Immortelle – Flower of Beauty and Youthfulness |
|
According to Homer’s Odyssey, Ulysses was once shipwrecked on an island where he met divinely beautiful Nausicaa.
The secret of her beauty was attributed to the eternal oil extracted from flowers that never fade, even once picked.
According to mythology even Greek god Apollo, whose statue stands at the gates of Delphi, wears a tiara made of special herbs to remind the world of his immortality.
Even though these are only legends, still it is well known that there is a flower that never fades, even once picked.
That flower is known as immortelle (lat. Helichrysum italicum), a domestic herb that grows on the rocky pastures of the Mediterranean coast.
It can grow 60 cm high, has tight leafs and yellow flowers.
Traditionally it has been used for treating asthma, migraines, liver and skin problems.
It is best known for its anti-age effect. Because of these quality, today it has become an endangered plant.
Benefits of Helichrysum Oil
Pharmaceutical industry is the biggest consumer of helichrysum oil because of its wonderful regenerative effects on skin.
That is why helichrysum is harvested every year in large quantities. In order to produce 1 liter of oil, 1 tone of fresh helichrysum flowers are needed.
Helichrysum contains healing italidone, regenerative non-terpeniod diketones, monoterpene alcohol, monoterpene, esters, essential oils, bitter ingredients, b-flavonoid and arzanol.
Rare chemical profile contained in the plant includes strong anti-inflammatory compounds of alfa, beta and gamma curcumene and neryl acetate which relaxes the muscles and treats convulsions.
Helichrysum is beneficial for treating many problems but it is most popular in preventing wrinkles, age spots and other signs of ageing.
This was proved by one French pharmaceutical company that produces patented helichrysum products.
According to their research, helichrysum reduces the depth of wrinkles for 19%, the total number of wrinkles for 14% and generally reduces wrinkles for 38%.
Due to neryl acetate, helichrysum oil has an incredible anti-oxidant potential and protective effect
Protective effect of helichrysum on skin:
- strong impact against free radicals
- significantly stimulates collagen production
- stimulates tissue changes
- improves microcirculation and skin detoxification
- antiseptic that purifies the skin
Consumer experiences published on the internet show that helichrysum really reduces wrinkles, removes spots and other skin irregularities, even in women with mature skin.
Helichrysum also makes skin glow.
Helichrysum Oil – Solution for Many Problems
Helichrysum oil, variety serotinum is effective in treating scars and stretch marks.
It penetrates deeply into the skin tissue and stimulates its regeneration.
At the same time it nourishes the skin tissue and improves its elasticity making the stretch marks less visible.
It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect that prevents infections, heals and reduces scars caused by C-section. It promotes and protects healthy cells.
Helichrysum essential oil can be used for baths, to unclog respiratory tracts, for treating asthma and bronchitis.
It removes mucus from respiratory system and eliminates caught.
It has a positive effect on emotional health, eliminates stress and tension.
It removes heavy radicals from the body and helps in treating addictions.
Helichrysum oil is the best remedy for bruises and hematoma, especially the ones that need longer treatment.
Helichrysum can also help with:
- Phlebitis, edema, circulation problems, Raynaud’s disease
- Erythrose, cyanosis, capillaries
- Dupuytren’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Arthritis, rheumatism
- Hepatitis, cirrhosis, high cholesterol
- Wounds, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea
Recipes
Helichrysum Tea – Universal Natural Remedy
Helichrysum tea is a forgotten medicine for stimulating removal of bile and liver detoxification.
It is equally effective as well known remedies in solving this problems such as artichoke, thistle and dandelion root.
Helichrysum tea boosts the secretion of stomach juices (stomachic) as well as the secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas.
This is why it is ideal for people with digestive problems.
Traditional medicine recommends helichrysum tea for healing respiratory organs, cough, nose mucous, allergies, headaches, rheum problems and skin problems (using compresses and rinsing)
Preparation:
Put 3 table spoons of dry helichrysum into ½ liter of hot water.
Leave overnight and filter in the morning.
Drink 3 times a day before a meal.
Helichrysum Maceration – Solution for Skin Problems
Helichrysum maceration can be used for treating stretch marks, scars, wrinkles, varicose veins, capillaries, eczema, and psoriasis.
It is a natural remedy for treating dry, damaged and irritated skin, burns and bruises.
Prepare maceration in the following way: put freshly picked helichrysum flowers in a glass bottle, pour it with olive oil for the oil to cover the herbs (two fingers above the herbs).
Close the bottle and leave it in a warm and shady place for 40 days.
Instead of olive oil you can use macadamia, sunflower, coconut, rapeseed, sesame or any other stable cold pressed oil.
Mixture for varicose veins and capillaries
Traditional medicine uses this mixture for treating varicose veins and capillaries.
Ingredients:
- 2 table spoons of tamanu oil
- 1 table spoon of fast absorbing oil (hazel-nut, argan, kukui, jojoba)
- 25 drops of helichrysum essential oil
- 25 drops of cypress essential oil
Application:
Use it 2 times a day. Apply this mixture to the critical area using upward strokes.
In the case of serious problems with varicose veins use helichrysum oil mixed with tamanu oil (1:1), but apply it only to the veins, 2 times a day.
Helichrysum for hematomas
Apply the herb oil on the hematoma and then add 1-2 drops of helichrysum essential oil.
Mixture for treating wrinkles
Mix 10 ml of wild rose essential oil with 5 drops of helichrysum essential oil. Use regularly in the morning and in the evening.
Helichrysum - Endangered Plant
Helichrysum is being harvested every year in large quantities for pharmaceutical purposes.
In some areas harvesting is forbidden for the plant to be protected.
As helichrysum is considered a protected plant, Environment Protection Act stipulates the issuing of harvesting license and fulfillment of certain conditions before harvesting.
When harvesting always take 2/3 of a flowers from each bush using knife or scissors. Keep the root and don’t plug it with the rest of the plant.
Bear in mind that in the future you will also want to harvest the flowers therefore don’t pick too many.
If you live in warmer parts of the country you can plant helichrysum in your own garden and contribute to its preservation.
Note:
Pregnant women should avoid helichrysum essential oil and tea.
Sources used in writing this article:
https://www.organicfacts.net/
http://www.helichrysum-italicum.com/
http://veriditasbotanicals.com/
Liked the article?
Share it with your friends!
