Through steam distillation of the flowers of helichrysum, scientific name Helichrysum italicum of the Asteraceae family, a really beneficial and precious essential oil is obtained. This essential oil is used to treat several skin disorders, ecchymosis but also problems affecting the respiratory tract and, from the emotional point of view, it helps counteract mental exhaustion and burnout. But let’s see better the uses.
Helichrysum essential oil for the skin
In literature (Orchard et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2017) helichrysum essential oil is included among the essential oils used in dermatology. Indeed, this essence shows an anti inflammatory, antifungal, healing and antimicrobial action, therefore resulting useful in case of acne, athlete’s foot, blisters, boils, dermatitis, eczema but also psoriasis, rosacea, ulcers and wounds (Djihane et al, Saudi Pharm J, 2017 - Orchard et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2017 - Han et al, Biochim Open, Dec 2017). Moreover, helichrysum essential oil contains flavonoids with a beneficial effect on skin by soothing erythema and protecting the tissues from the damages of sun UV rays. Therefore, this essential oil is helpful in case of wrinkles, skin spots and premature aging (Viegas et al, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013). You can mix 5 drops of helichrysum essential oil in 30 ml of a carrier plant based oil, such as jojoba oil for an acne prone or oily skin or argan for mature skin or sweet almond oil in case of sunburns, blisters, fungal infections and erythema. Because of its anti inflammatory action, helichrysum essential oil is also useful in case of trauma, bruises and contusions. In this case, as a first aid treatment, you can add 1 drop of helichrysum essential oil to a tablespoon of arnica infused oil and apply on the part.
Mental exhaustion and burnout
Helichrysum essential oil helps overcome periods of stress, fatigue, in particular mental fatigue, and burnout. In fact, in 2013 in the journal Alternative and Complementary medicine the results of a small study were published (Varney et al), in which the scientists have tested the effects of a blend of three essential oils, peppermint, basil, and, exactly, helichrysum, on people who were experiencing a period of mental exhaustion. Well, the blend has proven to be effective to alleviate the feeling of exhaustion and tiredness. You can add it to the oil burner, a drop each square meter. In alternative, you can add about ten drops of essential oil to a handful of sea salt and pour it in the bathtub full of water. This will help relax the body and mind and also to counteract little joint pains.
Cough, cold and sinusitis
Helichrysum essential oil has also a beneficial action on the airways, therefore resulting useful in case of cold, sore throat, sinusitis and cough (Viegas et al, Journal of Ethnopharacology, 2013). You can diffuse the essence on the room or you can get benefit from a balsamic bath. Like in the previous paragraph, you can add 10 drops of essential oil to a handful of sea salt and pour in the bathtub.
