The benefits of Italian Helichrysum essential oil

Originally from Italy,Italian Helichrysum grows throughout the Mediterranean region. Once considered an invasive plant, it is now widely used in aromatherapy. The golden flowers ofItalian Helichrysum are known for their extraordinary longevity. What are the benefits of Italian Helichrysum essential oil? Its soothing properties are said to ease physical and mental wounds. But how do you apply it to take full advantage of its virtues? Let’s discover the extraordinary powers ofitalian helichrysum essential oil.

At Boèmia,Italian helichrysum is grown organically on two separate plots of land in the Montlaur commune, protected from all sources of pollution. Hand-picked when fully ripe, our Italian helichrysum is then distilled fresh in our traditional copper stills. All this care and attention givesBoèmia’s Italian Helichrysum essential oil and hydrosol exceptional quality.


Italian helichrysum: Immortelle d’Italie

Italian helichrysum: a plant of Mediterranean origin

Italian Helichrysum belongs to the Asteraceae family of the Helichrysum genus. Its botanical name is helichrysum italicumin reference to the country in which it was first described (1), Italy. The word helichrysum comes from the Greek helios, meaning “sun”, while chysos translates as “gold”, the characteristic color of helichrysum flowers. Widely used in bouquets, the exceptional shelf-life of dried helichrysum flowers has earned it the common name of “ Immortelle d’Italie ” in French (2).

Known since ancient times,Italian helichrysum was once considered an invasive plant. Very dry, it was used to burn hog’s bristle or to easily start a fire. In Corsica, the expression brusgia quante a calaticcia, which translates as “it burns like Immortelle”, was commonly used to refer to something easy to burn. In recent years, the development of aromatherapy and alternative medicine has led to the rediscovery of the exceptional properties ofItalian Helichrysum essential oil.

Italian helichrysum: appearance and characteristics

Suitable for arid soils and sunny environments,Italian Helichrysum is a plant that thrives around the Mediterranean. It is characterized by linear, silvery leaves arranged around a very fine downy stem, woody at the base. Its golden-yellow flowers come in small, compact clusters.

Italian Helichrysum is a perennial plant that can reach 50 cm in height. It is evergreen, meaning it retains its leaves throughout the year. Its characteristic fragrance is reminiscent of the smell of curry spices. Sometimes self-pollinating, the plant is pollinated by insects and grows by dispersing its fruit by gravity.

Aromatherapy: Italian Helichrysum essential oil

Italian Helichrysum essential oil is obtained by distilling the flowering tops. At Boèmia, the essence of the plant is distilled fresh from the blossoms using a copper still, by hand. There are several chemotypes ofItalian Immortelle. Generally speaking, theessential oil extracted from the flowers contains aromatic molecules (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes), terpene ester, neryl acetate and italidiones. In aromatherapy,Italian Helichrysum has antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties3. It is also a powerful analgesic4.Italian Helichrysum is also available from Boèmia in the form of 100% organic, preservative-freeItalian Helichrysum hydrolate.

Precautions for use of Italian Helichrysum essential oil

The use ofItalian Helichrysum essential oil is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women or children. External application or internal consumption requires consultation with a therapist.


What are the physical benefits of Italian Helichrysum essential oil?

The circulatory benefits of Italian Helichrysum essential oil

Italian Helichrysum is one of the essential oils you need in your natural skin care kit. In aromatherapy, it is often compared to arnica. Thanks to its circulatory properties2, it reduces the appearance of hematomas and bruises. Highly effective against blood circulation disorders2, it also prevents varicose veins and eases the sensation of heavy legs2. It’s not for nothing thatItalian Helichrysum essential oil is nicknamed “the boxer’s oil”!

Italian Helichrysum essential oil is used in the following cases:

treatment of bruises, ecchymosis and haematomas;

treatment of internal and external trauma ;

treatment of blood circulation disorders (Raynaud’s syndrome, etc.);

alleviates varicose veins and the sensation of heavy legs.

Italian Helichrysum essential oil: healing and anti-inflammatory

Applied locally, the anti-inflammatory virtues of Italian Helichrysum essential oil relieve certain muscular and joint pains4. It promotes tissue regeneration and accelerates healing of burns and skin lesions4. It is also said to have anti-parasitic properties3. The blue tit uses Italian Immortelle to build its nest and protect it from parasites.

Italian Helichrysum essential oil can be effective in the following cases:

treatment of wounds and external skin lesions;

relief from eczema or psoriasis ;

treatment of joint pain (arthritis, polyarthritis, rheumatism, etc.) or muscular pain (tendonitis).

Finally,Italian Helichrysum essential oil supports liver activity and stimulates emunctory organs. Its anti-catarrhal and mucolytic properties help combat sinus and bronchial congestion in cases of rhinitis or bronchitis (3).


What are the psychological benefits of Italian Helichrysum essential oil?

The healing power of Italian Helichrysum essential oil

The healing properties ofItalian Helichrysum essential oil apply to both the physical and psychological levels. Used by olfaction, its powerful fragrance helps heal emotional wounds. It helps to heal psychological traumas, particularly those associated with childhood. Effective against hematomas and bruises, it also soothes the “bruises of the soul”. To take full advantage of its olfactory virtues, we strongly advise you to choose an essential oil made from conscientiously cultivated plants, hand-picked and distilled in copper stills, as is the case with Boèmia and other small-scale producers.

The soothing virtues of Italian Helichrysum essential oil

Italian Helichrysum essential oil helps you cope with the stress of unfamiliar situations and develops your ability to adapt. Soothing, it dissolves tension and reduces nervousness, leading to inner peace. It is also said to regulate breathing and calm the mind (2).

Ideal for meditation sessions,Italian Helichrysum essential oil promotes concentration and combats spiritual dispersion. It enhances perception of visual and auditory sensations. On a spiritual level, it channels vital energy and circulates it throughout the body, helping to evacuate negative thoughts. Its circulatory properties help the body to relax and dissolve blockages2. It is particularly active in the pelvic area.

Finally,Italian Helichrysum essential oil helps you regain self-confidence and live fully in the present moment. It promotes grounding and reconnection with one’s roots.


How to use Italian Helichrysum essential oil?

The circulatory properties ofItalian Helichrysum essential oil give it anti-aging properties, slowing the appearance of the signs of aging (2). It is also highly effective against redness and couperose2. Applied directly to the skin or in synergy withcalophylla inophylla vegetable oil, it has toning and astringent properties. Combined with rosehip vegetable oil, it promotes healing of small skin lesions and stretch marks.

Once considered an invasive plant,Italian Helichrysum is now widely recognized in aromatherapy. Ideal for blood circulation disorders, it soothes bruises and hematomas. Its anti-inflammatory action soothes joint pain such as arthritis or rheumatism. On an energetic level, it enhances visual and auditory acuity and helps toanchor us to the earth. Used in olfaction, it stimulates adaptability and helps develop resilience.

Sources and references

1 : French forest flora. Guide écologique illustré, Volume 3, Région méditerranéenne, Jean-Claude Rameau, Dominique Mansion, Gérard Dumé, Christian Gauberville, 01/03/2008, IDF – `{`ISBN 978-2-904740-93-0`}`
2: Ma Bible des huiles essentielles. Guide complet d’aromathérapie, Danièle Festy, 01/09/2008, Leduc.S Éditions – `{`ISBN 978-2-84899-242-6`}`
3 : `{`en`}` NCBI : Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hélichryse italicum (Asteraceae), Sala A., Recio M., Giner R. M.., Máñez S., Tournier H., Schinella G., Ríos J.L. Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Spain.
4 : `{`en`}` NCBI : A new dual inhibitor of arachidonate metabolism isolated from hélichryse italicum. Sala A., Recio M. C., Schinella G. R., Máñez S., Giner R. M., Ríos J. L. Departament de Farmacologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n. 46100 Burjassot, Spain.
5: “Le top 10 des huiles essentielles”, on Magazine Avantages `{`consulted July 29, 2021`}`

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