Helichrysum, Helichrysum italicum
Helichrysum italicum
Helichrysum, Immortelle, Curry Plant
Asteraceae
History and Origin
The plant holds its name from the Latin words hélios (sun) and chrysos (gold), which characterize the yellow flowers of Helichrysum. It is this plant, common in Corsica, that used to make Napoleon say that he could smell his country before actually stepping on it. In Europe, it is traditionally used to treat a wide range of complaints, among which migraine, bronchitis, allergies, psoriasis, and wounds. The people used to prepare a decoction or infusion of the plant to benefit from its properties.
| ph |
3.5-3.8 |
| Aroma and taste |
Unusual. For some it is like honey on a warm toast, for others, dusty old clothes! Objectively, dry, warm, herbaceous, and hay like, with an edge of hot summer and dusty hilltops, and decidedly Mediterranean. The flavor is strongly bitter, almost soapy, with no hint of the sweetness evident in the scent. |
| Stability ans shelf life |
Stable. Usually lasts for two years, although it is so effective for so many things it gets used before it fades. |
| Properties and applications |
A strong anti-hematoma, although less dramatically analgesic than the oil. Applied in a compress to bangs and bumps or old aches, it can even bring subcutaneous bruises to the surface, exposing hidden damage. Wonderful as a sports rub after a workout or physical labor because of its powerful anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic properties. Used in synergy with the rather expensive immortelle essential oil, it can reduce the amount of essential oil needed during a long-term healing, such as for broken bones, where there is a lot of bruising and swelling. Significantly anti-inflammatory and cicatrisant for all wound and tissue damage.
Combine immortelle with rock rose in a douche for endometriosis, fibroids, and painful periods.
Immortelle is a must for aftercare in any surgery, speeding the healing of incisions and needle wounds, reducing swelling and bruising, and also detoxifying the liver of anesthetic.
Use as a mouthwash after dental work. For gingivitis or receding gums, use one tablespoon neat or mixed 50:50 with water as a mouthwash two times daily every day for six months and watch your dentist be amazed.
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Discharge
Aliksir strongly recommends that you consult with a physician or aromatherapist. It is important to inform yourself concerning contraindications or incompatibilities with other substances. Essential oils are powerful, and they must be used according to the physiological doses.
Références
Hydrosols, The Next Aromatherapy (Suzanne Catty), The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, La Flore Laurentienne, Native American Ethnobotany and personal notes of Lucie Mainguy.