By: Misty Rae Cech Nd, M.ir.
In the United States, common use of the term 'Aromatherapy' is a bit misleading. The practice has been given a 'touchy-feely', 'soft-science' status to the general public through mainstream media. In much of the rest of the world, however, the therapeutic use of essential oils has a more elevated, scientifically-backed status. In the realm of medical aromatherapy, Helichrysum italicum essential oil holds an important place for its extremely broad range of healing action, which can benefit individuals from many walks of life.There are many, many species of the Helichrysum plant; it is crucial to find oil distilled from a particular variety for therapeutic use. The most potent oil is distilled from the tiny gold flower of the italicum species; the serotinum sub-species is noted by some authors as the most healing of all. Though oils from other Helichrysum species are available, their therapeutic actions are not as dramatic. To make matters more complicated, Helichrysum essential oil is also known as ‘Immortelle' and ‘Everlasting' – check the Latin name to be sure of the oil's source.The Helichrysum flower is native to the Mediterranean, where much of the finest oil is distilled. Exceptional oils are finally being distilled in America as well; GCMS testing has shown some of these oils have possibly some of the most healing molecular structures seen in Helichrysum available today. The oils distilled in North America can offer a significant savings to oils produced overseas if they have been carefully made. Wherever the origin of the oil, ensure it is therapeutic grade from a reliable supplier to obtain the most benefits.So what are the wonderful healing effects of this oil? Helichrysum italicum's chemical composition is unique in aromatherapy, with a great collection of active molecular structures. It is the only essential oil known to contain regenerative ‘di-ketones', chemicals which signal living tissues to heal themselves. A few other essential oils contain ketones, though most of these are employed in very limited applications due to safety concerns. Helichrysum oil and its components are totally benign and regarded as completely safe. Helichrysum also contains curcumene molecules recently being studied for their strong anti-inflammatory properties, and ‘spasmolytic esters' (muscle and tissue relaxants).As Dr. Schnaubelt notes: "The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is unique...Generally, Helichrysum italicum works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and regenerated." The oil has a great variety of applications due to this broad range of action. It is regularly used for skin, muscle and connective tissue injuries and healing with profound results. Most simply, the essential oil may be applied directly to larger cuts, scrapes and even surgical incisions to speed healing (true Lavender oil works well for small wounds – add a little Tea Tree in either case for a stronger anti-microbial effect).
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