Overview
Essential oils are extracted from different parts of the plant and are considered natural and safe for use. One such essential oil is helichrysum oil. Helichrysum oil stands as a beacon of natural healing, offering a myriad of benefits that have captivated the hearts and minds of health enthusiasts and practitioners alike.
Derived from the vibrant golden helichrysum flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant (helichrysum plant), this essential oil boasts a rich history dating back centuries and is revered for its therapeutic properties, unparalleled versatility, and captivating aroma.
Helichrysum oil, often referred to as the "immortelle" or "everlasting" oil, holds an esteemed place in the domain of aromatherapy and alternative medicine. Its extraordinary healing properties make it a staple in the cabinets of health-conscious individuals, offering a holistic approach to overall well-being. Helichrysum oil has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
In this article, we will discuss different helichrysum essential oil benefits and uses, and some DIY recipes that will help incorporate helichrysum oil into your daily routine. So, let's take a step ahead towards holistic wellness.
Health Benefits Of Helichrysum Essential Oil
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Helichrysum oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis and muscle soreness.
2. Pain Relief
Its analgesic properties make it effective in alleviating pain, whether it's headaches, migraines, or general body aches. The anti-inflammatory properties of helichrysum help in alleviating pain and other symptoms like swelling, redness, inflammation, etc.
3. Immune Boost
Helichrysum oil can be used to boost immunity. Helichrysum essential oil contains properties that support the immune system, helping the body defend against infections and illnesses.
4. Antioxidant Action
Rich in antioxidants, helichrysum oil helps combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Digestive Aid
Helichrysum oil aids digestion by promoting the secretion of digestive enzymes, easing discomfort like bloating and indigestion.
Skin Benefits Of Helichrysum Oil
The following are helichrysum skin benefits:
1. Scar Reduction
Helichrysum oil is renowned for reducing scars, whether from wounds, surgery, or acne. It promotes skin regeneration, diminishing the appearance of scars and blemishes. Helichrysum oil can help reduce skin irritation as well. Helichrysum can be used to promote healthy skin cell regeneration.
2. Anti-Aging
Its antioxidant properties fight free radicals, helping prevent premature aging by promoting skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
3. Acne Treatment
Helichrysum oil has antimicrobial properties, making it effective against acne-causing bacteria. It soothes inflammation and promotes clear, healthy skin. Helichrysum essential oil can be used in treating skin inflammation. The antibacterial properties of helichrysum essential oil may help restrict bacterial growth on the skin.
4. Eczema and Psoriasis Relief
Helichrysum oil's anti-inflammatory nature provides relief for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, reducing redness and itching. It can be used to treat many different skin infections. Helichrysum essential oil can help with dry skin issues.
5. Sunburn Soother
Its cooling effect and skin-repairing properties make helichrysum oil beneficial for soothing sunburns and promoting faster healing. The antimicrobial properties of helichrysum oil can help prevent infections and assist in the rapid healing of skin. Treating skin inflammation is a long-standing traditional use of this oil.
Hair Benefits Of Helichrysum Oil
1. Healthy Scalp
Helichrysum oil promotes a healthy scalp by balancing oil production, reducing dandruff, and nourishing hair follicles.
2. Hair Growth
By improving blood circulation to the scalp, helichrysum oil stimulates hair follicles, promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss.
3. Natural Conditioner
Helichrysum oil softens and hydrates hair, making it an excellent natural conditioner that adds shine and manageability.
Other Benefits Of Helichrysum Oil
1. Emotional Balance
In aromatherapy, helichrysum oil is used to promote emotional balance, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety, creating a calm and soothing atmosphere.
2. Respiratory Support
Inhaling helichrysum oil vapors can provide relief from congestion, allergies, and respiratory issues, promoting clear breathing.
3. Liver Health
Some studies suggest that helichrysum oil may support liver health by promoting detoxification processes.
4. Nervous System Support
Helichrysum oil has calming effects on the nervous system, making it beneficial for individuals dealing with nervous tension or insomnia.
Uses of Helichrysum Oil
1. Topical Application
Avoid directly applying to the skin. Dilute essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or almond oil. Apply this mixture to the skin to promote skin health, reduce scars, and alleviate irritations. It's excellent for promoting a healthy complexion and addressing blemishes.
2. Aromatherapy
Add a few drops of helichrysum oil to a diffuser to create a calming atmosphere at home or in the office. Inhaling the aroma can help reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
3. Massage Therapy
Blend helichrysum oil with carrier oil and use it for massage therapy. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe sore muscles and joints, making it an excellent choice for massage oils for pain relief and relaxation. Using it on the skin can help improve the overall health of the skin.
4. Pain Relief
Apply diluted helichrysum oil topically to areas of discomfort, such as sore muscles or joints. Its analgesic properties can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, providing natural relief from headaches, migraines, and muscle aches.
5. Skincare Products
Add a few drops of helichrysum oil to your skincare products like lotions, creams, or serums. Its rejuvenating properties can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars, promoting youthful and healthy-looking skin.
6. Wound Healing
Due to its antimicrobial properties, helichrysum oil can be applied to minor cuts, wounds, or insect bites after proper dilution. It supports the natural healing process and helps prevent infections.
7. Hair Care
Add a few drops of this essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner. Its nourishing properties can help promote healthy hair and scalp, addressing issues like dandruff and promoting hair growth.
8. Inhalation Steam
Inhale the steam infused with helichrysum oil by adding a few drops to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe deeply. This method can help clear respiratory passages and provide relief from congestion.
9. DIY Products
Incorporate helichrysum oil into your DIY products, such as bath salts, body scrubs, or candles. Its pleasant aroma and therapeutic benefits can enhance the overall experience and promote relaxation.
10. Internal Use (with caution)
Helichrysum oil is generally safe for consumption in small quantities, but it's crucial to consult a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional before ingesting it. It can be added to herbal teas or recipes for added flavor and potential health benefits. Though ingesting essential oils is not considered safe, it is better to avoid ingesting oils.
DIY Recipes Using Essential Oil
Recipe #1 - Helichrysum Anti-Aging Face Serum
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons Jojoba Oil
- 10 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
- 1-ounce Amber Glass Dropper Bottle
Instructions:
- In the amber glass dropper bottle, combine jojoba oil, helichrysum oil, lavender oil, and frankincense oil.
- Close the bottle and shake well to blend the oils thoroughly.
- Store the serum in a cool, dark place for 24 hours to let the oils synergize.
How to Use:
- Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
- Apply a few drops of the serum to your fingertips.
- Gently massage the serum onto your face and neck in upward, circular motions.
- Use it in the morning and evening before moisturizing.
Benefits: This serum promotes skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, and nourishes the skin with antioxidants, leaving your skin looking youthful and radiant.
Recipe #2 - Helichrysum Relaxing Bath Salts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom Salt
- 10 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 5 drops Chamomile Essential Oil
- 5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Epsom salt, helichrysum oil, chamomile oil, and ylang-ylang oil.
- Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the essential oils.
How to Use:
- Add 1/2 to 1 cup of the bath salt mixture to warm running bath water.
- Allow the salts to dissolve completely.
- Soak in the bath for 20-30 minutes, enjoying the calming aroma.
Benefits: This relaxing bath salt blend helps soothe muscles, calms the mind, and promotes a peaceful, rejuvenating bathing experience.
Recipe #3 - Helichrysum Scalp Revitalizing Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (melted)
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 10 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- 1 Shower Cap
Instructions:
- Mix melted coconut oil and honey in a bowl until well combined.
- Add helichrysum oil and rosemary oil to the mixture and stir thoroughly.
How to Use:
- Dampen your hair slightly.
- Apply the mask generously to your scalp and hair, massaging it in gently.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave the mask on for 30 minutes.
- Wash your hair with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
Benefits: This hair mask nourishes the scalp, strengthens hair roots, and adds shine, making your hair healthy and vibrant.
Recipe #4 - Helichrysum Soothing Muscle Balm
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Shea Butter
- 1 tablespoon Beeswax Pellets
- 10 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
- 1 Small Glass Jar with Lid
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, melt shea butter and beeswax pellets until fully liquid.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Add helichrysum oil and peppermint oil. Stir well.
How to Use:
- Scoop a small amount of the balm and rub it gently onto sore muscles or joints.
- Massage the balm into the skin until fully absorbed.
- Use as needed for pain relief.
Benefits: This muscle balm provides a cooling sensation, relieves muscle aches, and reduces inflammation, promoting faster recovery after physical activities.
Recipe #5 - Helichrysum Healing Skin Salve
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Beeswax Pellets
- 10 drops of Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
- 1 Small Container with a Lid
Instructions:
- In a double boiler, melt olive oil and beeswax pellets until fully liquid.
- Remove from heat, and add helichrysum oil and tea tree oil. Stir well.
How to Use:
- Cleanse the affected area and pat it dry.
- Apply a small amount of the salve to the affected skin.
- Cover with a bandage if necessary.
- Reapply 2-3 times a day until the skin heals.
Benefits: This healing salve soothes minor cuts, wounds, and insect bites, promoting faster healing and preventing infections.
These DIY recipes harness the incredible benefits of helichrysum oil, providing natural solutions for various health, skin, and hair concerns. Always perform a patch test before using any new product, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Risks and Precautions
Helichrysum essential oil is generally considered safe when used properly, but it's essential to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure safe usage and utilize uses and benefits. Here are some risks and precautionary measures associated with helichrysum essential oil:
Risks:
Skin Sensitivity: Some individuals might have skin sensitivity or allergies to essential oils, including helichrysum. Always perform a patch test by diluting the oil and applying a small amount to a small area of the skin to check for any adverse reactions.
Phototoxicity: Although helichrysum essential oil is not known to be phototoxic, it's still advisable to avoid direct sunlight or UV exposure for several hours after applying undiluted oil on the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using helichrysum essential oil, as there is limited research on its effects during these periods.
Internal Use: While some essential oils are safe for internal use, it's crucial to consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider before ingesting helichrysum oil. Internal use should be done under expert guidance and in small, controlled amounts.
Children and Pets: Essential oils, including helichrysum, should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Children and pets are often more sensitive to essential oils and can be adversely affected even by diffused aromas.
Precautionary Measures:
Dilution: Always dilute helichrysum essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil) before applying it to the skin. A safe dilution ratio is usually 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil for topical application.
Patch Test: Perform a patch test on a small patch of skin to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction before using helichrysum oil more extensively.
Consultation: If you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are planning to use helichrysum oil internally, consult a healthcare professional or certified aromatherapist for personalized guidance.
Storage: Store helichrysum essential oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat, to preserve its potency and quality.
Quality: Always purchase pure helichrysum essential oil from reputable suppliers to ensure purity and minimize the risk of contamination.
Educate Yourself: Educate yourself about the specific essential oil you are using. Different essential oils have different properties and uses, so understanding each oil is crucial for safe and effective usage.
Conclusion
In the world of aromatherapy, the enchanting aroma of helichrysum essential oil, also known as helichrysum, has captivated the senses for centuries. Derived directly from the golden flowers of helichrysum arenarium, this precious oil, often considered among the more expensive essential oils, holds immense therapeutic value.
People use helichrysum oil in various ways, from directly applying it to the skin to infusing it in skin care products. Helichrysum oil has been utilized across cultures, and its applications continue to expand.
Avoid using undiluted essential oil directly to the skin; always dilute the helichrysum oil before applying the oil. Essential oil can be found easily at online stores.
