12 Amazing Benefits Of The Divine Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum essential oil is a wonderful oil with a wide array of benefits and uses. This lovely exotic-smelling and versatile oil may soon become one of your favorites!
A golden yellow flower found on Mediterranean hillsides in such places as Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Bosnia, the helichrysum is also known as “Immortelle” (everlasting) due to its long-lasting blooms. Throughout history, it has been used in many health and wellness traditions, particularly in Europe.
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As a side note, I am not a doctor and this post is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat or cure what ails you! Always talk to your health care provider before trying holistic health and wellness treatments.
What Does Helichrysum Smell Like?
Helichrysum’s enchanting aroma is a little hard to nail down because it is so unique. Many people describe it as a bit spicy with a hint of warm honey. It truly has a distinct aroma; a blend of earthy, slightly medicinal, fruity, and a touch of floral. but no one scent overpowers the others.
As I say, there is a lot going on here but personally, I find it is a wonderfully balanced, subtle scent.
Why Is Helichrysum Essential Oil So Expensive?
Helichrysum oil is relatively pricey compared to some other oils because it is so precious and costly to produce. Only the blossoms yield this treasured essential oil and it takes 4.4 pounds of blossoms to produce one 15 mL bottle!
Depending on your budget, you may opt for 100% pure and dilute it yourself or go for something that is already blended (usually with jojoba oil). I find the second option is a bit easier on the pocketbook. Due to its cost, many companies sell it pre-diluted reducing the cost for you.
More good news is that this oil has an incredibly long shelf life and you can make a little go a long way!
Remember to check the manufacturer’s product details to verify if it is diluted or pure. The price tag will be a huge clue. Undiluted helichrysum usually sells for upwards of $70 for a small bottle, sometimes even higher!
If you do invest in 100% pure helichrysum be sure to dilute it with a neutral scented carrier oil for topical use.
What Is Helichrysum Used For?
In researching this article, I found that there are so many health and wellness benefits that may come from using helichrysum essential oil! More than I even realized actually.
- Supports the brain and nervous system
- Reduces inflammation in the body
- Supports liver detoxification
- Helps heal wounds and treat infections
- Gives skin and complexion a healthy glow
- Improves scalp and hair health naturally
- Reduces the appearance of scarring, acne scars, age spots, and cellulite
- May help reduce tinnitus/ringing in the ears
- Armpit detox
- May help with allergy symptoms or contact dermatitis
- Makes a great DIY sports rub for sore muscles
- Emotional benefits/stress relief
According to the NIH, “Helichrysum italicum is a medicinal plant with promising pharmacological activities. However, most of its traditionally claimed applications are not yet scientifically proven. Clinical trials are needed to further confirm these data and promote Helichrysum italicum as an important tool in the treatment of several diseases.” Accessed Mar 12,2022
12 Amazing Helichrysum Essential Oil Benefits & Uses
Supports The Brain & Nervous System
Helichrysum essential oil contains fat-soluble compounds called acetophenones as well as high levels of terpenoids which are excellent in helping to repair any type of nerve degeneration or nerve issue. It may help with cognitive disfunction problems such as Alzheimer’s, a brain injury, or concussion. Diffuse or use topically along the neck, under ears, and back of the neck.
Reduces Inflammation
A recent medical study found that helichrysum essential oil can help reduce blood pressure, reducing the risk of coronary issues and heart attack. It is a great oil for anyone who is looking to improve their overall heart health.
Supports Liver Detoxification
This wonder oil helps with the breakdown of fatty acids and supports bile production. Rub a few drops right under your rib cage on the right side where your liver and gallbladder are located. Anytime you are doing a detox or cleanse of any kind, helichrysum can help move things along.
Helichrysum Helps Heal Wounds And Treat Infection
The anti-inflammatory properties of helichrysum can treat wounds and reduce symptoms related to an infection, such as swelling, pain, and redness. It can also be used to soothe minor skin irritations such as sunburn, razor burn, or insect bites.
Researchers who looked at existing evidence about helichrysum essential oil found that it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This means it may help kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections.
Studies found that helichrysum was quite effective in fighting these 3 microorganisms:
“Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, a common bacteria that can cause skin infections, abscesses, and pneumonia.
Candida albicans, a common form of fungal infection known as a yeast infection when it develops in the vagina or thrush when it develops in the mouth or throat.
Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria in the mouth that can cause cavities and gum infections.”
Medical News Today~ Accessed March 12,2022
Helichrysum For Skin & A Healthy Glowing Complexion
Helichrysum is a wonderful essential oil for your face and complexion and is often used in higher-end anti-aging products.
It can help reduce wrinkles, lines, blemishes, acne, sun spots, age/dark spots, and discolored skin.
To make it a part of your current nightly skincare routine, simply add 2-3 drops of helichrysum essential oil to your facial moisturizer to reap the benefits and improve your skin. Overnight, the helichrysum will work its magic on your complexion!
It works so well due to having a large number of acetophenones and terpenoids which help protect the skin’s collagen and elastin and repair skin damage.
DIY Anti-Aging Lavender And Frankincense Glow Serum
Reduces Scarring/Stretchmarks
The fat-soluble antioxidants mentioned above can help even out skin tone and can even help reduce the appearance of scarring, stretchmarks, or acne scars. Whether you make a serum yourself or mix it with your regular face cream, the key is to use it consistently for best results.
Improves Scalp & Hair Health
Helichrysum oil is also great for scalp health and can encourage hair growth!
The natural healing and regenerative properties of this oil along with its antibacterial power will clean the scalp, exfoliate to reduce dandruff flakes, and relieve itchiness. It stimulates circulation and new cell growth which is good news for strengthening hair follicles!
You can either add 2-3 drops into your regular shampoo each time you wash your hair or whip up an 8 oz. bottle of shampoo with 8 drops each of Helichrysum, Clary Sage, and Rosemary essential oil. Follow the same directions if you would like to add it to your conditioner.
Homemade Peppermint And Lavender Scalp Scrub Recipe
Helichrysum & Other Essential Oils For Tinnitus
This is a condition I have developed as of late (not sure why) so I made a helichrysum blend roller bottle for tinnitus. I will update this post at a future date with my results.
It’s a natural solution said to help with constant ringing in the ears. Fingers crossed!
Here’s the essential oil roll-on blend for tinnitus that I made for myself (I didn’t have Juniper Berry on hand so I substituted with Cypress):
- 2 drops Helichrysum-italicum
- 2 drops Juniper Berry (or pine, fir, cypress, or spruce)
- 2 drops Basil (or rosemary, black pepper, fennel, or hyssop)
- 10 ml Carrier Oil
- 10 ml Empty Roll-on
Combine ingredients and apply them behind the ear and to the corners of the jaw. Adjust blend to a lower or higher dilution if needed.
Important safety tips to remember when using any essential oils near your ears:
- Essential oils should never be put directly in the ear as they can harm sensitive membranes in the ear canal
- You can inhale or diffuse to breathe in the vapors OR place a few drops on a cotton ball and apply behind the ear, on the ear lobe, or on the back of the neck
- Be sure your oils are diluted with a carrier oil
Helichrysum Oil For Armpit Detox
Some people may find this one weird but I was curious so I tried it. Sherri at Overthrow Martha has a great DIY detox with Helichrysum for stinky armpits and I wanted to give it a try. (For her full recipe and if you’re wondering why anyone would do this, scroll down to resources and you’ll find the link.)
Now, truth be told I didn’t follow it to a T but instead used a Young Living Charcoal and Clay Detox Mud Mask in place of the bentonite clay and activated charcoal. It worked great! It really did a great job of pulling out all kinds of yucky toxins.
It’s crazy how much gunk and bacteria from wearing traditional deodorant get trapped in your pores and under your skin. (Yes, it stinks but you’ll get over it, lol.) Unfortunately, though, I have yet to find a natural deodorant that I love so I will probably just do an underarm detox every couple of months.
Relief For Allergy Symptoms/ Contact Dermatitis
Because allergic reactions are caused by inflammation, helichrysum can help relieve minor allergy symptoms like contact dermatitis (rash) with its anti-inflammatory properties. Excellent for irritated, itchy mosquito/bug bites too!
Sports Rub For Sore Muscles
It is an excellent antispasmodic and can help soothe sore, aching, and tight muscles after a workout, can improve circulation, and relieve muscle cramps. Mix a few drops each of Helichrysum, Lavender, Sweet Orange, Rosemary, or Eucalyptus (use all or any combination of these oils that you have on hand) with a carrier oil for your DIY sports rub to reduce muscle inflammation.
Emotional Benefits Of Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum Oil can help reduce high levels of stress. It is an excellent grounding oil, calming and soothing to the nervous system, and can help improve mental fatigue or “brain fog”.
When used as a massage oil it can help increase feelings of energy and vitality, relieve sadness, mild depression, or anxiety, and improve your overall state of mind. Rub into the temples or on the back of the neck for a quick self-care idea.
And of course, you can always diffuse helichrysum and fill your home with all its goodness!
The Best Essential Oils For Grounding, Meditation, And Centering
Whether you use it aromatically with a diffuser or topically, helichrysum is one of the best all-around essential oils for health, wellness, and beauty due to its diverse range of benefits!
Is Helichrysum Considered A Safe Essential Oil?
Healthline.com states that “Helichrysum essential oil is generally considered safe, without adverse side effects. However, few studies have been done on whether helichrysum oil is safe for humans.” Accessed March 12,2022
For this post, I am only referring to using helichrysum topically or aromatically. Some people say they ingest it internally but personally, I do not do this.
Can I Use Helichrysum Essential Oil In Recipes & Blends?
So, what blends well with helichrysum essential oil? Like every other essential oil, you can experiment with different aromas and see which blends appeal to your senses.
Honestly, there are endless possibilities for concocting your own recipes with helichrysum!
Some nice oils to blend include:
- Hawaiin Sandalwood
- Ylang-ylang
- Frankincense
- Cypress
- Geranium
- Clary Sage
- Rose
- Lavender
- Citrus oils (Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, Grapefruit, or Sweet Orange)
I hope you give the lovely Helichrysum Essential Oil a try and see what amazing benefits you can reap from it along with enjoying its splendid scent!
Resources
NIH~Helichrysum Italicum: From Traditional Use to Scientific Data
National Library Of Medicine~A new acetophenone derivative from flowers of Helichrysum italicum
Healthline~Everything You Need To Know About Helichrysum Oil
Medical News Today~Helichrysum Benefits
Overthrow Martha~ Stinky Armpit Detox Solution
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Great information here Kelly! Thank you! I will definitely try Helichrysum.
Thanks Cathy, you definitely should try it but be warned…It’s kind of addictive! 😉 x