Helichrysum, also known by the names Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum angustifolium, is a herb whose essential oils can be stored for a very long time.
Helichrysum essential oil contains anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic, anticoagulant, diuretic, antiallergenic, nervine, anti-microbial, fungicidal, hepatic, anti-hematoma, cholagogic, antiphlogistic, antioxidant, antitussive, mucolytic, as well as cicatrizant properties. This oil also acts as an expectorant.
This essential oil can be used in combination with rose, geranium, sage, lavender, ylang-ylang, lime, orange, as well as grain oil.
The Health Benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil
This essential oil possesses an impressive range of health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
Combats Infections
While fever may not be a disease in itself, it is a sign that the immunity of the body is fighting against colds, bacterial infections, allergic reactions, viral infections, or foreign substances. Thankfully, according to some studies, helichrysum essential oil has the ability to treat the reason for the fever and reduce the fever as well.
Treats Spasms
A spasm can take place in the intestines, nerves, lungs, respiratory tract, or muscles. It may, in fact, cause convulsions, chronic coughs, abdominal cramps, short breaths, and even death. This is why it is always advisable to treat it in good time. Helichrysum essential oil is actually an antispasmodic that can provide quick relief in case a spasm starts.
Facilitates Urination
Helichrysum essential oil possesses diuretic properties that help to promote and increase the quantity and frequency of urination. This helps to eliminate toxic substances from the blood via urine. In fact, urination also lowers blood pressure, aid in weight loss, and improves digestion.
Acts as Expectorant
Helichrysum essential oil also acts as an expectorant. It does this by providing warmth to the respiratory system, which loosens phlegm. The herb provides relief from severe coughs and congestion that are usually signs of infection or ailment.
Protects Heart Health
Helichrysum essential oil contains anticoagulant properties that can be helpful for people who suffer the risk of heart attacks as a result of the thickening of the blood. Interestingly, the herb can immediately provide relief by thinning the blood.
Reduces Fever
According to some studies, since helichrysum essential oil contains antiphlogistic properties, it has the ability to reduce inflammation caused by a fever. The herb can make a person feel less tired and exhausted during a fever.
Alleviates Allergies
Rashes and stomach aches are not the only allergies a person can suffer. Allergies often start with the body’s internal organs like the heart, lungs, liver, intestines, respiratory tracts, and even heart, and may result in a cardiac attack, asthma, convulsions, stomach pains, and can even be fatal. Helichrysum essential oil can help alleviate severe allergic reactions.
Aids in Digestion
Helichrysum oil contains cholagogic properties that boost bile discharge into the stomach and neutralize acids. This helps to promote digestion and treat acidity.
Clears Blood Clots
Helichrysum essential oil helps clear blood clots or the build-up of blood which is caused by a hemorrhage. After a brain hemorrhage, the oil can be very helpful in clearing blood clots out of the brain by stimulating the enzymes that are responsible for this.
Supports Cell Health
Helichrysum oil helps to maintain cell health, facilitate the recycling of dead cells and induces the production of new cells. This encourages the overall growth and repair of the body, particularly for growing children or those with stunted growth.
Protects the Nervous System
With its nervine properties, helichrysum oil helps fortify the nervous system and prevent nervous disorders that are caused by aging. It reduces anxiety and stress levels.
Promotes Skin Health
Helichrysum essential oil can heal wounds and cuts, as well as eliminate scar marks resulting from boils and smallpox quickly. In addition, helichrysum oil is effective as a treatment for acne.
In fact, this essential oil prevents wounds from becoming septic. The oil is safe and can be applied to cuts, wounds, and any other open sores that may result in infections.
Contains Mucolytic Properties
It is common knowledge that mucus helps keep the intestines, larynx, trachea, pharynx, and bronchi moist. This protects these internal organs from infections. Mucus is vital for the body and without it, these parts of the body may suffer from severe infections. However, as a mucolytic, helichrysum oil helps to stimulate the thinning of excess or hardened mucus via hydrolysis and eliminates it from the body along with other excretions. The oil can effectively treat coughs and congestion caused by cold and other ailments.
Treats Anemia
This property of helichrysum essential oil can be very beneficial for people suffering from anemia. The spleen is involved in the production and recycling of red blood cells, and having a healthy spleen means that you never run short of blood. This essential oil keeps your spleen healthy and free from infections.
Improves Liver Health
Being a hepatic, this oil soothes the liver, relieves it of inflammation, regulates its discharges, protects it from infections, and keeps it healthy, active, and strong.
Prevents Dehydration
This property of helichrysum essential oil makes the skin smooth, soft and helps it retain moisture. It prevents dehydration and cracking of the skin as well.
Prevents Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are some of the most dangerous types of infections. This oil prohibits and inhibits fungal infections very effectively.
The other health benefits of this powerful oil are its ability to treat herpes, detoxify the liver, reduces congestion, cures sinusitis, varicose veins, arthritis, colitis, and eliminating the effects of caffeine and nicotine.
Side Effects and Precautions
Generally, helichrysum essential oil is considered safe and has no toxic side effects, but since it is an anticoagulant, people who have undergone surgery should avoid using it as it can lead to hemorrhage.
It is advisable to always consult a medical professional before using any essential oil, including helichrysum essential oil.
