Wandering Stars

About Helichrysum

About Helichrysum

Helichrysum essential oil comes from the Helichrysum italicum plant, which grows everywhere throughout the Mediterranean and southern Europe. One of its common names is “Immortelle”, which is suggestive of its healing and restorative properties. The oil can be found in all green parts of the plant, including stems and leaves, and its dried flowers can also be used alone for medicinal purposes and culinary additives. Helichrysum is a very common traditional folk medicine in all of the regions in which it grows, esteemed for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Unfortunately, while in-lab and animal studies are promising, there is yet very little scientific research yet on its effectiveness in humans. The anecdotal evidence from its use in ancient healing practices is very strong, however.

The name Helichrysum is derived from the Greek words helios meaning “sun” and chrysos, meaning “gold”, which refer to its numerous clusters of small bright yellow flowers. The flowers were presented as an offering to the sun god Apollo in Ancient Greece. Used in Medieval Europe as potpourri, dried Helichrysum flowers have even turned up in flavored sauces of various cultures around the Mediterranean, going by the name “wild curry”. While the origins of the name Immortelle are not well documented, it may refer either to the long life of the cut or dried flowers or to the powerful anti-aging properties of the essential oil and extracts derived from these sacred yellow blossoms - if not both.

In aromatherapy, Helichrysum/Immortelle fragrance is said to support the psyche in working through difficult emotions, trauma, or issues that we have buried in the subconscious, or qualities within ourselves we don’t like to acknowledge (the “shadow” in Jungian psychology). It creates a nurturing environment that promotes inner calm and fosters spiritual practice. One of the world’s leading aromatherapists, Valerie Ann Worwood, expressed the sacred properties of the Helichrysum in her book, Aromatherapy for the Soul:

“A fragrance of the devic world, Helichrysum opens hearts to the unseen energies that affect our lives here on earth. It has a special purpose for “the walking wounded” – those who cannot reminisce for fear of the painful emotions that may be remembered. It is also for those who feel their physical self has lost touch with their soul… Helichrysum’s spiritual purpose is to make self-exposure safe.”

Helichrysum Benefits:

When it comes to essential oils for skincare, nothing beats the quick-healing effectiveness of Helichrysum. Like Frankincense oil, it contains similar anti-microbial, antibiotic, and regenerative compounds that promote healthy skin cell growth. It also has a reputation for speeding up the healing of wounds, burns, and rashes and reducing scarring. Additionally, Helichrysum helps smooth both skin tone and texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and its emollient properties help keep skin hydrated. A truly multifaceted essential oil, Helichrysum is also beneficial for treating sunburns, protecting against skin cancer (don’t forego a mineral sunscreen) as well as for those with acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin issues. Coupled with Frankincense and Moringa oil, Helichrysum’s benefits are magnified three-fold, as we have seen with our Nudj Immortelle sacred healing unguent.

Most independent studies have been small, or involve animals or tissue in the laboratory rather than humans, but evidence suggests that Helichrysum essential oil may be able to help:

Allergies: There’s some evidence that Helichrysum may be able to reduce allergy symptoms, particularly contact dermatitis, a type of allergic rash caused by contact with an allergen. In addition, allergy symptoms are often the result of inflammation, which happens when the immune system reacts to an allergen. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory properties of Helichrysum may help reduce allergy symptoms.

Colds and cough: Helichrysum essential oil may have antimicrobial properties that help fight colds and coughs. Additionally, colds and coughs can cause inflammation in your airways and inside your nose. Evidence suggests that Helichrysum may also help reduce respiratory inflammation. The best way to treat colds and coughs with Helichrysum oil is via aromatherapy using a diffuser.

Skin inflammation: Treatment for skin inflammation is a long-standing traditional use of Helichrysum oil. One laboratory study suggests that Helichrysum is generally anti-inflammatory, and therefore it may be able to treat skin inflammation.

Wound healing: Helichrysum oil may be able to help wounds heal more quickly, although the mechanisms are unclear. It has a marked effect on bruising and varicose veins. Since skin infections are a common side effect of a wound not healing properly, the antimicrobial properties of Helichrysum can help prevent infection, which helps the wound heal in turn. One 2016 study found that several essential oils, including Helichrysum, combined with antibiotics were more effective than antibiotics alone in preventing infection in skin wounds.

Candida: Some evidence from 2018 laboratory tests suggests that Helichrysum essential oil can stop or slow the growth of Candida, type of fungus that can cause a yeast infection, thrush, and other infections throughout the body. When analyzing the composition of this essential oil in both the liquid and vapor phases it was found to be effective against Candida.

Helichrysum Essential Oil Applications:

Helichrysum oil often comes already diluted in a salve, such as our Nudj Immortelle skin care unguent, that you can use directly on even sensitive and tender skin as a healing anti-inflammatory adjunct to moisturizing and repairing dry and damaged skin. It is also effective to soothe muscle and joint pain. Helichrysum essential oil is potent, however, and must diluted to no more than 5 percent, so if you are not using a product like our Nudj Immortelle, be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil yourself before use.

Prior to applying over larger areas of your skin, you’ll want to check for allergic reactions, as some people have reported sensitivity. Massage some of the diluted version on the inside of your forearm in a small circle. If there is no red reaction within a day it should be safe to use on other parts of your body.

You can also use a diffuser in aromatherapy to inhale the mist that comes from Helichrysum essential oil. Whenever inhaling essential oils, however, it’s smart to take breaks and keep children, pregnant women, and pets out of the room while diffusing oils, as fumes can be harmful to them.

All in all, Helichrysum has earned a strong reputation for healing in folk medicine going back to the ancient Egyptians, who were oh so wise in regards to plant medicines. This is beginning to be supported by contemporary scientific research as well. Why not try a sample of our Nudj Immortelle for yourself, and see what YOU think!

Medical Disclaimer: Our expertise lies in incense making, botanical fragrant oils and skin/hair ointments. Information contained on these pages is to the best of our knowledge factual, and presented solely for your edification and enjoyment. Wandering Stars cannot provide medical advice as we are not health professionals. Before ingesting anything that is not food, we strongly suggest seeking counsel from a licensed health practitioner.

About Helichrysum © 2022-2024, Shane Clayton - Wandering Stars Publishing (except where noted)

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Wandering Stars is dedicated to expounding the Sacred Science of Ancient Egypt

In memory and in honor of John Anthony West

Born July 9, 1932 - Wested February 6, 2018

AUM