Stories / All about... / All about Helichrysum essential oil

All about...

All about Helichrysum essential oil

All about...

Helichrysum has very special and unusual properties. Less well known than some other essential oils, it is nevertheless very interesting...

You'll be surprised by the properties of this unusual plant...

For a long time, Helichrysum was ignored. Today, it is much sought-after for its rare properties and numerous benefits. Some even call it "the most advanced herb in the plant kingdom"..

Helichrysum is renowned for its many benefits and ease of use. It is also appreciated by many for its pleasant scent. With its many virtues for skin and hair, helichrysum has it all!

Identity sheet

Name: Helychrisum italicum

Other names: Immortelle, Curry herb

Origin: Corsica

Botanical family: Asteraceae

Parts used: Flowering tops

Storage: Store away from heat and light

Precautions : Caution: this essential oil must not be ingested, released into the air and/or inhaled.

This product contains allergens: Limonene, Linalol, Geraniol.

In case of contact with eyes, rinse for several minutes, keeping eyelids open. If swallowed, rinse mouth.

Helichrysum essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women. It is also not recommended for children under 7, or for people who may react to the presence of ketones.
This product is contraindicated for people with epilepsy, haemophilia or those on anticoagulant therapy.

What is Helichrysum?

Helichrysum is a small plant with very powerful properties. It is rare and very precious, which explains its high price. It is also justified by its particularly remarkable quality and efficacy.

History, origin and cultivation of Helichrysum

Helichrysum gets its nickname "immortal" from its ability to grow back very quickly after a fire. It's also explained by its flowers, which never seem to fade, as if they were immortal..

Helichrysum takes its name from the Latin "helichrysum", which can be translated as "golden sun", due to its flowers of the same color. In ancient times, helichrysum was a symbol of immortality. The heads of the statues of the Greek god Apollo were adorned with these flowers.

They were also used to accelerate the healing of bruises, hematomas and contusions suffered by soldiers after wars.

Today, some even call it "boxer's herb" for its powerful anti-hematoma properties. The Corsicans used to call it "marella" or "murza", and used it in particular to purify the air during episodes of Spanish flu.

The tree and its characteristics

Italian helichrysum, also known as "immortelle", is a sub-shrub that originated in the south of France, in the Corsican scrublands to be exact. Some also call it "curry herb", as its subtle, spicy scent is reminiscent of curry. Today, it is also grown in Italy and the Balkans (Croatia, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia).

It grows in dry, sunny climates or by the sea in the Mediterranean basin. The average height of this plant is between 30 and 60 centimetres. A heliophile, it can't grow without the sun, which is indispensable. It is distinguished by its pretty, star-shaped, golden-yellow flowers, which never fade. They bloom between June and October. They are no larger than 4mm in diameter, and are arranged in small bunches. Barely touched, they give off a sweet scent of curry and sometimes chamomile.

Later, small brown fruits appear on this shrub. Its silver-gray foliage is somewhat similar to that of lavender.

Long shunned as a weed, the plant that gave rise to the Corsican expression "to burn like an immortelle" is now recognized for its precious virtues. The plant is also considered a symbol of peace and non-violence..

Helichrysum in a few figures

500 kg to 1 ton years: This is the minimum quantity of flowering tops needed to produce 1L of Helichrysum essential oil.
10°C: This is the amount of rainwater Neem needs to grow.
500: There are no fewer than 500 different varieties in the "helichrysum" family. Among them is Helichrysum italicum.

How do I obtain Helichrysum essential oil?

Helichrysum is extracted using a process known as
"distillation".

Distillation extracts the essential oil of Helichrysum from the harvested flowers. The flowers are placed in a heated still. The release of steam separates the aqueous phase from the oily phase. It is this oily part, containing the precious extract, which will give the essential oil.
To obtain an essential oil of the highest possible quality and preserve its properties, distillation must meet several conditions.

First of all, both the flowers and the stems of Helichrysum must be used. The stem contains just as much essential oil as the flower.

Secondly, distillation must be carried out during the flowering period, i.e. between June and July (or even August, depending on the location of production and climatic conditions). In fact, harvesting the flowers before or during full flowering of the flower heads ensures maximum yield. However, this yield remains very low.
To encourage harvesting during this optimum period, you need to monitor the growth of the Helichrysum plant.

How do I obtain Helichrysum essential oil?

What makes Helichrysum so special?

Helichrysum is a rare and precious plant. What's more, its anti-hematoma properties are much sought-after. It's the only plant (along with arnica) with both anti-contusion and anti-hematoma properties.

In France, its harvesting is highly regulated. In fact, Helichrysum is on the list of protected species. In Corsica, picking is limited to 1L per person per day! It must also be officially declared to the relevant authorities.

Benefits

Face

Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
Effective treatment for combination and oily skin thanks to its astringent action
Reduces puffiness under the eyes
Prevents and slows the appearance of fever blisters
Acts on skin irritation and inflammation..
Reduces tinnitus

Body

Resolves haematomas (reduces the appearance of bruises on the body)
Accelerates regeneration of tissues damaged by a blow
Helps heal minor burns and sunburns
Heals small wounds
Reduces the visible effects of couperose (redness) and psoriasis
Soothes pain
Improves blood circulation

Helichrysum, the miracle essential oil for hematomas

A hematoma is a large influx of blood into the tissues, caused by a blow or shock. This leads to the rupture of several small blood vessels: blood then appears in the tissue (under the skin), giving it a bluish color. This is why it's more commonly referred to as a "bruise".

Sometimes painful and unsightly, bruising can be reduced or even eliminated with the help of Helichrysum essential oil.

Applications

Helichrysum essential oil should only be applied to the skin. Preferably dilute it in a vegetable oil, butter or cream before application.

Caution: this essential oil must not be ingested, diffused in the air and/or inhaled.
This product contains allergens: Limonene, Linalol, Geraniol.

Which essential oils go well with Helichrysum?

Helichrysum essential oil is very powerful and can be used on its own. However, it can be combined with other active ingredients to multiply its actions and benefits.
Here are a few examples of essential oils known to go well with Helichrysum.

Skin care and repair: Lavender officinalis

To reduce stretch marks: Niaouli, Geranium rosat and Ciste ladanifère

To soften an old hematoma: Laurier noble and Cèdre de l'Atlas

To treat rosacea: Rose Geranium

For skin cracks : Spike lavender, Palmarosa and Clary sage

To stimulate blood circulation: Patchouli

To promote skin healing: Ciste ladanifère

To reduce the visibility of edema on the skin: Lavender, Patchouli and Peppermint

To combat acne rosacea and phlebitis: True lavender and Petit grain bigaradier

When using essential oils, we recommend that you seek advice from a specialist beforehand.

FAQ

Maternity ward

Is this product suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women?

No. Unfortunately, like many essential oils, helichrysum is not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women (or children under 6).

Applications

Can I mix it with other vegetable or essential oils?

The application of helichrysum essential oil diluted in a vegetable oil is particularly recommended. It goes very well with bay laurel essential oil to soothe bruises on the body and prevent their appearance.
With sage officinale essential oil, it will reduce bruising of the soul.
Helichrysum essential oil also promotes relaxation. Combining different essential oils can multiply and reinforce their effects.
We recommend that you always seek the advice of a specialist or healthcare professional before using essential oils.

How to use Helichrysum essential oil on sensitive skin?

You can use this essential oil on sensitive skin. It will soothe and repair it. Just be sure to apply your essential oil gently to sensitive areas, diluted in a vegetable oil.
We also advise you to consult a professional for advice on the use of essential oils.

Quality

Where does the helichrysum used to produce your essential oil come from?

As we mentioned in this dossier, helichrysum is produced in several countries. The one we use at WAAM comes from Italy.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK

Did you like this story?

1 like

0 how

You must be logged in to leave a message

Face

Face

Body

Body

All about Helichrysum essential oil

You'll be surprised by the properties of this unusual plant...

Identity sheet

History, origin and cultivation of Helichrysum

The tree and its characteristics

Helichrysum in a few figures

How do I obtain Helichrysum essential oil?

What makes Helichrysum so special?

Benefits

Face

Body

Applications

Which essential oils go well with Helichrysum?

FAQ

Maternity ward

Applications

Quality

4 uses for Mango Butter

6 good reasons to switch to solid cosmetics

Essential oils: Everything you need to know (FAQ)

Reduce imperfections with zinc PCA

Face

Body

All about Helichrysum essential oil

You'll be surprised by the properties of this unusual plant...

Identity sheet

History, origin and cultivation of Helichrysum

The tree and its characteristics

Helichrysum in a few figures

How do I obtain Helichrysum essential oil?

What makes Helichrysum so special?

Benefits

Face

Body

Applications

Which essential oils go well with Helichrysum?

FAQ

Maternity ward

Applications

Quality

You may also like

4 uses for Mango Butter

6 good reasons to switch to solid cosmetics

Essential oils: Everything you need to know (FAQ)

Reduce imperfections with zinc PCA