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 over five hundred species of the plant; it is crucial to find oil distilled from a particular variety for therapeutic use. The most potent oil is distilled from the tiny gold flower of the italicum species; the serotinum sub-species is noted by some authors as the most healing of all. 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. Exceptional oils are finally being distilled in America as well; GCMS testing has shown some of these oils have possibly some of the most healing molecular structures seen in Helichrysum available today. These domestically produced oils are a great bargain compared to the imported oils, with their high therapeutic efficacy and lower costs. Wherever the origin of the oil, ensure it is therapeutic grade from a reliable supplier to obtain the most benefits.

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. A few other essential oils contain ketones, though most of these are employed in very limited applications due to safety concerns. 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. Tendonitis may be addressed with a blend of 1% Helichrysum, 1% Lemon Eucalyptus and 1% Yarrow oils in a base of Comfrey cream applied regularly to the area.

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.

Helichrysum essential oil has been used for a great many other conditions. In brief, it is chosen to support the healing of neuropathy; 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." The essential oil is a key ingredient in massage recipes; the biologic and emotional effects of the essential oil combine to those individuals in pain. The touch of caring therapeutic massage using the wonderful properties of Helichrysum is likely to bring profound relief for many people.

Helichrysum offers its wonderful healing properties to so many folks: Parents with active kids, competitive sports enthusiasts, and those with a variety of muscular, nervous, vascular and skin conditions. As a natural health professional, you may employ Helichrysum regularly, as it is a safe essential oil with no contraindications.

The oil is precious ? the flowers only yields a small amount, though a little goes a long way (as with most essential oils). 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.