The health benefits of helichrysum essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an antispasmodic, anticoagulant, antiallergenic, anti-microbial, anti-hematoma, antiphlogistic, nervine, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, cicatrizant, and an expectorant. It also acts as a febrifuge, antiseptic, cholagogic, emollient, mucolytic, fungicidal, hepatic, diuretic, splenic, and a cytophylactic substance. This oil also exhibits antioxidant properties. Helichrysum, the flower that contributes to the “everlasting” and “immortal” essential oil, and known by the names Helichrysum angustifolium and Helichrysum italicum, is a European herb native to France, Italy, and a few neighboring countries. It is a very costly oil and scarcely available, but unlike other essential oils which have a short shelf life, this oil can be stored for a very long time.
Health Benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil
This essential oil has a wide range of remarkable medicinal properties. Some of the most notable are listed below. [1]
Relieves Spasms
A spasm is an unwanted, unbalanced, or excessive contraction in the body. It may occur in the respiratory tract, lungs, muscles, nerves or intestines and may result in severe coughs, breathlessness, cramps, convulsions, and severe abdominal pains. In extreme cases, spasms can even be fatal. Therefore, it is always advisable to attend to it immediately. Helichrysum essential oil is ideal for helping these types of conditions. It is an antispasmodic and can give you quick relief in case a spasm begins, and it can also work as a preventative agent if inhaled regularly.
Protects Heart Health
As an anticoagulant, helichrysum essential oil can be a blessing for those who run the risk of heart attacks due to the thickening of blood because of a high cholesterol content. It can immediately provide relief in such cases by liquefying or thinning the blood. These days, extensive research is going on to derive anticoagulants from natural substances (even saliva from mosquitoes and vampire bats is being considered), since heart diseases and cases of heart attacks are growing at an alarming rate.
Helichrysum is the Latin name for a flowering plant meaning immortal or everlasting. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Prevents Allergies
This quality can also save your life in certain situations. Perhaps you may think it is an exaggeration because allergies are limited to some rashes on the skin and stomach aches. You might be surprised to know that these are only external symptoms or expressions of allergy. Allergies first show up in internal organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, respiratory tracts, intestines, and even heart, and in extreme cases may result in severe attacks of asthma, cardiac arrest, unbearable pain in the stomach, convulsions, and even death. So why risk your life? Keep this oil within reach and use it without delay before visiting a doctor if you think that you may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
Dissolves Blood Clots
The essential oil of helichrysum helps clear the accumulation of blood or blood clots which result from a hemorrhage. This can be very helpful in clearing blood clots out of the brain after a brain hemorrhage. These clots often interfere with the normal functioning of the brain. It also helps dissolve or melt away such clots by stimulating the enzymes which do that.
Lowers Fever
Research suggests that helichrysum essential oil is effective in reducing inflammation resulting from fever since it is an antiphlogistic. This can help the patient feel less worn out and exhausted during fever, and it also aids in reducing the frequency of fever. [2]
Relieves Inflammation
Apart from giving relief to inflammation resulting from fever, this oil also provides relief from inflammation due to other causes and generally soothes the body. [3]
Reduces Cough
Being an antitussive, helichrysum oil gives relief from coughs that are stimulated by phlegm in the respiratory tracts or by itchiness in the throat caused by infections.
Protects Nervous System
Helichrysum oil is nervine, which means that it keeps your nervous system in order, strengthens it, and protects it from disorders. Regular use can protect you from nervous disorders that result from aging. It can help you reduce anxiety over insignificant things and generally lower stress levels.
Fights Infections
Fever is not a disease in itself; it is just a symptom which shows that the immune system of our body is fighting against infections or unwanted substances. This is why you will rarely see fever as a solitary symptom. It always accompanies colds, viral infections, bacterial infections or infections from wounds, liver malfunctions, pox, boils, allergic reactions or arthritis. According to a research published in 2014, helichrysum oil helps not only eliminate the root of fever but also reduces the fever itself. [4] [5]
Skin Care
This property of helichrysum essential oil makes your wounds and cuts heal quickly and scar marks disappear fast. It is equally effective in clearing up spots left on your skin by pox and boils. Also, helichrysum oil has long been used to fight acne as well. [6]
Acts as Expectorant
Helichrysum essential oil is also an expectorant. It provides warmth to the respiratory system, which loosens the deposition of phlegm there and does not allow new phlegm to be deposited. It gives relief from a continuous cough and congestion that show a sign of infection or illness.
Promotes Digestion
Helichrysum oil has cholagogic properties, which means that it promotes the discharge of bile into the stomach and helps neutralize acids, thereby promoting digestion, curing acidity, and reducing symptoms of acidosis.
Inhibits Microbial Growth
Helichrysum Oil inhibits microbial growth and protects the body against a long list of microbial infections.
Heals Wounds
This oil does not allow your wounds to become septic. It can be safely applied to wounds, cuts, pricks, and any other open sores that may attract infection.
Prevents Dehydration
This property of helichrysum oil makes the skin smooth, soft and helps it retain moisture. It prevents dehydration and cracking of the skin as well.
Mucolytic Properties
Mucus helps keep all the internal tracts (larynx, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, food pipe, intestines etc.) moist and slippery, thereby protecting them from scratches and infections. Mucus is essential for the body and without it, these tracts may suffer from severe wounds and infections. However, a problem occurs when it starts depositing and thickening in the respiratory system following an infection. The same mucus results in coughs and congestion. Being a mucolytic, helichrysum oil promotes the thinning of excess or hardened mucus through hydrolysis and its removal from the body along with normal excretions. This can effectively reduce congestion and coughs resulting from cold and other illnesses.
Stimulates Urination
Helichrysum essential oil has diuretic properties, such as promoting and facilitating urination, both in frequency and in quantity, thereby helping the removal of toxic substances from the blood through urine. Urination also helps in lowering blood pressure, losing weight by eliminating fat, and improving digestion.
Reduces Anemia
This property of helichrysum essential oil can be very beneficial for people suffering from anemia. The spleen is involved in the production and recycling of red blood cells, and having a healthy spleen means that you never run short of blood. This essential oil keeps your spleen healthy and free from infections.
Maintains Cell Health
Helichrysum oil promotes cell health, encourages the recycling of dead cells, and stimulates the production of new cells. This helps in the overall growth and repair of the body. This property can be beneficial for growing children or children who have obstructed growth.
Improves Liver Health
Being a hepatic, this oil soothes the liver, relieves it of inflammation, regulates its discharges, protects it from infections, and keeps it healthy, active, and strong.
Prevents Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are some of the most dangerous types of infections. This oil prohibits and inhibits fungal infections very effectively. Other Benefits This powerful oil also detoxifies the liver, relieves congestion, neutralizes effects of nicotine and caffeine, and helps against herpes, cystitis, arthritis, sinusitis, colitis, neuralgia, and varicose veins. It has an uplifting effect on the mental function and improves meridian flow. Word of Caution: No toxic or irritating effects have been observed or reported from the use of this oil, but being an anticoagulant, those who have undergone surgery or have chances of internal hemorrhaging should avoid using it. How to Use? You should always consult an aromatherapist before using essential oils, including helichrysum oil. Essential oils are very strong, so they should not be used without proper consultation with medical professionals. Blending: This essential oil blends well with Geranium, Lavender, Rose, Lime, Neroli, Orange, Petit Grain, Sage, and Ylang-Ylang oil.
