Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)

Helichrysum, also called Everlasting or Immortelle, is a member of the asteraceae or Daisy family. One of the constituents of helichrysum is chamazulene, which is deep blue in color. According to Stewart, chamazulene is anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory and nourishing to the skin. Stewart also prizes helichrysum for its ability to chelate or remove heavy metals such as mercury out of the human body.

Price and Price (2002) list the following properties for helichrysum: anti-coagulant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, cicatrizant, and phlebotonic. Phlebotonic means tonifying to the veins. Price and Price define cicatrizant as “promotes formation of scar tissue and healing (p. 372)” and recommend helichrysum for skin regenerations, burns, scars, ulcers, open wounds, haematoma, thromboses and prevention of bruises. Cicatrizant oils combined with oils that are antiseptic are recommended for wound care.

Schnaubelt (1999) reported that helichyrism is “more predictable in its action than almost any other oil.” He recommends administering it into large wounds prior to bandaging or treatment in a doctor’s office because it will disinfect the wound, prevent swelling and inflammation while decreasing pain. Schnaubelt also stated that following use of helichrysm in wounds, “formation of new tissue to close the wound is greatly accelerated (p. 240).” He recommends using helichrysum immediately after an incident to prevent formation of a hematoma and to reduce scar tissue in old injuries. Schnaubelt uses a blend including cypress and helichrysum for hemorrhoids.