by Rowlandwithaw

Created on: May 21, 2009

THE BENEFITS OF HELICHRYSUM OIL


Helichrysum is an aromatic herb with yellow flowers that is found in the Mediterranean. The daisy-like flowers do not wilt and are called Everlasting Flowers and understandably are popular with florists. The essential oil distilled from them is expensive and highly valued for perfumery as well as aromatherapy.

It is a cooling and moving oil with profoundly regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Similar to camomile in that it has an anti-allergic effect, helichrysum's main actions are on the nervous system and the skin. It blends well with camomile, geranium rose, lavender and citrus oils. Actually it works better in a blend than on its own and can make a wonderful addition to massage oils, baths and skin lotions.

Helichrysum has a profound action on the nervous system, it has a soothing yet strengthening action. It can be used to treat nervousness, exhaustion, depression and any stress related conditions. If you need a relaxing blend combine it with lavender, for a balancing effect combine with geranium, and to treat nervousness and anxiety in children combine it with mandarin. It will work best in massage or bath oils.

It also has a vasodilatory and antispasmodic actions which make it useful in the treatment of certain circulatory disorders including high blood pressure, acne rosacea, phlebitis and varicose veins. Its antispasmodic action makes helichrysum useful for treating some respiratory problems for example, asthma and whooping cough. It acts as a decongestant making it helpful in treating some types of catarrh and sinusitis especially those that are stress or allergy related. In this case it will work best blended with camomile and used as a chest rub or inhalation.

It has excellent anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties and its action on the skin is similar to lavender. Combined with lavender, use it to treat the effects of blows, bruising or operations. When combined with rose, lavender or frankincense in a base of comfrey macerated oil it may be used to reduce scarring. If you blend it with camomile, it is one of the most important oils for the treatment of allergic skin conditions such as eczema and even psoriasis. It's action is gentle enough to be used on children especially if blended with Roman camomile essential oil.

If you feel you are a person who whilst appearing shy and self-conscious, has a stubborn streak, you may benefit from helichrysum. The use of this oil could help to boost your confidence, make you more independent and less concerned about appearances.

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