Helichrysum Essential Oil – Health Benefits and Best Uses

Although it is relatively unknown in the United States, helichrysum essential oil has been used for many years to treat a variety of medical conditions in countries such as Italy, Spain, Turkey, Portugal, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today, it is often referred to as the “super arnica of aromatherapy” and is widely known for its anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

The essential oil of helichrysum is produced from the flowering tops of this herb. It is a pale yellow color, largely aromatic, and has a rich, sweet, honey-like odor. Helichrysum is made up of 21.7% pinene, 10.4% curcumene, and 8% italidiones.

The helichrysum flower is native to the Mediterranean where much of its essential oil is produced. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, along with chamomile, mugwort, sweet inula, tagetes, tarragon, wormwood and yarrow.

Because of its growing popularity, the United States has taken on a large portion of helichrysum essential oil production as well.

Helichrysum Essential Oil – Health Benefits

Reduce Inflammation and Bruising

Helichrysum essential oil is one of the best natural remedies for bruising. The italidiones chemical component in helichrysum essential oil has remarkable anti-hematoma properties, meaning it can help to keep blood inside of a blood vessel after injury to a particular area. This is why this particular oil is well known for being an excellent remedy for helping to reduce bruising and can be used topically for them.

We all experience bruising occasionally, and to help reduce just how much bruising you are left with after a knock or fall, you should first apply immediately ice or a cold pack. Then after 20 minutes apply a couple of drops of helichrysum oil mixed with a tablespoon of carrier oil directly to the bruise and gently rub it in with finger tips.

It will pay to keep the part of the body being tended to elevated at all times. A few hours later apply another cold compress and a few more drops of diluted helichrysum essential oil, once again massaging the oil in.

Eczema and Psoriasis Relief

Helichrysum is one of the best essential oils for eczema. Some studies indicate that helichrysum may be anti-allergenic and productive in the treatment of asthma, hay fever, and eczema.

To soothe irritating and painful eczema or psoriasis, try mixing a few drops of helichrysum essential oil in a soothing, hypoallergenic base oil like organic coconut oil. Apply this to affected areas up to 3 times a day.

To get relief from asthma, and other health problems that cause congestion in the lung area such as coughs, bronchitis, and hay fever, try putting a few drops in an oil diffuser and placing it two to three meters away from where you are working or resting and inhale normally.

Further reading: Read my articles about 11 natural treatments for eczema and 12 natural ways to relieve psoriasis.

Heal Quicker After Major Surgery

The combination of helichrysum and musk rose essential oil has been successfully used on patients after cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to reduce inflammation, edema, and bruising.

According to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy in 2007, more than half the patients who used this mixture were able to go home 7 days earlier than those who did not use the mixture after their surgery.

This therapeutic effect was likely due to the italidiones component in the mixture. Furthermore, the mixture was able to provide a pain-relieving effect on the patients (helichrysum is one of the top 16 essential oils for pain relief), which was likely due to a chemical component in the mixture known as neryl acetate.

To use helichrysum oil topically for the above instances, make a mixture of 3 drops of helichrysum oil, 3 drops of musk rose oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the skin for wound healing or general skin conditioning.

Just to exercise caution, if you wish to use helichrysum oil after major surgery, be sure to speak to your doctor to ensure the oil will not negatively react with any medications you may have been prescribed.

Reduce Scarring

If you would like to reduce the visibility of scars you have, then helichrysum could lend a hand, as it has been found to help prevent scarring. Helichrysum can also be used with other oils as a natural treatment for scars.

A common suggested mixture for the treatment of scars is to take 2 tablespoons benzoin powder, 4 drops of helichrysum oil, and ½ cup of sweet almond oil. Then, in a glass jar, add the benzoin powder to the almond oil. Close the jar and shake well. Let rest for 2 weeks. Using a coffee filter, filter the mixture and then add the helichrysum oil. Shake well. It is recommended to rub the mixture into the desired area twice per day.

Further reading: Read my article about the best ways to heal scars naturally.

Massage Away Digestive Trouble

Most applications of helichrysum can be done by using a few drops mixed with a carrier oil and massaging it into the affected area. For example, massage a few drops of diluted helichrysum essential oil over the abdominal area for digestive relief.

Revive Tired Feet and Minds

Applying a few drops to your hands and massaging your feet is also recommended to reduce stress and promote relaxation and general well-being. You can also rub a few drops together in your hand, cup your hands over your nose and mouth and inhale for general well-being usage.

Further reading: You can also use one of these best essential oils for anxiety and depression.

Sinus Infection Relief

For sinus infections, place one drop underneath your nose and inhale. You can also rub helichrysum essential oil over your nose and sinus cavities. Never put drops of essential oil directly in your eyes or sinuses, and only use as instructed on the bottle.

Further reading: For other useful essential oils, read my post about the best essential oils for sinus infection.

Balance Your Heart Chakra

The term chakra is used to describe the spiritual power in the human body. For example, many ancient belief systems were founded on the fact that humans are spiritual as well as physical as these people lived very close with nature.

Helichrysum essential oil may be useful for the heart chakra, which refers to our place of inner guidance or our soul. The heart chakra is classed as the ‘center of the human energy system’. Some practitioners of aromatherapy suggest that the heart chakra needs to be balanced if you are struggling to express emotions such as love, trust, empathy and kinship

Balancing your heart chakra can be done by placing one drop of helichrysum essential oil directly on your heart chakra, which is the central point in between your breasts on both the male and female anatomy.

Get more information about the most effective ways to use essential oils in my eBook Magical Aromatherapy.

Read my other related posts:
The Top 16 Essential Oils to Relieve Pain and Inflammation
The Best Essential Oils for Sinus Infection
The Best Essential Oils For Anxiety And Depression

Resources

Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical aromatherapy: Essential oils in healthcare (3rd ed., p. 53, 139, 148-149). Edinburgh: Elsevier.
Rhind, J. (2012). Essential oils: A handbook for aromatherapy practice (2nd ed., p. 110). London: Singing Dragon.
Peterson, D. (2015) Essential Oil Monographs: Part 1. Aromatherapy Materia Medica. American College of Healthcare Sciences.
http://www.researchgate.net
https://estudogeral.sib.uc.pt/
Antinociceptive effect of Helichrysum stoechas