Helichrysum is a favorite essential oil of knowledgeable aromatherapists, as it has such immediate, profound pain relieving and healing effects. The particular species of Helichrysum “italicum”, also known as Everlasting or Immortelle, is the most broadly therapeutic of the 500 Helichrysum species. The reason has to do with the chemistry of the oil. Here we’ll have a look at the oil’s special natural chemistry, and how it might help you relieve pain and heal faster.
Healing The Musculoskeletal System
Reducing pain and healing of the tissues of the body require several concurrent actions for the best results. No other oil manages to do so much all at once: Reduce inflammation, loosen stiff muscles and connective tissue, relieve pain and stimulate healing. Helichrysum italicum does it all; and while proponents of conventional medicine still claim the oil to be unproven, this doesn’t prevent one from experimenting, and reaching their own conclusions about its efficacy. The oil is considered one of the safest in aromatherapy — it is listed as “non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing”. The only known contraindication for the oil is refraining from use if one is using wafarin or similar blood thinners, as Helichrysum has anti-coagulant properties. Now here’s a review of what the aroma-scientists know about this exceptional essential oil.
Inflammation Reduction
Helichrysum has the properties of being anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and regenerative all in the same oil. The anti-inflammatory effects can be attributed to the “curcumenes” present in the oil. “Curcumenes” have recently been very prominent in the field of natural nutrition, as the extract of the spice turmeric, called “curcumin” has become popular as an anti-inflammatory supplement. The supplement is considered helpful not only for joint inflammation and pain, but as an all-around anti-aging supplement as well. Helichrysum contains a significant quantity of “gamma curcumene”, providing an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.
Relieving Chronic Muscle Spasms
Another feature of Helichrysum essential oil is its ability to loosen tight muscles. Much back and neck pain, for example, is the result of muscles being chronically cramped. The essential oil contains a natural chemical called “neryl acetate” which acts to relax these cramped muscles. This natural chemical is from a group of compounds called “esters”, found in a great many relaxing essential oils — most notably that of Lavender, the most widely-studied and highly revered “relaxing” essential oil.
The Stimulation of Cellular Regeneration
Helichrysum contains molecules regarded for their ability to signal our cells to heal and regenerate. These compound are called “di-ketones”, of which Helichrysum specifically contains several “italidiones”. You’ll find the essential oil an ingredient in nearly every wound healing and scar reducing formula in aromatherapy. (It should not be used on open wounds due to its anticoagulant effects, but is suitable once an injury is no longer likely to bleed). These same regenerative di-ketones make the oil an excellent choice for all sorts of skin-care recipes; the regenerative action can be complemented by a carrier oil like Rosehip seed, whose carotene content also supports skin healing — these two oils together form the foundation of many anti-aging skin care blends.
Quicker Healing by Preventing Bruises and Blood Clots
A wonderful effect for all us accident prone folks is the bruise prevention offered by the oil. Keeping a little of the oil on hand at all times is a smart way to keep ourselves relatively injury-free. An application or two of the oil on any part of the body that has received physical trauma can profoundly speed healing by preventing the formation of a hematoma, a bruised area where blood flow almost comes to a halt. For athletes twisting an ankle, for example, the oil can significantly reduce the swelling that occurs in the minutes after the injury, speeding healing by quickening the nutrient/waste exchange in the area. ANY blunt injury (walking into furniture in the middle of the night, or hitting your head on an open kitchen cabinet are but two common examples) will greatly benefit both in terms of healing time AND immediate pain reduction.
User Experiences with the Oil
Users have reported impressive results with the use of Helichrysum for all sorts of injuries. Many are astounded with the speed that they feel pain relief. Sports enthusiasts have dubbed the liquid “magic oil”; more sedate office workers are also very appreciative of the relief their aching backs receive. Those with a “crook” in their neck feel better in minutes. Because of the oil’s relatively recent arrival on the world-stage of natural healing — and its continued relative obscurity — it has not yet been the subject of scientific inquiry. Yet this shouldn’t prevent you from a little experimentation. A few milliliters is all you’ll need to see if the oil works for you.
Learn more on the incredible array of therapuetic actions of pure essential oils such as organic Indian peppermint oil and many more at ananadaapothecary.com