Essential oils, like helichrysum (helluh-KRIS-um) not only provide physical and emotional benefits when used in aromatherapy, they also have exceptional medicinal applications and benefits. A number of essential oils possess strong antibacterial properties and can be useful in fighting bacterial infections. Additional benefits of these powerful oils include stress relief, cell regeneration, energy boost and increased mental focus.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are liquids that are typically distilled through steam or water, using the stems, flowers, leaves, roots, bark and other parts of a plant. Although they are called oils, most do not feel oily at all and are often clear in color, but some can be yellowish to almost red in color. The oils are highly concentrated and often require “carrier” oil, such as grape seed oil, almond oil or apricot kernel oil, to be mixed with it for dilution purposes.
Interpretation of Chinese manuscripts and Egyptian hieroglyphics, demonstrate that essential oils are the oldest form of medicine and cosmetics and were used thousands of years ago by alchemists and priests for healing the sick. In its history, essential oil was once considered to be more valuable than gold.
Helichrysum Plant
Helichrysum essential oils are extracted from a European herb native to Italy, France and a few of the surrounding countries. The helichrysum plant is known as Helichrysum angustifolium or Helichrysum italicum, and it is commonly referred to as the “everlasting” or “immortal” oil due to its long shelf-life. While helichrysum is more expensive and rarer than some oils, many other essential oils have a much shorter shelf-life.
The helichrysum plant is an evergreen herb with a branched stem, fragrant silver-green leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers. Helicrysum essential oil is extracted from the flowers through steam distillation (boiling and condensing). The resulting oil ranges from pale yellow to red in color, and its watery consistency exudes a sweet honey-like smell with earthy hints of spices, herbs and wood.
Physical Benefits
Helichrysum oil provides a wide range of therapeutic benefits due to its strong medicinal properties. Using helichrysum on a regular basis in aromatherapy or with carrier oil as a topical solution can help relieve many physical ailments.
- Reduces muscle spasms (anti-spasmodic)
- Prevents blood clotting (anti-coagulant)
- Fights bacteria (anti-microbial)
- Reduces inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
- Controls or prevents allergies (anti-allergenic)
- Fights fungal infections (fungicidal)
- Aids cell regeneration (cytophylactic)
- Soothes and protects the liver (hepatic)
- Promotes increased urination (diuretic)
- Relieves coughing; loosens and eliminates phlegm (anti-tussive/expectorant)
- Strengthens and protects the nervous system (nervine)
To achieve some of these health benefits, helicrysum essential oil blends well with other oils, such as rose, lime, geranium, lavender, chamomile, clove, cypress, orange, clary sage, petit grain and ylang-ylang oil. It is advisable to consult with an alternative-treatment or holistic-healing physician, practiced in the use of essential oils, before attempting to use these potent oils for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.
Emotional Benefits
Blended with orange, patchouli, rose, lavender, chamomile or geranium, helichrysum oil can work to reduce anxiety, while boosting mental and emotional energy levels. To ease anger or aggression, helichrysum can be blended with chamomile or ylang-ylang oil. Aromatherapy and essential oils expert, Dr. Christoph Streicher, says helichrysum essential oil can be used to treat patients with deep-seated and unresolved emotional issues. It can be used in psychotherapy to help patients deal with emotions, by lowering their defenses, while offering spiritual and emotional comfort.
Cosmetic Benefits
With its regenerative properties, helichrysum oil can speed the healing of scars, stretch marks and acne. It is beneficial in the treatment and healing of dermatitis, boils and abscesses. Powerful emollient properties give helichrysum moisture-retaining capabilities, preventing drying and cracking of the skin, while helping to soften and smooth it. Some even swear by its power to counter the effects of aging.
Essential Oil Safety
Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin in their pure undiluted form. They are enormously potent and concentrated. Depending on how these oils are being used (topically or for aromatherapy), determines the suitable dilution levels.
- Massage blend
- Bath
- Aroma burner or vaporizer
- Creams and lotions
- Shampoo
There are numerous websites that provide an index of essential oils and their uses, as well as ready-mixed blends to buy or recipes to create an individualized combination. Again, it is advisable to consult with a holistic-healing physician before using essential oil for any type of therapeutic treatments. Helicrysum essential oil should not be used on children under the age of 12.
Debbie Donner - Debbie Donner is currently a freelance writer, part-time teacher, and network marketer. Debbie graduated with her B.A. in Liberal Arts in ...
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