Information on Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum Essential Oil is extracted from Helichrysum angustifolium (also known as Helichrysum italicum), of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family and is commonly known as everlasting oil, Immortelle and St. John’s herb (not to be confused with St. John’s Wort, which is known as Hypericum perforatum).
Helichrysum Essential Oil is a strong smelling oil – people normally would describe that it has a “herbal smell” and is not unpleasant – yet it does dominate finer more fragile fragrances.
Oil Properties
This Essential Oil has a strongly straw-like, fruity smell, with a honey and tea undertone and the color can range from pale yellow to red. The viscosity is watery
Origin
This evergreen aromatic herb grows up to 60 cm (24 in) and is also called Italian Everlastings or Immortelle.
It has a branched stem, silver-green scented leaves and dark yellow daisy-like flowers, which become dry as the plant matures, yet retain their color.
High quality oil is achieved if distillation occurs within 24 hours of harvesting; the younger plants yield greater quantities.
There are about 500 species of helichrysum, but only a few produce essential oil. Helichrysum petals were used throughout Europe as a strewing herb in Medieval times.
Extraction
This oil is extracted from the fresh or dried flowering-head clusters by steam distillation.
Chemical composition
Some of the main chemical components are α-pinene, γ-Curcumene, Neryl acetate, β-Selinene
Precautions
Helichrysum Essential Oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Certain reports show a low percentage of people with highly sensitive skin found the oil to be irritating when applied topically.
Please read our page with heading: Safety with Essential Oils before using this oil.
We recommend the following book as an excellent resource regarding safety:
Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young (#ad)
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of Helichrysum Essential Oil are anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, analgesic, expectorant, cytophylactic, cholagogue and nervine.
Uses
It is helpful for circulatory disorders, it can relieve the pain of rheumatism and arthritis.
It has a beneficial effect on colds, flu, bronchitis, coughs and asthma.
Helichrysum oil has superb regenerating qualities and can assist in the healing of scars, acne, dermatitis, stretch marks, boils and abscesses.
Folk medicine also presents this as a great boon for healing scars and fighting the ravages of aging.
It aids the digestive system, reducing liver and spleen congestion.
Burners and vaporizers and in the Bath
In vapor therapy or diluted in the bath, this oil can help with muscle aches and pains, respiratory problems and the digestive system.
Blended Massage Oil
As a blended massage oil, it can assist with muscle aches and pains, respiratory problems and the digestive system.
Blended in a Cream
In a cream or as a lotion, Helichrysum Essential Oil can be beneficial to dermatitis, acne and the healing of scars as well as countering the effects of aging.
Suggested Dilution Rates
On the skin
Adult:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 1.5% to 3%
Bath: 1.5% to 4%
3 to 24 months:
Face: 0.25% to 0.5%
Body: 0.25% to 0.5%
Bath: Maximum of 0.5%
2 to 6 years:
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
6 to 15 years
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 3%
Bath: 0.5% to 3%
Pregnancy
Face: 0.5% to 1.5%
Body: 0.5% to 2%
Bath: 0.5% to 2%
- When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional before use.
- Most professionals and/or Aromatherapists will always err on the side of safety when giving advice regarding the use of essential oils and oleo resins during pregnancy.
- Quite a number of Aromatherapists advise that you should avoid the topical use of all essential oils completely while pregnant, specifically during the first trimester. This is a very safe approach but may not be necessary at all.
Diffusers and Vaporisers
4 to 8 drops
General:
- When using for the first time – Always use the lowest dilution rate and build up slowly to the maximum. Stop using all essential oils on the skin if irritation or allergy occurs.
- Any advice or instruction received from a medical professional ALWAYS supersedes recommendations or advice found on this website. When in doubt consult your doctor / medical professional.
Summary
Immortelle or Helichrysum essential oils is a great oil to have around to help with healing of wounds, scars and various skin problems. It is useful when used to relieve the symptoms of coughs and colds and other respiratory problems. It is said to encourage rejuvenation of the skin, circulation and to relieve pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis. Helichrysum aids the digestive system and is said to relieve congestion of the liver and the spleen.
Caution should be observed when applying this essential oil to the skin of people who are sensitive to fragrances.
Blends
Although most essential oils blend well together, helichrysum oil blends particularly well with bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, lavender, mandarin and rosewood.
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