It is known as helichrysum or evergreen and in many areas they have wanted to identify it and compare it with gold or the Sun. That is due to the majesty of its yellow flowering, rich in flavonoids that give it that color and its medicinal power.
Helichrysum is a medicinal plant, often confused with a herbaceous one that grows in all kinds of terrains of the world and continents.
Species and variations of Helichrysum stoechas in Asia, America, Europe and even Australia.
The name helichrysum comes from Latin variation helisso, as a reference to the fact that it rotates according to the movement of the Sun.
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Active ingredients of Helichrysum stoechas
The correlation of the essential oils it contains have a high anti-inflammatory power and antiallergic.
That’s because of some of these components:
- Helichrysine
- Helichrysene
- Nerol
- Pinene
- Flavonoids and phytosterols
- Organic acids (oleanolic acid, caffeic acid and ursolic acid)
- Derivatives of alpha-pyrone and floroglucinol
Other components present in helichrysum flowers that may have antibiotic activity are currently being identified.
Like all these types of elements, it needs a chemical process of separation, study and scientific evidence.
Medicinal Properties of Helichrysum
The pharmacological studies Current on the helichrysum have concluded three main properties of the oil and extracts of the flowers of this plant.
| Medicinal Properties | Description |
|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | The oil and extracts of Helichrysum flowers contain phenolic compounds like plicatipirone, italipirone, sandblast, and homoarene, which exhibit antimicrobial activity against bacteria of the mycobacteria type and the Candida fungal genus. These effects can be enhanced when combined with other antimicrobial plants like thyme extract. |
| Anti-inflammatory | Helichrysum contains flavonoids and other phenolic compounds that act on the metabolism of arachidonic acid, reducing its expression. This leads to a reduction in inflammation and inhibition of edema caused by irritants. It also possesses analgesic properties, aiding in pain reduction by reducing histamine. |
| Antioxidant | Helichrysum contains acetophenones that combat the damaging effects of free radicals, while flavonoids reduce enzymatic lipid peroxidation. These antioxidant properties help protect cells from oxidative stress and contribute to overall health and wellness. |
| Antitussive and Expectorant | Helichrysum, particularly in the form of massage on the chest or topical application to the respiratory tract, exhibits expectorant and antitussive properties. This helps in reducing the accumulation of mucus in the airways and improving breathing. |
Antimicrobial properties
Mainly phenolic compounds such as plicatipirone, italipirone, sandblast and homoarene have activity against bacteria of the mycobacteria type and the Candida fungal genus.
These effects can also be combined with other medicinal plants that reduce microbiological growth, such as thyme extract.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Flavonoids and other phenolic compounds act on the metabolism of arachidonic acid, reducing its expression.
This favors the reduction of inflammation and inhibition of edema caused by irritants.
It also acts by reducing pain since it has analgesic properties, favoring the reduction of histamine.
Antioxidant properties
A compound known as acetophenones, present in helichrysum, reduce the damaging effects of free radicals. Flavonoids reduce enzymatic lipid peroxidation.
Antitussive and expectorant properties
Although still under study, the massage on the chest and the respiratory topical parts of the evergreen extract, has expectorant properties and antitussive, reducing the accumulation of mucus in the airways and improving breathing.
Benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil
In traditional Mediterranean medicine practices, which have utilized helichrysum essential oil for centuries, the flowers and leaves stand out as the most significant parts of this plant. They are prepared in various ways to address a multitude of conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Acne
- Colds
- Cough
- Inflammation of the skin
- Inflammation of muscles and joints
- Infections
Numerous scientific studies on helichrysum are currently being carried out. This is due to the large amount of essential oils and extracts it has in its composition.
We are talking about secondary metabolites, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, floroglucionoles and a long etcetera.
Since the helichrysum is a well-known plant in Turkey, the main studies are being carried out in its universities. At the moment, it is already attributed a potential effect against microorganisms (antibiotic), anti-inflammatories and certain anti-cancer properties which are still under study.
| Application | Benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil |
|---|---|
| Skin Regeneration | Helichrysum promotes skin regeneration and heals wounds, sunburns, and chafing. Its anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to helichrysene, soothe inflammation. Apply a few drops of helichrysum oil on clean skin, massage gently, and cover wounds with gauze. |
| Acne Treatment | Helichrysum effectively fights acne and excess oil. Applying helichrysum oil on acne pimples helps dry and heal the skin. |
| Muscle Damage Relief | Helichrysum stimulates hydrocortisone production, reducing inflammation and pain from muscle injuries like sprains and tendonitis. Massage helichrysum extract onto sore muscles for relief. |
| Antimicrobial and Antifungal | Compounds in Helichrysum inhibit the growth of gram-positive bacteria and Candida fungi. Topical application through massage or compresses reduces infections caused by these microorganisms. |
| Digestive and Liver Health | Helichrysum is used in traditional Turkish medicine as an anti-inflammatory, spasmodic, and appetite stimulant. It aids in liver detoxification and the treatment of liver diseases. |
| Kidney Stone Prevention | Helichrysum oil, taken with lemon juice in water, helps prevent kidney stone formation and deposits in renal ducts. |
| Sunburn Relief | Helichrysum’s soothing and antioxidant properties help firm the skin and reduce pain from sunburns. It also aids in preventing skin cancer by mitigating the effects of sun exposure. |
- 100% PURE & NATURAL HELICHRYSUM OIL – Majestic Pure Blends oils are exactly that! Many oils being sold make that claim but are in fact made of natural isolates and mixtures. Each essential oil is tested by an independent lab which is why every bottle comes with a Quality Guaranty.
Skin regeneration
The helichrysum has great potential to regenerate the skin and heal small wounds, sunburn or chafingace. It acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory when applied topically due to its composition in helichrysene.
Apply on clean skin, several drops of helichrysum oil extract and massage lightly until absorbed. Cover the wound with gauze.
Siempreviva is also effective in fighting acne and excess oil on the face and other areas.
Rubbing with a cloth of helichrysum oil on acne pimples helps dry and heal the skin.
Muscle damage
Different clinical trials have been developed where natural extracts of Helichrysum stoechas, demonstrating that it acts by stimulating the production of hydrocortisone. This corticoid compound helps reduce inflammation and pain from muscle injuries such as ankle sprains, mild sprains, tendiditis, etc.
To do this, we will use the helichrysum extract through massage on the sore part, rubbing vigorously until we notice relief.
Antimicrobial and antifungal
Numerous compounds have been extracted from Helichrysum stoechas responsible for inhibiting the development of gram-positive bacteria and fungi of the genus Candida.
Therefore, topical application through massage or cloths reduces infections caused by these microorganisms.
Digestive and liver stimulant
In traditional Turkish medicine, helichrysum has been used as a potent anti-inflammatory, spasmodic and appetite stimulant. It also helped to detoxify the liver and the treatment of liver diseases.
These natural remedies are still being studied by the scientific community, to try to find the compound that causes these benefits and its interaction with other drugs.
Kidney stone reducer
It is known a traditional use of the oil of Helichrysum stoechas, using several drops in water with lemon juice and taking it 2 times a day when suffering from kidney stones.
Helichrysum extracts together with the acidity of citrus juice, prevent the formation of kidney stones and deposits in the renal ducts.
Remedy against sunburn
Although at home you will have a large arsenal of products and cosmetics to reduce inflammation and redness of the skin after a day at the beach exposed to the Sun, helichrysum is a powerful relaxant that helps firm the skin and reduce pain.
Sunburn can become a serious problem, as it can promote skin cancer. It is what is known as the “memory of the skin” after burns.
The helichrysum, in addition to their soothing power, they also have antioxidant effect.
How to Prepare Homemade Aftersun Lotion for Sunburns:
- 5 to 10 drops of helichrysum essential oil
- Coconut oil
- 10 drops rosemary or lavender essential oil
How to Use Helichrysum as a Medicinal Plant
Using Helichrysum as a medicinal plant involves various methods depending on the specific health concern. Here’s how you can use Helichrysum:
Topical Application for Skin Conditions: Helichrysum can be applied topically to the skin to promote healing and alleviate various skin conditions. To use it, dilute a few drops of Helichrysum essential oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil, and apply it directly to the affected area. This can help with wound healing, sunburn relief, acne treatment, and reducing inflammation.
Massage for Muscle Pain Relief: Helichrysum oil can be used in massage blends to alleviate muscle pain and inflammation. Mix a few drops of Helichrysum oil with a carrier oil and massage it into sore or tense muscles. This can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions like sprains, strains, and tendonitis.
Inhalation for Respiratory Health: Helichrysum oil can be added to a diffuser or inhaled directly from the bottle to support respiratory health. Its antimicrobial properties may help alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections, such as coughs and congestion.
Internal Use (Under Supervision): In some traditional medicine practices, Helichrysum may be consumed internally to support digestive health and liver function. However, internal use should only be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, as ingestion of essential oils can be toxic if not used properly.
Compress for Wound Healing: Helichrysum oil can be added to warm water to create a compress for wound healing. Soak a clean cloth in the diluted oil solution, wring out the excess liquid, and apply it to the affected area. This can help cleanse the wound, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Always perform a patch test before using Helichrysum oil topically, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use immediately. Additionally, consult with a healthcare professional before using Helichrysum oil, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions.
Where to Buy Helichrysum Essential Oil?
You can buy Helichrysum essential oil from various sources, including:
- Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, and various health and wellness stores often offer a wide range of essential oils, including Helichrysum oil.
- Health Food Stores: Many health food stores and specialty stores that carry natural products and essential oils may have Helichrysum essential oil available for purchase.
- Aromatherapy Shops: Stores specializing in aromatherapy products and essential oils are likely to carry Helichrysum oil.
- Local Farmers’ Markets: Some farmers’ markets may have vendors selling essential oils, including Helichrysum oil, especially those that focus on natural and holistic products.
When purchasing Helichrysum essential oil, it’s essential to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source that offers high-quality, pure essential oils. Look for oils that are labeled as 100% pure and therapeutic grade, and consider reading reviews or asking for recommendations from others who have used the oil.
- 100% PURE & NATURAL HELICHRYSUM OIL – Majestic Pure Blends oils are exactly that! Many oils being sold make that claim but are in fact made of natural isolates and mixtures. Each essential oil is tested by an independent lab which is why every bottle comes with a Quality Guaranty.
Are There Any Contraindications Associated With the Medicinal Plant Helichrysum?
Topical treatments do not present pharmacological contraindications except for exceptions of allergies to the active substances of helichrysum.
In consumption, it is not indicated in pregnant and lactating women. It is also not indicated in those who suffer from bile duct occlusion
Always consult a medical specialist for any consumption or use of medicinal plants.
