Growing wild in Southern Europe, the helichrysum essential oil can be the one-stop solution to your ailments!
Renowned for the exotic, spicy scent derived from its leaves and flowers, the Helichrysum flowering plant has been used for ages in traditional medicine in several European countries, such as Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Bosnia. The Latin word “Helichrysum” actually means “immortal” and “everlasting.” Rest assured that the benefits of the helichrysum essential oil, when incorporated into your daily routine, would be everlasting, too!
Benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil
1) Helps with Skin, Muscle, and Joint Inflammation
Helichrysum oil is a powerhouse when it comes to reducing inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties, backed by laboratory studies, make it excellent for treating skin conditions like eczema and rashes.
But it doesn’t stop there—massaging helichrysum oil into sore muscles and joints can help reduce swelling and pain, making it a great natural remedy for arthritis and muscle strains.
2) Fights Allergies
If you have sensitive skin and often get allergic rashes, try helichrysum essential oil to help reduce your symptoms. Some studies suggest that this oil can help reduce the symptoms of contact dermatitis, a rash caused by particular allergens.
Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties calm the redness, itching, and swelling that come with allergic reactions, providing the much-needed relief.
3) Heals Wounds
When a wound does not heal quickly, it can cause a skin infection. Helichrysum essential oil’s antimicrobial properties can help prevent infection and help the wound heal quickly.
A 2016 study found that antibiotics became more effective in treating skin infections when combined with essential oils like helichrysum. Herbalists firmly believe that helichrysum essential oil is a key ingredient in a “holistic first aid kit,” as it can help with burns, ear infections, and skin wounds.
4) Eases Cough and Cold
When it comes to battling colds and coughs, helichrysum oil’s antimicrobial properties are a big help. Inhaling the oil from a diffuser can reduce inflammation in your airways and nasal passages, helping to clear up those annoying symptoms.
It’s a natural way to support your respiratory health and get you feeling better faster.
5) Deals Digestive Disorders
The traditional use of helichrysum essential oil also includes helping treat a wide range of digestive symptoms, such as stomachaches, acid reflux, constipation, bloating, and indigestion.
A 2013 study suggested that helichrysum essential oil can also be effective against intestinal spasms. So, the next time you have bloating and menstrual cramps, helichrysum oil can be your best friend.
6) Protects Against Infections
Most studies conducted in vitro have lauded the antibacterial activity of helichrysum essential oil. It helps inhibit the growth of a range of bacteria, including the one responsible for staph infections. Its antimicrobial properties also inhibit the growth of different infection-causing viruses and fungi.
There has been specific research in 2018 on its effectiveness against Candida albicans, which is a fungus causing common vaginal infections or thrush, which develops in the mouth and throat. Plus, it was also found to be effective against Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that invades the mouth, causing cavities and gum infections.
7) Fights Malaria
Some preliminary research on the uses of the Helichrysum gymnocephalum essential oil showed anti-malarity activity. It was concluded that this essential oil could help fight the malaria-causing parasite in vitro.
8) Eases Mental Breakdown and Exhaustion
In a study in 2013, researchers tested a combination of essential oils to see which helped most with feelings of burnout and mental exhaustion. The study compared the results of this essential oil mixture with those of a control group that received a placebo.
The findings were significant—Compared to the control group, the group using the essential oil blend showed a substantial reduction in feelings of burnout and mental exhaustion. This suggests that helichrysum can effectively ease mental stress and fatigue symptoms, providing a natural remedy for improving mental well-being.
How To Use Helichrysum Essential Oil?
First, you must remember that there are many different species of helichrysum plants. Oil extracted from a different species than the one you might be looking for could have a different effect. So, if you are looking for helichrysum oil to treat or help prevent a specific symptom, ensure that the manufacturer has produced it using the correct plant for the specific health condition that is of concern.
After you have selected the helichrysum essential oil of your choice, here are some ways you can use it.
1) Always Dilute Pure Helichrysum Essential Oil for Topical Use
If you’ve purchased pure helichrysum essential oil, diluting it before using it topically is very important.
Carrier oils like coconut or almond oil work best for diluting essential oils. Simply mix 2 to 3 drops of helichrysum essential oil with a tablespoon of your chosen carrier oil, and it’s ready for use.
You can massage this blend targeting areas of joint pains, wounds, cuts, or any skin irritation to reap its anti-inflammatory benefits.
2) Use a Diffuser for Aromatherapy
The primary use of essential oils is, of course, aromatherapy. So, it is best if you inhale the scent of the helichrysum essential oil from the mist after putting a few drops of the oil in your diffuser to diffuse the scent.
3) Use Steam to Breathe in the Oil
Don’t have a diffuser at home? No need to rush out and buy one just to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Simply pour a few drops of diluted helichrysum essential oil into a bowl of hot water.
Lean over the bowl, cover your head with a towel to trap the steam, and breathe in the soothing scent. This method helps you relax and enjoy the calming effects of helichrysum oil without needing any special equipment.
Precautions to Consider
1) Before using the helichrysum essential oil, you must perform a patch test by rubbing diluted oil onto your forearm or the back of your wrist. If you notice no allergic or adverse reactions after 24 hours, you can use the diluted oil topically.
2) If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any prior skin condition, consult a dermatologist before using helichrysum oil.
3) Do not ingest this essential oil; keep it away from pets and children. It would be best if they were not in the room when you diffuse this oil, as it can be toxic to them.
4) Last but not least, you must always dilute the helichrysum essential oil before use, even if you are not allergic to it. This potent essential oil can still cause skin irritation, redness, and itchiness if applied directly.