Helichrysum italicum is also known as curry plant. It is extremely beneficial for healing purposes as it contains Helichrysum, which has a high percentage of anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenes (Nearly 50%). This synergy of compounds acts together to support healing of great variety of common injuries. Further, it also has excellent olfactory properties that make it useful in natural perfumery industry.

Although Helichrysums or 'Everlasting' as they are sometimes called, have conquered a place in our gardens, these oddly dry and papery herbs are usually at home in warmer climes. They are best adapted to the harsh arid and dry conditions of the Mediterranean hills, where they grow profusely among the rocks of the garrigue. The ancients were well aware of its healing powers and both, Dioscorides and Tabernaemontanus described it in detail. Yet, modern herbalism has all but forgotten its virtues. Aromatherapy is rediscovering it and it is now taking the lead in spreading the word regarding its numerous medicinal uses. Worldwide there are about 500 species in the genus and 245 of them occur in South Africa, where they are commonly used in folk medicine and magic. Shamans burn it as incense to invoke the snake spirits and call upon the ancestors.