Helichrysum oil may not have the same level of popularity as some of the more common supplements, but that doesn’t make it any less effective at improving your health. In this post, we’re going to explore what you should know about helichrysum italicum essential oil, which is sometimes erroneously referred to as helichrysum italian essential oil.
What is Helichrysum Oil?
Helichrysum oil, as you may have guessed from the name, is an essential oil that is derived from the helichrysum plant, which can be found in the asteraceae family. However, there are hundreds of different species in the helichrysum genus, and this one is specifically made from the helichrysum italicum plant.
This plant is sometimes also known as the curry plant because its leaves have a smell that is reminiscent of the dish. It is also known as immortelle and Italian strawflower. As you would guess by many of its names, the plant mainly grows in the Mediterranean, especially in drier areas.
The flowers feature stems that are relatively wood-like and they can get up to 60 cm tall. While these flowers are sometimes used as a spice, they are not used in curries, as one would expect from the name. In fact, the plant isn’t even related to the curry tree. Its aroma and flavour is closer to sage.
Some Mediterranean dishes use the flower’s young leaves and shoots in stews, though they are not consumed with the dish, as they are typically removed before the stew is served. The time the shoots spend in the stew allows them to add their flavour to it, however.
Aside from its culinary applications, helichrysum is also considered an excellent choice of aesthetic flower because of its bright blooms. In fact, even after the flowers are picked, they’ll retain their bright yellow colour, which makes them a popular choice for dried flower arrangements.
Helichrysum Essential Oil Benefits
Helichrysum Oil for Scars Before and After
One of the most popular helichrysum oil uses is to treat scars, and it isn’t alone amongst essential oils when it comes to this use, but it’s considered one of the most effective. This is due to the many properties that helichrysum essential oil has, including anti-inflammatories like arzanol, which is known for its ability to contribute to wound healing.
Yet another reason why helichrysum oil is a good choice for healing scars is due to its antioxidant nature, which cuts down on the amount of oxidative stress your skin experiences while healing. This increases the production of new cells while ensuring that free radicals don’t build up.
Helichrysum Oil for Skin
Many of helichrysum oil’s benefits that we just mentioned also make it an excellent essential oil for treating your skin. As an antioxidant, helichrysum essential oil can help undo the effects of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines that accumulate over the course of our lives due to oxidative stress.
However, another study went into how helichrysum oil may be effective at combating skin inflammation due to its wide-ranging anti-inflammatory properties. Along with the study that went over this, this essential oil has been traditionally used to combat skin conditions like inflammation as well.
Helichrysum Essential Oil INCI Name
As a cosmetic ingredient, helichrysum oil is officially classified by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC). Helichrysum essential oil’s INCI name is Helichrysum Italicum Flower Oil, and it has been classified as a Masking Perfuming oil. It features a CAS Number of 90045-56-0 and a COSING REF No of 87139.
Helichrysum Essential Oil Recipes
If you’re looking to soothe your cough and relieve congestion, a good recipe is to mix together three drops of helichrysum oil, three drops of eucalyptus oil, and three drops of frankincense oil in two tbsp of sweet almond oil. Once blended together, massage the mixture into your chest.
Helichrysum’s anti-inflammatory properties can also come in handy if you’re trying to deal with gum inflammation. Take one drop of helichrysum essential oil and mix it in with a tsp of witch hazel extract. You can then use your toothbrush to gently work the mixture into your inflamed gums.
Helichrysum Essential Oil Pregnancy
If you intend to use helichrysum or any other essential oil during pregnancy, we’d strongly advise that you check in with your doctor before doing so. Have an in-depth discussion about the amount that you want to use and how you will be applying it to ensure the safety of your future child.
Helichrysum Oil Alternative Options
Other essential oils that offer similar effects to helichrysum oil, doTerra sourced or otherwise, include frankincense essential oil, geranium essential oil, and lavender essential oil. All of these have been shown to feature anti-oxidant qualities as well as anti-inflammatory qualities. As a side note, these are also recommended for scar treatment.