Yoga and Meditation

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 Body’s Structure

Helichrysum’s most revered effects have to do with the healing of the musculoskeletal system — it happens to have several natural chemical constituents that synergize to produce quick, profound results. Pure essential oils are often made up of many, sometimes hundreds of individual molecules. The “chemistry profile” of Helichrysum essential oil is very special, containing a spectrum of healing compounds produced by a single plant. Many essential oils have proven medical effects (search Pub Med for “essential oil” to see thousands of results), including antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer activity. Helichrysum’s primary applications are on the healing of the muscles, joints, skin and connective tissues — though there are more diverse uses, these are the easiest for most users to experience.

Cooling Inflammation

Helichrysum seems to have been designed by nature to heal trauma of our muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and even skin. Its natural chemistry has components which reduce inflammation and pain, while concurrently stimulating tissue regeneration. The anti-inflammatory action is a result of constituents known as “curcumenes”, similar in structure to molecules found in the popular inflammation-reducing herb turmeric. This is a crucial step in initiating the healing process; if inflammation is not reduced, more activity can cause more inflammation in a vicious cycle. Reducing inflammation allows the healing process to begin, as damaged tissue material can then be removed from the injury site, and fresh nutrients can be brought in.

Anti-Spasmodic & Muscular Tension Relief

Helicrysum contains a significant amount of “neryl acetate”, a molecule from a larger group known as “esters”. These are the predominant relaxing molecules found in many essential oils. The relief of chronic muscle spasms has a two-fold action: one, release of the tension instantly brings pain relief and an increase in energy flow (anyone with neck muscles in this condition know how the mind can feel hazy as a result). Second, once this tension is relieved, circulation to the area is increased. This is crucial to the healing process, as it allows the flow of damaged material out of the area, and new healthy material in.

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 Encourage Experimentation

The use of Helichrysum essential oil on the world stage of medicine has been very brief. While use by dedicated aromatherapists has been significant, the cross-over into the greater world of natural health is only just beginning. As a result, formal testing of its efficacy is limited. However, because the oil is so safe, its really worth a try to see if it works for you. A fairly small amount of Helichrysum essential oil will either give you the results you’re looking for or it won’t. Many users have reported excellent results: profound relief from back pain, neck pain, joint pain scar tissue tightness. Extreme sports enthusiasts have called it “the magic oil” for its quick pain relief. If Helichrysum sounds like it may help you, there’s every reason to give this wonderful, effective, organic natural medicine a try!

The author has made available reports on specific anti-microbials such as eucalyptus essential oil, and using essential oils.