Top ten benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil

Each one of us is different and we all have our own unique body chemistry. One reason why the helichrysum essential oil is so valuable to our health is because of its amazing synergy with our body. For example, helichrysum is compatible with human proteins, it has similarities to the chemical structure of

human cells, as well as compatibility to hormone-like compounds. Helichrysum’s molecular weight is so minute that it is able to penetrate human cells and when applied to the skin, it can reach the body’s cellular structure within minutes, releasing its benefits.

One of the reasons why helichrysum is beneficial is that it is homeostatic – it is, therefore, able to support the body by stabilising equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes. When delivered to the skin in its purest form helichrysum can provide benefit to 13 key body systems that work harmoniously in support of body health and immunity.

These include:

Integumentary System: consisting of the skin, hair, nails, sense receptors, sweat glands, oil glands.

Skeletal System: consisting of bones, marrow, cartilage and joints.

Muscular System: skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, cardiac muscles.

Nervous System: brain, spinal cord, nerves, brain stem, sensory organs.

Endocrine System: pituitary gland, pineal gland, adrenals, testes, ovaries, hypothalamus, thyroid gland, parathyroid, thymus, pancreas.

Cardiovascular System: blood, heart, arteries, veins, blood vessels, capillaries.

Immune System: portions of many different systems that fight disease via the anatomic, inflammatory and immune responses.

Respiratory System: nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs.

Urinary System: kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra.

Reproductive System: (male) testes, vas deferens, urethra, prostate, penis, scrotum; (female) ovaries, uterus, uterine tubes, vagina, vulva, mammary glands.

Digestive System: mouth, tongue, teeth, salivary glands, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, appendix, anal canal, rectum.

Limbic System: Basic emotions, basic drives, memories, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala.

Lymphatic System: lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, thymus, spleen, lymph, tonsils.

Studies also confirm that helichrysum has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties helping to fight infections such as staphylococcus aureus (as we know, commonly found in skin infections, abscesses, and pneumonia), fungal yeast infection such as Candida Albicans and streptococcus mutans, a bacterium commonly found in the mouth that can cause cavities and gum infections.

For the purpose of skin treatments here are some conditions that helichrysum can be very useful.

Vitiligo: While melasma and pigmentation conditions result in pigment disorders that are characterised by brown patches through uneven melanin distribution, vitiligo is a condition where there is a loss of skin pigment colour, creating white patches. Vitiligo affects about 2% of the world population and close to 8% of Indian and Mexican populations have it. Helichrysum has been shown to optimise skin health and contribute to the rebalancing of pigment distribution.

Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis: Due to its calming and anti-inflammatory effect, a dilution of 1-3% helichrysum in hazelnut oil has been shown to be highly effective in calming and soothing these skin conditions.

Antimicrobial/antiseptic: Due to its strong antimicrobial activity helichrysum essential oil is beneficial in treating skin disorders such as acne and rosacea, this protects the skin after a more invasive procedures such as cosmetic tattooing, dermal needling or microdermabrasion.

Where there is a wound, such as with cuts or abrasions, helichrysum applied topically, is an excellent oil to the rescue against infections.

Haemostatic: As I mentioned above, helichrysum has excellent haemostatic properties helping to prevent excessive bleeding.

Cytophylactic: Helichrysum essential oil also promotes cell turnover and cell renewal, so it is an excellent anti-ageing agent for mature skin, offering excellent skin hydration and rejuvenation benefits.

The advantage of helichrysum is that it is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, making it a valuable ingredient for all skin types. Another huge draw is that helichrysum can serve multiple purposes and therefore can be effectively used across many skin conditions delivering cosmetic, as well as therapeutic benefits from acne with its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, to mature skin conditions that require improvement in cell turnover, hydration, skin tone, and elasticity, as well as pigment irregularities.