Helichrysum is a favorite essential oil of knowledgeable aromatherapists, as it has such immediate, profound pain relieving and healing effects. The particular species of Helichrysum "italicum", also known as Everlasting or Immortelle, is the most broadly therapeutic of the 500 Helichrysum species. The reason has to do with the chemistry of the oil. Here we'll have a look at the oil's special natural chemistry, and how it might help you relieve pain and heal faster.
Healing The Musculoskeletal System
Reducing pain and healing of the tissues of the body require several concurrent actions for the best results. No other oil manages to do so much all at once: Reduce inflammation, loosen stiff muscles and connective tissue, relieve pain and stimulate healing. Helichrysum italicum does it all; and while proponents of conventional medicine still claim the oil to be unproven, this doesn't prevent one from experimenting, and reaching their own conclusions about its efficacy. The oil is considered one of the safest in aromatherapy -- it is listed as "non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing". The only known contraindication for the oil is refraining from use if one is using wafarin or similar blood thinners, as Helichrysum has anti-coagulant properties. Now here's a review of what the aroma-scientists know about this exceptional essential oil.
Step One of Healing: Reducing Inflammation
Helichrysum has the properties of being anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and regenerative all in the same oil. The anti-inflammatory effects can be attributed to the "curcumenes" present in the oil. "Curcumenes" have recently been very prominent in the field of natural nutrition, as the extract of the spice turmeric, called "curcumin" has become popular as an anti-inflammatory supplement. The supplement is considered helpful not only for joint inflammation and pain, but as an all-around anti-aging supplement as well. Helichrysum contains a significant quantity of "gamma curcumene", providing an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.
Muscle Relaxant
Where Helichrysum distilled from plants grown in coastal regions of the Mediterranean really stand out is in its ability to release muscle tension. In particular, a sub-species known as "serotinum" has the highest levels of neryl acetate. This is of a group of compounds known as "esters" which are particularly good anti-spasmodics. Just like the word says, these compounds relieve muscle spasms -- a condition that is often found in our necks and backs where the musculature has locked up in a stiff and painful condition. This can be the result of old injuries (where the body is trying to protect itself by holding together weak joints), from stress, or simple poor posture or ergonomics (like hunching over a computer all day). By relieving these spasms, circulation in the area is increased, and the healing process is dramatically accelerated.
Cellular Regeneration
Several essential oils contain various levels of molecules called "ketones". These molecules are known to stimulate cellular regeneration (it's why Sage oil is used to stimulate hair growth, for example). Yet these molecules can be dangerous, depending on their specific make-up. Those found in Helichrysum however, are considered completely safe. This is why the essential oil is found in nearly every formula for wound healing and scar reduction, and why the oil is indicated for healing all sorts of other types of injuries as well. You can see that this action synergizes with the others: once inflammation is reduced, and circulation to an injured area restored, healing will begin naturally -- and in this case, it gets a little further encouragement from these special active ingredients.
Anti-Coagulant and Bruise Prevention
A wonderful effect for all us accident prone folks is the bruise prevention offered by the oil. Keeping a little of the oil on hand at all times is a smart way to keep ourselves relatively injury-free. An application or two of the oil on any part of the body that has received physical trauma can profoundly speed healing by preventing the formation of a hematoma, a bruised area where blood flow almost comes to a halt. For athletes twisting an ankle, for example, the oil can significantly reduce the swelling that occurs in the minutes after the injury, speeding healing by quickening the nutrient/waste exchange in the area. ANY blunt injury (walking into furniture in the middle of the night, or hitting your head on an open kitchen cabinet are but two common examples) will greatly benefit both in terms of healing time AND immediate pain reduction.
User Experiences Encourage Experimentation
Users have reported impressive results with the use of Helichrysum for all sorts of injuries. Many are astounded with the speed that they feel pain relief. Sports enthusiasts have dubbed the liquid "magic oil"; more sedate office workers are also very appreciative of the relief their aching backs receive. Those with a "crook" in their neck feel better in minutes. Because of the oil's relatively recent arrival on the world-stage of natural healing -- and its continued relative obscurity -- it has not yet been the subject of scientific inquiry. Yet this shouldn't prevent you from a little experimentation. A few milliliters is all you'll need to see if the oil works for you.
About the Author
The author is a regular contributor to several sites in the areas of using Aromatherapy and Bach flower remedies. She can be contacted at www.AnandaApothecary.com
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