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The Chemistry of Healing: Helichrysum Essential Oil

By: Samantha Stevens Click author's name for more of his/her articles

The essential oil distilled from the small yellow flowers of the Helichrysum plant is quickly becoming one of the most popular essential oils used in aroma-medicine (perhaps the more appropriate term than 'aromatherapy' for the growing medicinal use of volatile plant extracts in the United States). Other monikers for this important oil include Everlasting and Immortelle -- they all refer specifically to Helichrysum italicum -- one of more than 500 known Helichrysum species. What's making this oil so popular? It's not due to its somewhat medicinal aroma -- Rose or Jasmine it is not (though many people do love the scent). It has to do with its fantastic healing potential. Helichrysum has an array of therapeutic effects, all supported by the science in its natural chemical makeup. Here's a look at the marvel of healing found in the chemistry of Helichrysum...
Healing and Pain Relief for The Physical Body
Helichrysum's most revered effects have to do with the healing of the musculoskeletal system -- it happens to have several natural chemical constituents that synergize to produce quick, profound results. Pure essential oils are often made up of many, sometimes hundreds of individual molecules. The 'chemistry profile' of Helichrysum essential oil is very special, containing a spectrum of healing compounds produced by a single plant. Many essential oils have proven medical effects (search Pub Med for 'essential oil' to see thousands of results), including antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer activity. Helichrysum's primary applications are on the healing of the muscles, joints, skin and connective tissues -- though there are more diverse uses, these are the easiest for most users to experience.
Inflammation Reduction
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 Tumeric, 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. Many Helichrysum italicum species contain a significant quantity of 'gamma' curcumene, providing an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.
Anti-Spasmodic & Muscular Tension Relief
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, Helichrysum italicum spp. (sub species) 'serotinum' has the highest levels of neryl acetate. This is of a group of compounds known as 'esters' which are particularly good at acting as '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 spasming 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!)
The serotinum sub species, with the highest neryl acetate levels of all, is found almost exclusively to be grown on the French island of Corsica. There's something about the soft coastal air that produces some of the finest Helichrysum plants in the world. There have been producers of this sub species in the United States, though the total quantities of essential oil produced have been relatively small. Helichrysum italicum is also grown in Italy, Serbia-Montenegro, Bosnia and elsewhere in South-Eastern Europe. These locations produce excellent oils, though they may have lower amounts of neryl acetate, many have significant quantities of other important constituents.
Regeneration
Helichrysum contains molecules regarded for their ability to signal our cells to heal and regenerate. These compound are called 'di-ketones', of which Helichrysum specifically contains several Italidiones. You'll find the essential oil an ingredient in nearly every wound healing and scar reducing formula in aromatherapy. (It should not be used on open wounds due to its anticoagulant effects, but is suitable once an injury is no longer likely to bleed). These same regenerative di-ketones make the oil an excellent choice for all sorts of skin-care recipes; the regenerative action can be complemented by a carrier oil like Rosehip seed, whose carotene content also supports skin healing -- these two oils together form the foundation of many anti-aging skin care blends.
Eliminate Bruising
Helichrysum essential oil is called for at 100% strength in one particular use: preventing the formation of bruises and hematomas. When an impact injury occurs, one of the first physiological responses is the filling of the damaged tissues with fluid, and the blocking of further blood flow through the area. Blood already in the area will stagnate and turn dark, resulting in a bruise. This is a natural response to prevent us from causing further damage. However, it also slows the healing process. One ore more applications of the essential oil will prevent the initial swelling from occurring, and limit the formation of a bruise. This typically gets one 'back into the game' much more quickly, as many avid users who are also fitness addicts will attest to. Twist an ankle, apply some oil. Bump your head, do the same. Works every time!
Anecdotal Experiences Count!
The use of Helichrysum essential oil on the world stage of medicine has been very brief. While use in aromatherapy has been significant, the cross over into the greater world of natural health is only just happening. As a result, formal testing of its efficacy is limited. However, because the oil is so safe, its really worth a try to see if it works for you. The critics of natural health say over and over that so many plant medicines are 'unproven' -- we counter that so many 'proven' medicines are actually dangerous, lack truly unbiased scientific backing, and don't actually result in healing, but rather a temporary cessation of symptoms. A fairly small amount of Helichrysum essential oil will either give you the results you're looking for or it won't. MANY users HAVE reported excellent results: profound relief from back pain, neck pain, joint pain scar tissue tightness. Extreme sports enthusiasts have called it 'the magic oil' for its quick pain relief. If Helichrysum sounds like it may help you, there's every reason to give this wonderful, effective, organic natural medicine a try!

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using patchouli here: www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils/organicpatchouli.html