The term ?medical aromatherapy' is a new one for many people in the U.S. ? For much of the rest of the Western world however, the therapeutic use of essential oils for health conditions is commonplace. In much of Europe, oils are used next to other important medicines, as their healing effects are highly-regarded. And one of the important of these oils is Helichrysum italicum. Its broad range of effects and dependable actions can be useful for many folks. What is it that makes this little known essential oil so special, and how can the natural health enthusiast make the best use of it?

There are many, many species of the Helichrysum plant; it is crucial to find oil distilled from a particular variety for therapeutic use. The most healing essential oil is extracted from the small golden flowers of the Helichrysum ?italicum' species, with the ?serotinum' sub-species being the most highly regarded. Though oils from other Helichrysum species are available, their therapeutic actions are not as dramatic. To make matters more complicated, Helichrysum essential oil is also known as ?Immortelle' and ?Everlasting' ? check the Latin name to be sure of the oil's source.

The Helichrysum flower is native to the Mediterranean, where much of the finest oil is distilled. Because of the growing popularity of the oil, outstanding varieties are now being produced in the United States, with laboratory test results showing exceptionally high concentrations of the principal active constituents ? as high or higher than even the fine European varieties. The oils distilled in North America can offer a significant savings to oils produced overseas if they have been carefully made. Whichever source you choose, be sure it is pure Helichrysum italicum essential oil you use for therapeutic purposes.

So what are the wonderful healing effects of this oil? Helichrysum has a brilliant synergy of naturally active molecular ingredients. It is the only essential oil known to contain regenerative ?di-ketones', chemicals which signal living tissues to heal themselves. Other oils contain ketone molecules, but these can be harmful in high amounts. Essential oil steam distilled from the Helichrysum flower, along with its active molecules, is extremely safe. Helichrysum also contains curcumene molecules recently being studied for their strong anti-inflammatory properties, and ?spasmolytic esters' (muscle and tissue relaxants).

As Dr. Schnaubelt notes: "The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is unique...Generally, Helichrysum italicum works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and regenerated." The oil has a great variety of applications due to this broad range of action. It is regularly used for skin, muscle and connective tissue injuries and healing with profound results. Most simply, the essential oil may be applied directly to larger cuts, scrapes and even surgical incisions to speed healing (true Lavender oil works well for small wounds ? add a little Tea Tree in either case for a stronger anti-microbial effect).

It is an excellent remedy to have available when sports enthusiasts young and old are at play. Helichrysum is used ?neat' (undiluted) on injuries such as bruises and twists that have just occurred to prevent further damage from swelling and hematoma. Hopefully the oil is on-hand, as its immediate application can prevent a bruise from appearing; if application is delayed, the oil will still speed healing. Overuse or overstretching of tendons can be helped with a blend of Helichrysum, Eucalyptus citradora and Yarrow flower oils in Comfrey cream.

Helichrysum is included in many therapeutic blends for the skin. It is considered anti-inflammatory, tissue regenerating and a cicatrisant (scar reducing). To treat scars, old and new, use 25 drops Helichrysum, 25 drops Rosemary Verbenone and 75 drops Calophyllum (Tamanu) in each ounce of Hazelnut oil. Apply regularly to the scar; this formula is even used for smoothing of old keloid scars over a period of six months. For additional support, add 75 drops of Rosehip seed oil to the blend. Helichrysum is used in blends to reduce stretch marks after pregnancy: Use a 3% dilution of Helichrysum oil in Hazelnut with 20% Rosehip seed as the base and apply regularly. During pregnancy, a low dilution blend (1% total essential oils) of Neroli and Cypress in Hazelnut oil is recommended to prevent the marks from occurring. Hemorrhoids may be relieved with 1% Helichrysum and 1% German Chamomile in Sesame oil. Allergic skin reactions and eczema may be calmed with 1% each Helichrysum and Blue Tansy essential oils in Hazelnut oil.

The oil's use is described in the liturature for a wide variety of other ailments. Briefly, the oil is employed to ease symptoms of neuralgia; its regenerative properties may be helpful, and its pain-relieving action can be of great support. Use the oil at a 1-5% dilution as a massage blend for painful or tingling areas. One drop is placed on a cotton ball and put in the ear each night for two weeks to relieve tinnitus. It may offer support for other physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar blend - other warming oils may be added for improved circulation (Black Pepper and Ginger are often used, in a base of Sesame). Helichrysum acts as an anti-coagulant, and is supportive of the veins and in cases of thrombophlebitis (where vein degeneration has lead to clot formation). The antispasmodic, anticatarrhal, and decongestive actions can offer support in cases of coughs, colds and asthma. It is further used for headaches, relief of nervous tension, and exhaustion due to stress.

The spicy-floral aroma of Helichrysum is uplifting and grounding, with an effect on the psyche that may help release ?stuck' emotions. According to Gabriel Mojay's ?Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit': "Those (emotions) that are most indicated?are enduring resentment, half-conscious anger, bitterness of spirit, and a stubbornly negative attitude." Helichrysum makes an excellent addition to many aromatherapy massage blends for this reason; the physical and psychological actions of the oil offer synergistic support to individuals experiencing pain. The touch of caring therapeutic massage using the wonderful properties of Helichrysum is likely to bring profound relief for many people.

So whether you've got energetic kids, you're active sports enthusiast, you're healing your skin in one of many ways, or have other muscular, nerve, joint or vascular conditions, essential oil of the Helichrysum italicum flower may bring welcome healing action. As a natural health professional, you may employ Helichrysum regularly, as it is a safe essential oil with no contraindications.

It is generally a more expensive essential oil, as the flower's oil yield is low - but as with many essential oils, it has significant effects in low concentrations. It is only used undiluted in acute cases; otherwise a dilution of 3% or less is often called for. Helichrysum is one of aromatherapy's stand-out healing oils, coming highly recommended by many natural healers, and deserves a place in nearly everyone's medicine chest.