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Why Helichrysum Essential Oil Belongs In Your Medicine Cabinet
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Written by Erica Allen
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Wednesday, 16 July 2008 |
The precious essential
oil of Helichrysum is relatively unknown in the United States, even in
natural health and wellness circles. Interest and experience with this
natural healing phenomenon is growing rapidly, however - and with very
good reason. Helichrysum is one of the most potent, dramatically
healing essential oils used in European medical aromatherapy today. As
noted by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, America's leading medical aromatherapist,
the effects of this oil are "so convincing that it has never met with
any kind of criticism." An essential oil so useful, even those who
consider
aromatherapy a pseudo-science do not
challenge its wonderful effects! So what is Helichrysum oil, and how
can it benefit the newcomer to aromatherapy?
There are many, many species of the Helichrysum plant; it is crucial to
find oil distilled from a particular variety for therapeutic use. The
most healing essential oil is extracted from the small golden flowers
of the Helichrysum 'italicum' species, with the 'serotinum' sub-species
being the most highly regarded. Though oils from other Helichrysum
species are available, their therapeutic actions are not as dramatic.
To make matters more complicated, Helichrysum essential oil is also
known as 'Immortelle' and 'Everlasting' - check the Latin name to be
sure of the oil's source.
Helichrysum has its origins in coastal Mediterranean regions, where the
bulk of its farming and distilling continues to take place. The island
of Corsica is renowned for exceptional grades of the essential oil,
with correspondingly high prices. The oil's growing demand has sparked
interest in essential oil distillers in the US, and outstanding
certified organic varieties are now being produced domestically. These
oils represent a great bargain, as their laboratory results show very
high levels of molecular healing components, with lower prices than
their European counterparts.
So what are the wonderful healing effects of this oil? Helichrysum has
a brilliant synergy of naturally active molecular ingredients. It is
the only essential oil known to contain regenerative 'di-ketones',
chemicals which signal living tissues to heal themselves. Other oils
contain ketone molecules, but these can be harmful in high amounts.
Helichrysum oil and its components are totally benign and regarded as
completely safe. Helichrysum also contains curcumene molecules recently
being studied for their strong anti-inflammatory properties, and
'spasmolytic esters' (muscle and tissue relaxants).
The oil has a great variety of applications due to this broad range of
action: "The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is
unique" states Dr. Schnaubelt. It is regularly used for skin, muscle
and connective tissue injuries and healing with profound results. As
noted in 'Medical Aromatherapy': "Generally, Helichrysum italicum works
for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and
regenerated."
Helichrysum oil is wonderful for active sports and fitness enthusiasts
of all sorts. Its anti-inflammatory action is so helpful for bumps,
bruises, sprains and strains; Its effect is so potent that in many
cases, it may prevent bruising and swelling all together if applied in
time. Even if applied later, as one would an Arnica preparation, it
will still speed healing. Chronic injuries may also be helped with
other supportive ingredients. Tendonitis can be treated, for example,
with a blend using 1 part per 100 each of Helichrysum italicum, Lemon
Eucalyptus and Yarrow essential oils in a base oil of your choosing - a
base of comfrey cream may be most beneficial.
Helichrysum is also considered a cicatrisant, which means it reduces
scars, both old and new. For acne scars, stretch marks, and even older
keloid scars, apply a blend of 25 drops each Helichrysum and Rosemary
(Verbenone chemotype) in each ounce of a 10/90 mix of Tamanu Nut and
Hazelnut oils. Rosehip seed oil may be effectively be used instead of
the rarer Tamanu at a 25/75 ratio with the Hazelnut oil if desired.
Apply frequently - the older the scar, the longer it may take to see a
change, but results have been said to be surprising even for older
scars when used for a duration of six months.
Briefly, Helichrysum italicum is also used for neuralgia - with its
regenerative and analgesic actions: Use the oil diluted as a massage
formula for painful or tingling areas. . It may offer support for other
physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar
blend, with other warming oils added for improved circulation (small
amounts of Black Pepper and Ginger essential oils are often used). The
oil may help tinnitus symptoms: place one drop on a cotton ball in the
ear each night for one to two weeks. Helichrysum acts as an
anti-coagulant, and is supportive of the veins and in cases where vein
degeneration has lead to clot formation. It can offer support in cases
of coughs, colds and asthma; It is further used for headaches, nervous
tension, and exhaustion from stress. Consult a knowledgeable
practitioner for advice on Helichrysum's use as part of your health and
wellness program.
On the more esoteric side, where aromatherapy also affects the psyche
and emotions, according to Mojay's 'Aromatherapy for Healing the
Spirit': "Those (emotions) that are most indicated...sare enduring
resentment, half-conscious anger, bitterness of spirit, and a
stubbornly negative attitude." For many, there can be a direct link
between these hardened emotions and physical manifestation of illness.
Aromatherapy massage with Helichrysum may be extremely beneficial, as
one receives the oil's aroma, its biological effects, and the healing
touch of massage. Here, the oil may be used in a 1-3% dilution, alone
or with other oils tailored to the person's needs.
So as you can see, Helichrysum is well-suited to a great many
individuals concerned with natural health, wellness and fitness.
Whether you've got active children, you're active sports enthusiast or
have one in your family, you're healing your skin or improving its
appearance, or have other muscular, nerve, joint or vascular
conditions, Helichrysum italicum oil may offer welcome healing action.
Helichrysum can be applied regularly, as it is a safe essential oil
with no contraindications. The oil is still relatively rare, and the
flowers only yields a small amount, so the cost may seem a little high
- but a little goes a long way. It is only used undiluted in acute
situations; otherwise a low dilution is often used. Helichrysum
italicum is one of aromatherapy's stand-out healing oils, coming highly
recommended by many natural healers, and deserves a place in nearly
everyone's medicine chest.
Authors Bio:
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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Submitted by WoodsTAMRA, Registered • 2011-10-26 07:45:59
