Helichrysum
HELICHRYSUM
Helichrysum spp.
Common Name
Family
Asteraceae
Actions
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, nervine, anti-rheumatic, anti-arthritic, antiseptic, anticoagulant, anti-fungal
Energetics
Warming
Edible Uses
Regarded as safe to eat. May also be used as garnish or as a natural food preservative.
Native To
The Mediterranean Basin, Eastern Europe, South Africa, and Australia.
Geographic Distribution
Helichrysum spp. can be found in the wild throughout their native ranges, especially in the Mediterranean basin and Europe, but today you will also find this plant growing in Western Siberia. Central Asia South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. It may be cultivated in most places with similar environments to their native lands.
Botanical Description & Identification
Growing approximately 8 inches high, the Helichrysum species are generally very hardy perennial shrubs that tend to grow in rocky soils along coastlines. They have a deep root system with rosette leaves with a branched upper stem. The alternate leaves are covered in what silver-type particles which give the plant is grayish hue. The flower parts of the helichrysum species, which blooms in the summer, are pollinated by insects and usually come in packs of 25-50 clustered florets.
Key Constituents
Monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenoids, phenolic compounds, carotenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, alcohols, arzanol, beta-diketones, esters, eugenol
Sustainability Issues
Wildcrafting or wild harvesting the more popular species of Helichrysum spp., specifically Helichrysum italicum, are becoming a problem, specifically in the Mediterranean Basin, due to the high demand for the cosmetics and perfume industries. Cultivating helichrysum in areas of high demand has come with poor harvest over the past several years in places where the oil is scarcely regulated. Additionally, perfume and large scale cosmetic companies use only the flower for its scent, uselessly discarding other medicinal parts of the plant. Because of this it is important to ensure that utilizing helichrysum comes from ethical sources only.
Harvesting Guidelines
The aerial parts of Helichrysum should be harvested while in full bloom. If harvesting for distillation make sure to distill the same day as harvest as the oils lose potency shorlty after. Due to sustainability concerns, it is best to avoid wild harvesting or utilizing plants from the Mediterranean Basin.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF HELICHRYSUM:
Helichrysum is known to:
*Reduce the appearance of burns and scars
*Reduce the inflammation related to burns and other skin disturbances
*Naturally contain UVB ray protection
*Prevent aging
*Reverse aging
*Promote skin healing
*Ease asthmatic illnesses including symptoms of cough and wheezing
*Improve digestion
*Work as an antioxidant in the body
*Aid in reducing muscle spasms
*Reduce the symptoms of muscle soreness
*Act as diuretic for kidney disturbances
*Ease symptoms of anxiety
*Increase immunity
Helichrysum is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Shingles, scars, aging skin, psoriasis, wrinkled skin, burns, acne, skin allergies, dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, impetigo, inflammation, rashes, warts, varicose veins, Reynaud’s syndrome, earaches, ear infections, rheumatism, neuralgias, sore muscles, carpal tunnel, restless leg syndrome, tinnitus
Most common uses:
Most commonly used as an essential oil in applications for the purpose of pain reduction and easing skin distress.
Fun Facts:
Helichrysum is:
* Stems from the Greek words: 'Helios' and 'chryos'. In Greek mean 'sun' and
'gold' referring to the plant helichrysum as 'sungold', as its flowers are known for
their bright yellow color.
* Referred to as 'immortelle' refers to the fact that the sungold ball-like flowers of
helichrysum do not wither the way most flowers do, and their golden color, too,
seems to last past the ultimate death of the flower.
* A self-seeding plant.
* Related to the sunflower family.
* Used in lieu of hops in the production of beers and ales in Europe.
* Has a scent and taste similar to curry, hence the nickname 'curry plant'. It's also a
common flavoring curry-like dishes in the Mediterranean for this very reason.
* A common essential oil used on horses treated holistically.
* May be used as a digestive bitter in herbal preparations such as teas or tinctures.
References
Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.
European Medicines Agency. (2016). European Union herbal monograph on Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench, flos.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-helichrysum-arenarium-l-moench-flos_en.pdf
G. Appendino, et al. (2015). Helichrysum italicum: Sleeping Giant of the Mediterranean Herbal Medicine. Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
https://www.bioelicriso.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/HG105-Helichrysum
PROOF.pdf
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
The Herbal Academy Herbarium and Materia Medica. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
Petersen, D. (2015). Immortelle essential oil and extract: Are two preparations better than one? Journal of the American Herbalists Guild. https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/sites/default/files/sample-articles-pdfs/petersen_immortelle_eo_and_extract_jahg_spring_2015_0.pdf
Safety