Helichrysum absolute is produced from the yellow flowers of the plant. It is used for its deep-sweet, honey-like note and is a great fixative to essential oil blends containing other oils. It is added to provide a fruity, spicy, warm base note. The oil is useful in skincare preparations, particularly for dry or mature skin.

Helichrysum italicum is a small perennial shrubby herb with narrow, silver-hairy leaves and small, yellow dry (straw -like) flowers. The flowers are a cluster of golden yellow ball shaped blossoms, the leaves are delicate and oblong, which when crushed release a distinct aroma. It is a wonderful plant to grow in the garden, for both its curry aroma and simple beauty. The aroma of the essential oil has been exquisitely described by Holmes, as being: A deeply-saturated sweet, green floral scent.

 

This essential oil is not the same healing helichrysum oil that is steam distilled and used for healing and anti-inflammatory purposes. It is, however, a marvelous fit to the perfumer and essential oil blender. Although this oil is thick and slow-moving, the golden brown absolute oil contains one of the most complex aromas available. The undiluted absolute is extremely thick and will require gentle warming to blend with your chosen carrier oil for oil blend.

Historical uses and writings on helichrysum are scant although it does appear to enjoy a history of traditional medicinal and culinary use in several cultures.

Helichrysum are well known and very popular as traditional medicine in South Africa, their uses are often linked to their distribution. Helichrysum splendid has been used to treat rheumatism and that it is a good fuel plant in the mountains. It is also used in potpourri and lasts well in a vase as a cut flower.

Helichrysum is now cultivated mainly in Italy, France and Spain; the essential oil of helichrysum is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh flowers. Helichrysum absolute oil has a honey-like, sweet fragrance with green undertones; it is usually colored pale yellow, with some red tints. It is also possible to obtain an absolute from helichrysum by solvent extraction.

Helichrysum is herb which is very fragrant; it grows up to 24 inches in height. Helichrysum is known for its brightly colored, 'daisy' flowers; the flowers of helichrysum are popular with flower arrangers, in addition to being used for essential oil extraction. However, although there are many species of helichrysum which are used by florists, only one, Helichrysum angustifolium italicum, is recommended for aromatherapy purposes.

Benefit & Uses: In aromatherapy, Helichrysum is useful additive to all skincare preparations, especially for problem or mature skin.

As an alternative moisturizer for problem skin, try 1 drop of Helichrysum, 1 drop of Roman Chamomile and 1 drop of Rose Absolute in 10ml of Jojoba - apply morning and night.

To lift the spirits and ease the mind after a hard day try using 2 drops of Helichrysum in a diffuser or burner, in a massage blend or in the bath, Helichrysum blends well with Chamomile, Rose, Lavender and Geranium.

Helichrysum has been used in Europe to treat conditions such as asthma, whooping cough and chronic bronchitis; it has also been used to treat a number of skin conditions including psoriasis and burns. Other traditional uses of helichrysum include treatment for liver problems, headaches and migraines; helichrysum is native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa.

Helichrysum essential oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and anti-allergic; it is also used to treat depression and stress, as it is believed to be helpful with emotional issues. Helichrysum essential oil is used to treat asthma, dermatitis, eczema, arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains and any other inflammatory condition.

 

Helichrysum essential oil is very effective oil in the treatment and prevention of stress, as it is has very calming properties; the essential oil of Helichrysum is primarily made up of the chemical components of alcohols and esters, both very calming and relaxing elements. Mentally, helichrysum essential oil can help people who are emotionally exhausted and debilitated; it is for this reason that many believe helichrysum to be of 'sacred' and spiritual value.