Dilute all oils being used with a vegetable carrier oil. Skin test all essential oils before using topically. Each person's body is different, so apply oils to a small area first. The inside of the arm is good for this. The bottoms of the feet are two of the safest, most affective places to use essential oils. Discontinue use or dilute further with vegetable oil if there is discomfort or skin irritation.

Keep essential oils out of the reach of children. Treat them as you would any product with therapeutic uses. Take special precaution with babies, pregnant women and anyone and everyone with allergies, special conditions and needs.

Keep essential oils away from mucous membranes and the eye area and do not put into ears. Do not handle contact lenses or rub eyes with essential oils on fingers. Know also that many of the citrus oils and others may cause a rash or darker pigmentation if applied to skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays within 3 to 4 days of use.

Keep bottles of essential oils tightly closed and store them in a cool location away from light. If stored properly, essential oils will maintain their potency for many years.