Helichrysum
Helichrysum Italicum
Helichrysum Oil has a sweet and spicy scent, and has been used to prevent infections, which has been backed up by research for a number of years. It has been used to help fight malaria, as well as a great remedy for fatigue and stress.
History of Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum Oil has been around for hundreds of years, and became commercialised in the 1900's. Made from the helichrysum flower (which boasts over 500 species) it is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world. There are no specific times throughout history where the oil was used, but the flower and its variations have been studied, with new types of the flower being discovered on a regular basis. It has also been studied and tested by clinicians and physiologists for its properties that can be used in medicinal practices. The plant originates in countries situated on the Mediterranean, although it has been found in Eurasia too. There are 244 species in South Africa alone.
The oil is used in aromatherapy, and as a natural alternative to some medications as it has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It is popularly used in skincare and massage. Like other essential oils on the market Helichrysum Oil has a number of health benefits which can make the price justifiable. The reason why Helichrysum Oil is so expensive in comparison to other oils made from flowers is due to the amount of flowers you need to yield even a litre of the oil (around 1 tonne).
So, why is Helichrysum Oil still popular today?
Because like most essential oils, it can be used for a variety of skincare and health problems. For those who prefer natural remedies, essential oils such as Helichrysum Oil are often a favourite because they can tackle a number of issues. There is also research still being carried out on the many varieties of helichrysum and it’s clear that there could be even more types yet to be discovered. It has been commercialised across multiple industries such as beauty, healthcare, skincare and perfumery, and it’s scent can work beautifully on its own or blended with other essential oils.
Overall it has a strong history behind it with scientific research to verify some of its benefits, which can be a selling point for those who are skeptical about natural remedies. It’s an oil that may not be an essential in everybody’s collection, but there’s enough research and evidence to suggest that it’s one you should try - particularly for natural skincare remedies.
Extracting Helichrysum Oil
Like most essential oils, Helichrysum Oil is extracted via a process called steam distillation. It’s a popular method and can be used for virtually any essential oil. The process involves putting the helichrysum flowers into the distiller, where steam is then produced. The steam gently lifts the oil from the flowers which will later collect on top of the condensed water. It’s a process that isn’t invasive but still yields a high percentage of the oil. Most companies who produce essential oils will have a large commercial steam distiller, enabling them to make the essential oil on a mass scale. Other methods that distributors may use can be using alcohol or cold pressing to create the oil. In helichrysum’s case, this is not a popular method and is rarely used (if at all) to extract the essential oil.
Can I make Helichrysum Oil at home?
If you have access to a steam distiller and helichrysum flowers, then in theory yes - you could make it. It is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world, and this is because for one tonne of flowers you can only make one litre of oil! The lifespan of the plant is only around 4-6 years, which is why if you were to make it at home you would need to have a lot of flowers to even make a few millilitres. We personally recommend buying the oil, as even though it’s expensive, you’ll find that it’s a lot easier to do it this way instead of making the essential oil yourself.
What do you think of Helichrysum Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Have you tried to make it at home? The team loves to hear how you are using your oils as well as your favourite blends, so feel free to reach out to one of the team today and share your stories with us.
Can I make Helichrysum Oil at home?
If you have access to a steam distiller and helichrysum flowers, then in theory yes - you could make it. It is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world, and this is because for one tonne of flowers you can only make one litre of oil! The lifespan of the plant is only around 4-6 years, which is why if you were to make it at home you would need to have a lot of flowers to even make a few millilitres. We personally recommend buying the oil, as even though it’s expensive, you’ll find that it’s a lot easier to do it this way instead of making the essential oil yourself.
What do you think of Helichrysum Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Have you tried to make it at home? The team loves to hear how you are using your oils as well as your favourite blends, so feel free to reach out to one of the team today and share your stories with us.
Helichrysum Oil Varieties
Helichrysum Oil Varieties
Due to the high volume of species, there are some different Helichrysum Oils that you can purchase which have slightly different benefits. The most sought after variety is Helichrysum Italicum as this is the best variety to use if you are looking for its therapeutic properties. It is the only essential oil that contains italidiones, making it the only type of Helichrysum Oil to possess this. Italidiones have direct correlation with anti-ageing properties, which is why Helichrysum Oil is popular in the skincare community.
So, which variety of Helichrysum Oil should I use?
It completely depends on what you want to use Helichrysum Oil, but we like to split this into two categories: skincare and then general use. If you are looking for a Helichrysum Oil that isn’t specifically geared towards skincare, then you can look at options outside of Helichrysum Italicum. This may give you a slightly cheaper price point, as if you’re just looking to use it in aromatherapy, perfumery and scenting the home then you won’t need to buy a specified variety.
However, if you’re looking to use Helichrysum Oil specifically for your skin, then we recommend buying Helichrysum Italicum. It works well as a natural anti-ager and from using this essential oil you can create a number of different home treatments such as masks, serums, facial oils and overnight blends. It is the only essential oil on the market that has these properties ingrained in its natural make up, so if your main motivator for using essential oils is for your skin regime, then this is one you should definitely purchase.
What do you think of Helichrysum Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Which variety do you use the most? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils and how you’re getting the most out of them. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today and tell us your story!
So, which variety of Helichrysum Oil should I use?
It completely depends on what you want to use Helichrysum Oil, but we like to split this into two categories: skincare and then general use. If you are looking for a Helichrysum Oil that isn’t specifically geared towards skincare, then you can look at options outside of Helichrysum Italicum. This may give you a slightly cheaper price point, as if you’re just looking to use it in aromatherapy, perfumery and scenting the home then you won’t need to buy a specified variety.
However, if you’re looking to use Helichrysum Oil specifically for your skin, then we recommend buying Helichrysum Italicum. It works well as a natural anti-ager and from using this essential oil you can create a number of different home treatments such as masks, serums, facial oils and overnight blends. It is the only essential oil on the market that has these properties ingrained in its natural make up, so if your main motivator for using essential oils is for your skin regime, then this is one you should definitely purchase.
What do you think of Helichrysum Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Which variety do you use the most? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves to hear how you’re using your essential oils and how you’re getting the most out of them. So, feel free to reach out to one of the team today and tell us your story!
Benefits of Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum Oil is used in aromatherapy, and as a natural alternative to some medications as it has antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It is popularly used in skincare and massage.
So, what are the benefits of Helichrysum Oil?
Helps with respiratory issues
Helichrysum Oil can help with respiratory issues that occur with allergies or when you’re sick. Incorporating the oil into a rub, or inhaling it from the bottle or through steaming your face are both beneficial ways to open up your airways and enable you to breathe better. We recommend mixing with another decongestant like Eucalyptus Oil or Mint Oil
Antibacterial and antifungal
Due to these properties Helichrysum Oil works effectively treating wounds, cuts and grazes as it can prevent infection and keeps the wound clean. It can also be used on fungal growths such as small warts and verrucas - again excellent if you are looking for a natural remedy.
Soothes skin
Helichrysum Oil is popular in skincare because it can be used on targeted areas of breakouts as well as being mixed into serums, oils and moisturisers which boost your skin’s health. It is particularly popular on acne-prone skin as it has antibacterial properties, enabling you to reduce the amount of
Aids metabolism/metabolic rate
It is believed that Helichrysum Oil can boost your metabolic rate, and there have been studies that show that the oil can reduce and eliminate muscle spasms in your intestine. It can also help with acid reflux, constipation and bloating.
Please note that the benefits of Helichrysum Oil will vary from person to person, and you should always consult with a doctor if you are on medication before using a natural remedy like essential oils.
When using oils topically you should always mix with a carrier oil to avoid irritation, and if you struggle with particularly sensitive skin it’s important to consult with a dermatologist first. If you’re ingesting an essential oil please consult with a professional due to the toxicity of some essential oils.
Uses of Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum Oil is a beautifully fragrant essential oil used in aromatherapy, skincare and alternative medicine practices. It is extracted from the helichrysum flower and found in countries in the mediterranean area.
It is one of the most expensive essential oils that can be owned, as the process of extracting the oil involves using over a tonne of the flower to produce one litre. Overall it’s an oil that is loved by many and has been commercialised across a number of different industries such as perfumery, healthcare, skincare and aromatherapy.
So, what can I use Helichrysum Oil for?
Aromatherapy
Helichrysum Oil is popular in aromatherapy to make you feel energised, as well as diminishing feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. It can work well on its own or blended with other oils like Lavender Oil and Chamomile Oil to make calming and soothing blends.
Massage
The oil is popular in massage because it soothes pain and inflammation well. It also has antibacterial properties making it suitable (when mixed with a carrier oil) to even be massaged over skin that may be recovering from a cut, graze or infection. The smell is relaxing and can be blended with other essential oils that work well in massage such as Bergamot Oil, Lavender Oil and Chamomile Oil.
Skincare
With antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Helichrysum Oil is popular for a number of homemade skincare products. Whether it’s a targeted zit or breakout treatment or made into a night oil or daily serum, Helichrysum Oil is versatile as it can work with a number of different skin types.
Scenting the home
Linen spray, air freshener or adding a scent through a diffuser, Helichrysum Oil has a gorgeous scent that can uplift and revitalise linen or a room in your property.
Perfume
Whether on its own or blended with others, you can make a beautiful perfume from Helichrysum Oil that will last you day to night.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we love sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge with you - enabling you to get the most out of your essential oil collection. Whether it’s finding the best blends, or understanding how you can use your essential oil - our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog we’re going to talk about Helichrysum Oil and what blends well with it. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Coconut Oil
Fatty, nourishing and rich, Coconut Oil is a great carrier oil to blend with essential oils to create massage oils, facial and hair masks because it is packed with vitamins and fats that you need. Mixed with Helichrysum and you have a beautiful massage oil instantly.
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Almond Oil
Sweet and easy to absorb, Almond Oil is another carrier oil that we love as it’s great for everyday use as a moisturiser and can work well for people that don’t want a thick carrier oil with their essential oils like coconut. Again, this can be used to make massage oils or to act as a base for your DIY perfume.
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Jojoba Oil
This is the best carrier oil to use if you suffer with sensitive or acne prone skin. Jojoba Oil has the same makeup as your skin’s natural oils, making it a perfect companion with Helichrysum Oil which can help to tackle breakouts.
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Clary Sage Oil
This is a great oil particularly for women’s health issues, but it also acts as a great aromatherapy blend with Helichrysum Oil. It can also be used topically to help with muscle pain or cramps.
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Rose Oil
Fragrant and feminine, we love this blend because it’s a really easy perfume that will leave you smelling gorgeous all day long. Use in an electric diffuser to scent any room in the house, too! You can play around with the amount of rose and helichrysum that you use to find the right mix for you. We like it slightly more on the rose side, so for every three drops we add an extra one for Rose Oil!
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Lavender Oil
One of our favourite essential oils, Lavender Oil complements practically every essential oil on the market. Floral and comforting, you could create a soothing bedtime blend with Helichrysum Oil.
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Bergamot Oil
Another beautiful citrus oil. We love Bergamot Oil and Helichrysum Oil together because it works well for those who don’t love the intensity that Lemon Oil can sometimes have. You can use this for an energy boosting blend but also in home made candles and sprays. It refreshes a room without being too overpowering.
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