The Health Benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum essential oil, also known as Immortelle, is a type of essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy. Sourced from a plant in the sunflower family, helichrysum essential oil is touted for the healing effects of its fragrant compounds.

When used in aromatherapy, the scent of helichrysum essential oil is said to fight conditions such as allergies, arthritis, eczema, and anxiety.

In addition, helichrysum is said to reduce inflammation, promote the healing of wounds and burns, stimulate digestion, boost the immune system, and soothe body and mind.

Despite its long history of use, the research on essential oils is often limited and helichrysum oil is no exception. However, there's some early research suggesting that helichrysum essential oil may offer benefits.

For instance, a 2012 study published in Natural Product Communications found that helichrysum essential oil may possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, due to the lack of clinical trials testing the effects of helichrysum essential oil, it's too soon to recommend this oil in the treatment of bacterial or fungal infections.

In a small pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2013, researchers determined that a mixture of peppermint, basil, and helichrysum essential oils was more effective than a placebo at reducing the perceived level of mental fatigue and burnout.

Whether you are interested in learning how to use essential oils at home or would like to get an aromatherapy treatment, there are a couple of options:

• Topical application: When a very small amount is combined with a carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado oil), helichrysum essential oil can be applied to the skin during a massage or added to baths.
• Inhalation: Helichrysum essential oil also can be inhaled after sprinkling a drop of the oil onto a cloth or tissue (or by using an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer).

According to aromatherapists, helichrysum essential oil blends well with a number of other essential oils like bergamot, chamomile, lavender, rose, and tea tree oils.

As with all essential oils, helichrysum essential oil is potent and shouldn't be used undiluted or in large amounts on your skin. Be sure to dilute the oil in a carrier oil before using it to avoid skin irritation, inflammation, and toxicity (the oils are absorbed through the skin).

Do a skin patch test on a small area before using it topically. Some oils can cause allergic skin reactions, which may be caused by allergies to the flower or to other ingredients and additives in the oil. If you experience itchiness, rashes, or red areas, don't use it.

While brief periods of aromatherapy may be helpful, avoid long exposures (over an hour) to essential oils. If mixing essential oils at home, make sure you're in a well-ventilated area.

Although helichrysum essential oil may have some intriguing effects on the body and mind, there isn't enough research to support its use as a primary treatment for any condition. While it may not be the first-line treatment, the soothing scent might still be helpful when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Just remember that a little goes a long way, and the oil should always be used sparingly and diluted in a carrier oil.

In addition to helichrysum, several other types of essential oils have been found to offer certain benefits. For example, lavender essential oil may help reduce anxiety and relieve insomnia, while rose essential oil may ease menstrual cramps and reduce stress. In addition, both orange essential oil and lemon essential oil may help enhance mood.