Not surprisingly, Helichrysum italicum has, in parallel, a profound effect on the emotional heart. However, it acts here quite differently than other floral oils like Rose and Jasmine. While it may induce a feeling of serenity, it helps the person get in touch with unresolved feelings, emotions that may have been denied for a long time. It helps to restore memories of relevant experiences that may lie hidden deep in the past. This makes Helichrysum italicum an extremely helpful tool in psychotherapeutic processes. It helps the patient to work through these emotions. However, the therapist must carefully monitor how willingthe patientis to look at these emotions. The oil should not be used to confront the patient with hidden issues. A strong dislike of the oil from the pateint's side may indicate that th patient isn't ready or willing to face certain unresolved or disowned feelings. However, when the patient is willing and ready to look at this disowned part of his heart, the fragrance of the oil can becometo her or him profoundly meaningful and pleasant. It will help to release defense mechanisms and to discovera tremendous regeneration potential in the emotional arena. Helichrysum will offer great comfort in processing these emotional traumas.

Again, this regenerating potency of the oil has its parallel in its physiological effects. The oil is quite effective in physical trauma. Helichrysum can be used as emergency first aid treatment of injuries. It can be applied drop by drop to bleeding wounds, even large ones, if medical help is not available. It will reduce and even stop hemorrhage until medical treatment is available. It has been found to be extremely useful in severe burns and in the regeneration of tissue during wound healing. Healing occurs much faster and more completely from the very first stage of treatment of a bleeding wound until the last stages of scar formation. As long as the wound is open we recommend applycing the undiluted oil drop by drop. In the case of a wide, bleeding wound, it is recommended to apply a compress with pressure to stop the bleeding and speed healing. As soon as the wound is closed, apply the Helichrysum diluted in carrier oil. When you apply it regularly on the closed wound, almost any wound will heal without a visible scar. It is therefore strongly recommended for treatment after surgery. Older scars can be regenerated to a stage where they become invisible when Helichrysum, in a base of rosehip seed oil, is applied every day over several months.

Although the oil is high in ketones, studies conducted in France, as well as our own clinical practice, indicate that Helichrysum can safely be used over a prolonged period of several months. The ketone content may, in fact, enhance anti-inflammatory properties that rival the effectiveness of German Chamomile for treating inflammation. Not only can musculoskeletal inflammation be addressed with Helichrysum, couperose and sensitive skin can be greatly improved and hematomas virtually eliminated. Again, the ketones are stimulating and account for the exceptional cell rejuvenating qualitites of this oil. Helichrysum is a vital ingredient in any blend we create for arthritis and other inflammations, bruising, sensitive skin formulas, scarring and wound healing. And, there's more: Helichrysum's antispasmodic properties seem to equal that of Chamomile Roman. Certainly together they create a powerful synergy to calm and reduce spasms.

As alluded to earlier, there are many varieties of Helichrysum. There is a similar species grown in Eastern Europe known as Helichrysum angustifolium. It has similar, although lesser effects on the physiology. It is suitable to use with burns and injuries although it doesn not have the same cell rejuvenating properties of the italicum variety. It also does not have the profound emotional effects of the Helichrysum italicum. For maximum effectiveness when using Helichrysum or any other oil, it is wise to identify the species and chemotype that you are using.

To view the profile of helichrysum (everlasting) essential oils click here.

Published in Scentsitivity, 1998, Spring