Helichrysum: Product Highlight
Plant Details
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum), also referred to as immortelle or curry plant, is a species of fragrant flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and thrives in the dry, rocky, and sandy soil there. Helichrysum grows as a low-growing shrub that reaches around two feet in height. The stems of the plant are upright and whiteish in color, covered in leafage. The leaves of the Helichrysum plant are narrow, evergreen, and fragrant, with a silvery gray hue. During summer, clusters of globe-shaped yellow flowers bloom in oblong heads at the end of long stems.
History
The name Helichrysum is derived from the Greek words ‘helios’, which means sun, and ‘chrysos’, meaning gold. The flowers of the plant were widely used in Ancient Greek culture, where it was used for healing after battles. According to a Greek legend, Ulysses was shipwrecked on an island called Phaeacia during his odyssey. He met the king’s daughter who was renowned for her beauty. She attributed her good looks to the regular use of a nourishing golden oil extracted from Helichrysum flowers. She even gave Ulysses a vial of Helichrysum Essential Oil to help him recover from injuries and it is said that he regained his strength after applying it and was able to continue on his voyage. This legend was told in Homer’s Odyssey and is evidence that Helichrysum may have existed as early as the eighth century BCE. Helichrysum flowers and essential oil were utilized in tradtional medicine practice across the Mediterranean where it was used to soothe digestive upset and skin inflammation as well as in the treatment of healing wounds. The flowers and oil have also been used by many African cultures throughout history. The Xhosa used Helichrysum Essential Oil topically to treat wounds and they as well as the Zulu people burned the leaves of the plant during ceremonial rituals. Helichrysum was revered as a powerful aphrodisiac and was used in various applications to help attract a lover.
Extraction
Helichrysum flowers that are to be used for essential oil extraction are harvested when around fifty percent of the blooms on the plant have opened. The flowers are then picked by hand in the early morning for maximum oil yield and transferred for distillation within twenty-four hours of harvest. Helichrysum Essential Oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant through steam distillation. Fresh Helichrysum flowers are packed tightly in the chamber of the still. It can take over a ton of Helichrysum flowers to yield a single liter of essential oil. Steam is pumped in, working to release the oil from the plant matter. The steam and oil then move into the condenser where cooling transforms the steam into water. The essential oil will then be floating on top of the water and can be separated. The resulting essential oil is thin and clear with a sweet, earthy aroma.
Benefits & Uses
Used in aromatherapy, Helichrysum Essential Oil has been found to promote a sense of calm and relaxation in both the body and mind. It is believed to ease feelings of stress and nervousness while also increasing energy levels to help avoid the onset of anxiety and fatigue. Helichrysum Essential Oil is known to improve concentration and memory retention by giving the brain a boost and imparting a sense of mental clarity. It may also help to remove harmful bacteria and germs from the air while working to support healthy respiratory function and boost immunity.
When diluted and used topically, Helichrysum Essential Oil is believed to soothe inflammation throughout the body and support healthy skin. It has been found to ease redness and swelling, even that caused by rashes or skin conditions. Helichrysum is known to combat bacteria to help prevent infection in wounds while also working to diminish the appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation. Helichrysum Essential Oil may help to support mature skin by helping to reduce signs of aging while also defending against environmental pollutants and free radical damage. It is thought to promote healthy skin cell regeneration and speedy healing which can help to soothe and smooth acne-prone skin. Helichrysum Essential Oil can also benefit the hair and scalp with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is known to cleanse the scalp and reduce dry scalp and dandruff to combat itchiness and irritation. Helichrysum has been found to stimulate the hair follicles to encourage growth and support scalp health.
Here are some recipes using Helichrysum Essential Oil that we love...
Calm & Clear Diffuser Blend
Ingredients
- 3 drops of Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil
- 3 drops of Patchouli Essential Oil
Instructions
Add water to your diffuser up to the fill line. Add drops of the essential oil blend. This diffuser blend recipe is formulated for a 200ml ultrasonic diffuser. Adjust the amount according to the size and directions of your diffuser.
Fatigue Fighter Room Spray
Ingredients
- 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top
- 2 oz of High Percentage Alcohol
- 2 oz of Distilled Water
- 10 drops of Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
Instructions
Add 2 ounces of high-percentage alcohol to the bottle. Add the essential oils and fill the remainder of the bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top. Shake well before each use. Spray around the room when you need a boost of energy and focus.
Healing Hands Skin Salve
Ingredients
- 2 oz of Unrefined Shea Butter
- 1 oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 1 oz of Beeswax Pearls
- 30 drops of Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 30 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 15 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions
Add shea butter and wax to a heat-safe bowl and melt on a double boiler. Remove from heat and stir in fractionated coconut oil and essential oils. Pour into jars and allow to cool and harden for several hours. Apply a small amount to irritated skin and gently massage to help absorption.
Happy Hair Roll On Scalp Oil
Ingredients
- 10 ml Amber Glass Roll-On Bottle
- 1/3 oz of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 5 drops of Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
Instructions
Add the essential oils to the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle to the top with fractionated coconut oil. Replace the rollerball and cap and gently shake to combine. Part hair, roll across the scalp, and gently massage.
Flower Fresh Facial Oil
Ingredients
- 2 oz Amber Bottle with Dropper
- 1 oz of Sweet Almond Oil
- ½ oz of Jojoba Oil
- 10 drops of Helichrysum Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all ingredients to the bottle and give it a good shake to combine. After cleansing your face, add a few drops to the palms and gently press into the skin.
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