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Helichrysum (Helichrysum spp., Asteraceae) is native
to North Africa and the Mediterranean, mainly the eastern portion. However, the
aromatic shrub is cultivated mainly in France, Italy, Spain, and Corsica.1
Also known as immortelle and everlasting due to the fact that the dried yellow,
daisy-like flowers do not fade, the Helichrysum
genus contains approximately 600 species.2 Not all the species
produce an essential oil. The plants that do include H. italicum which can be found in Corsica and Italy, H. stoechas in France, H. gymnoceyphalum in Madagascar, and H. patulum in South Africa.3 In Europe, helichrysum
aerial parts were traditionally used for respiratory ailments such as
bronchitis, asthma, and whooping cough.1 It has been used for skin
issues such as burns and psoriasis, as well as headaches, allergies, and liver
conditions. The name is derived from the Greek helios, meaning sun, and chrisos,
meaning gold as the flowers resemble small golden suns.3
Therapeutic actions
of the essential oil include antiseptic, diuretic, nervine, anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial, cicatrisant (wound healing), analgesic, and expectorant.1,3
Principle constituents of the essential oil include 30-50% nerol and neryl
acetate, pinene, linalool, sesquiterpenes, and eugenol.
While often used in
skin care for conditions such as wounds, dermatitis, acne, inflammation, burns,
and boils, helichrysum essential oil is also excellent for mature skin as it
can regenerate and stimulate new cell growth.4 It can help to
minimize scar tissue, aid in the healing of bruises, and reduce skin
inflammation including itching, redness, puffiness, and scaling, as well as
help relieve pain due to sunburn.
For a comprehensive
article on H. italicum, please see
Appendino G, Taglialatela-Scafati
O, Minassi A, et al. Helichrysum italicum: The Sleeping Giant of Mediterranean Herbal Medicine. HerbalGram. No. 105:34-45, available at
http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AAH_Helichrysum.
References
1Lawless J. The
Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. San Francisco, CA: Conari Press; 2013.
2Giovanelli S, De
Leo M, Cervelli C, Ruffoni B, Ciccarelli D, Pistelli L. Essential oil
composition and volatile profile of seven Helichrysum
species grown in Italy. Chem Biodivers.
March 6, 2018; [epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201700545.
3Battaglia S. The
Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd ed. Brisbane: The International
Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy; 2003.
4Hawkins
B. Aromatherapy 201 Workbook. Vancouver, BC: West Coast Institute of
Aromatherapy, Inc.; 2014.
Lori Glenn, Managing Editor |
Saturday 12 January 2019
Helichrysum 06-15-2018
