Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum essential oil is derived from the flowers of various species of the Helichrysum genus, particularly Helichrysum italicum. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and perfumery. Here's a brief overview of its historical significance and a description of the plant itself:
Historical Significance
-
Traditional Medicine: Helichrysum has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries. It was historically used to treat various ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Some cultures also used it to help with wound healing.
-
Aromatherapy: In aromatherapy, Helichrysum essential oil is prized for its therapeutic properties. It's often used to promote emotional well-being, reduce stress, and alleviate sadness and anxious feelings.
-
Skin Care: The oil is renowned for its skin-healing properties. It's used in many skincare products due to its ability to promote the regeneration of skin tissue, making it valuable for addressing scars, burns, and other skin imperfections.
​
Plant Description
-
Genus Helichrysum: The Helichrysum genus belongs to the Asteraceae family and includes over 600 species of flowering plants. These plants are typically found in regions with a Mediterranean or subtropical climate.
-
Helichrysum italicum: This is the most well-known species for producing Helichrysum essential oil. It's commonly referred to as the "Curry Plant" because of the fragrance of its leaves, which resemble the aroma of curry. This species is native to the Mediterranean region.
-
Appearance: Helichrysum plants are small, shrub-like herbs with narrow, silver-green leaves and bright yellow flowers. The flowers are distinctive because they retain their vibrant color even after drying, which has earned them the nickname "immortelle" or "everlasting."
-
Essential Oil Extraction: The essential oil is primarily extracted through steam distillation of the fresh or dried flowers. It takes a large quantity of flowers to produce a small amount of essential oil, which contributes to its relatively high cost.
-
Chemical Composition: Helichrysum essential oil contains various chemical compounds, including sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, and ketones. These compounds are responsible for the oil's therapeutic properties.
​
In modern times, Helichrysum essential oil continues to be highly valued for its versatile uses in aromatherapy, skincare, and holistic wellness. Its historical significance and the unique properties of the plant make it a sought-after essential oil for various applications.
Take a Closer Look
EXTRACTION METHOD
Steam Distillation
AROMATIC DESCRIPTION
Herbaceous, Honey, Hay
BOTANICAL NAME
Helichrysum italicum
PLANT PART
Flower
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
-
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
-
Internal: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
-
Topical Use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.
​
RECOMMENDED USES
-
Apply directly to wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks or to soothe minor skin irritations.
-
Consume as part of a natural cleansing regimen.
-
Help relieve tension by massaging onto the temples and the back of the neck.
BENEFITS OF HELICHRYSUM OIL
-
Skin Health: Helichrysum oil is known for its skin-soothing properties and can be applied topically to help reduce the appearance of scars, promote healing, and address skin irritations.
-
Healthy Inflammatory response: may regulate many important pathways relevant to healthy inflammatory response.
-
Antioxidant: Helichrysum oil contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative stress, potentially contributing to overall health and well-being.
-
Tension Relief: It may offer relief from localized tension when applied topically.
-
Bruises: Applying diluted Helichrysum oil to bruises may help speed up the healing process and reduce discoloration.
-
Respiratory Support: Inhalation of Helichrysum oil may provide relief from mild respiratory discomfort and promote clearer breathing.
-
Digestive Aid: Helichrysum oil may be diluted and applied to the abdominal area to potentially ease digestive discomfort and promote healthy digestion.
-
Detoxification Support: It may support the body's natural detoxification processes due to its potential ability to stimulate the liver and promote the elimination of toxins.
​
CAUTIONS
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
10 ways to use helichrysum oil
1. Skin Health: Dilute a few drops of Helichrysum oil in a carrier oil and apply it to irritations, cuts, or minor burns to promote faster healing and reduce scarring.
2. Scar and Stretch Mark Reduction: Regularly apply a diluted Helichrysum oil blend to scars, stretch marks, or areas of hyperpigmentation to help fade and improve their appearance.
3. Anti-Aging Facial Serum:Add a few drops of Helichrysum oil to your daily facial moisturizer to promote smoother and more youthful-looking skin.
4. Discomfort Relief: Create a soothing blend by combining Helichrysum with a carrier oil and other essential oils like Lavender and Peppermint, then massage onto sore muscles or joints.
5. Respiratory Support: Inhale Helichrysum oil vapor by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water and covering your head with a towel. This can help relieve stuffiness and support respiratory health.
6. Headache Relief: Mix Helichrysum with a carrier oil and massage it onto your temples, forehead, and the back of your neck to alleviate tension headaches.
7. Emotional Support: Diffuse Helichrysum oil in an essential oil diffuser to create a calming and emotionally uplifting atmosphere. Inhaling its aroma can promote emotional balance and reduce stress.
8. Relaxing Bath: Add a few drops of Helichrysum oil to a warm bath to relax your muscles and ease tension after a long day.
9. Skin Care: Incorporate Helichrysum oil into your skincare routine by adding it to creams, lotions, or face masks for its rejuvenating and soothing properties.
10. Meditation and Mindfulness: Apply diluted Helichrysum oil to your pulse points or use it as a meditation aid to help you stay grounded, centered, and focused during mindfulness practices.
diy recipes with helichrysum oil
1. Skin Healing Serum
This serum can help with scars, minor wounds, and overall skin health.
Ingredients:
-
1 oz (30 ml) carrier oil (such as jojoba, rosehip, or argan oil)
-
5 drops Helichrysum essential oil
-
3 drops Lavender essential oil
-
2 drops Frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
-
Mix the essential oils into the carrier oil in a dark glass dropper bottle.
-
Apply a few drops to the affected area and gently massage in. Use daily for best results.
​
​
2. Relaxing Bath Blend
This blend can help you unwind and relax after a long day.
Ingredients:
-
1 cup Epsom salt
-
5 drops Helichrysum essential oil
-
5 drops Lavender essential oil
-
3 drops Chamomile essential oil
Instructions:
-
Mix the essential oils into the Epsom salt.
-
Add the mixture to a warm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes to relax and relieve tension.
​
​
3. Soothing Relief Roller Blend
This roller blend may help with localized tension relief.
Ingredients:
-
10 ml roller bottle
-
10 drops Helichrysum essential oil
-
10 drops Peppermint essential oil
-
5 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
-
Fractionated coconut oil (or another carrier oil)
Instructions:
-
Add the essential oils to the roller bottle.
-
Fill the remainder of the bottle with fractionated coconut oil.
-
Roll the blend onto areas of discomfort and gently massage.
​
​
4. Hair and Scalp Revitalizer
This blend can help promote healthy hair and scalp.
Ingredients:
-
2 oz (60 ml) jojoba oil
-
5 drops Helichrysum essential oil
-
5 drops Rosemary essential oil
-
3 drops Tea Tree essential oil
Instructions:
-
Mix the essential oils into the jojoba oil.
-
Apply a small amount to your scalp and hair, massaging it in gently.
-
Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before shampooing as usual.
​
5. Respiratory Steam Inhalation
This blend can help clear congestion and support respiratory health.
Ingredients:
-
A bowl of hot, steaming water
-
3 drops Helichrysum essential oil
-
2 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
-
2 drops Peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
-
Boil water and pour it into a large bowl.
-
Add the essential oils to the hot water.
-
Place your face over the bowl (but not too close), covering your head and the bowl with a towel.
-
Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes, keeping your eyes closed. This can help clear nasal passages and ease respiratory discomfort.
essential emotions & spirituality
HELICHRYSUM - THE OIL FOR EMOTIONAL DISCOMFORT
Spiritual Benefits
-
Grounding and Centering: Helichrysum oil is believed to help individuals feel more grounded and centered, making it a useful tool for meditation and spiritual practices that require inner focus.
-
Emotional Release: Some people use Helichrysum oil to aid in the release of emotional blockages and traumas, allowing for deeper spiritual healing and self-awareness.
-
Enhanced Intuition: It is thought by some to enhance intuition and spiritual insight, making it a valuable companion during introspective or intuitive activities.
-
Protection: In certain spiritual traditions, Helichrysum oil is used for its protective qualities, helping to create a shield against negative energies or influences.
-
Purification: Helichrysum is sometimes associated with purification rituals, helping to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit, allowing for a fresh start or renewal.
​
Emotional Benefits
-
Stress Reduction: Helichrysum essential oil is known for its calming properties, which can help reduce stress and anxious feelings, promoting emotional well-being.
-
Emotional Healing: It is believed to support emotional healing, especially in cases of grief, trauma, or emotional scars, by fostering a sense of emotional resilience.
-
Uplifting: Helichrysum oil's aroma is sometimes said to have uplifting qualities that can improve mood and alleviate feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
-
Energizing: Some individuals find that Helichrysum oil can provide an energy boost and increase motivation, making it useful during times of emotional fatigue.
-
Confidence and Courage: Helichrysum is thought to help boost self-esteem, confidence, and courage, making it a valuable ally for those dealing with self-doubt or uncertainty.
Negative Emotions: anguish, turmoil, hopeless, despair, trauma, wounded
Positive Properties: Healed, courageous, hopeful, transformation, perseverance, determination
helichrysum oil affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements or phrases that individuals repeat to themselves in order to challenge and overcome negative thoughts and beliefs. They are often used as a tool for self-improvement, personal development, and promoting a positive mindset. Affirmations are intended to reframe one's thoughts, boost self-esteem, and enhance mental well-being.
​
When combined with the use of essential oils like Helichrysum, affirmations can create a synergistic effect. Essential oils have the power to influence emotions and mood through their aromas, and they can help create a sensory association with the affirmations. This association can enhance the effectiveness of the affirmations by making them more emotionally charged and memorable.
​
Here are five affirmations that can be paired with Helichrysum oil to promote emotional well-being:
-
I am resilient like the everlasting flowers of Helichrysum, and I overcome challenges with grace and strength.
-
With each breath, I inhale the healing energy of Helichrysum, and I release all tension and negativity from my body and mind.
-
The scent of Helichrysum surrounds me, filling my heart with gratitude and joy for the beauty of each moment.
-
I am worthy of self-love and self-care, and I embrace the healing power of Helichrysum to nurture my well-being.
-
Just as Helichrysum oil promotes renewal, I release the past and embrace a future filled with positivity and growth.
These affirmations, when repeated regularly and with intention, can be a valuable addition to your self-care routine, promoting emotional balance and a positive mindset. The pairing of affirmations with the aromatic experience of essential oils can create a holistic approach to emotional well-being.