Helichrysum Oil: The Chemistry Of Healing

The use of essential oils for medicinal (rather than purely psychological) uses is growing rapidly in the United States. Users are doing their own research, and finding scientific backing for the use of volatile plant compounds for a wide variety of applications. Many essential oils have proven antibacterial, antiviral, and even anticancer effects. Essential oils can be of profound support for pain relief too, though the research is as yet a little more sparse. We have been using Aromatherapy for quite some time without realizing it, in the form of Ben Gay and Tiger Balm, for sore muscles and stiff joints. Now, Helichrysum essential oil is becoming more and more popular, as it not only relieves pain, but actually speeds healing of many injuries and ailments. What's different about Helichrysum? Why might it have even better effects than the Wintergreen found in Ben Gay? It's all in the chemistry -- some of the individual constituents of the oil DO have scientifically validated effects. Here's a look at the multitude of actions of Helichrysum, and how you can benefit from this effective natural plant medicine.

Healing and Pain Relief for The Physical Body

Reducing pain and healing of the tissues of the body require several concurrent actions for the best results. No other oil manages to do so much all at once: Reduce inflammation, loosen stiff muscles and connective tissue, relieve pain and stimulate healing. Helichrysum italicum does it all; and while proponents of conventional medicine still claim the oil to be unproven, this doesn't prevent one from experimenting, and reaching their own conclusions about its efficacy. The oil is considered one of the safest in aromatherapy -- it is listed as 'non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing'. The only known contraindication for the oil is refraining from use if one is using wafarin or similar blood thinners, as Helichrysum has anti-coagulant properties. Now here's a review of what the aroma-scientists know about this exceptional essential oil.

Cooling Inflammation

Helichrysum has the properties of being anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and regenerative all in the same oil. The anti-inflammatory effects can be attributed to the curcumenes present in the oil. Curcumenes have recently been very prominent in the field of natural nutrition, as the extract of the spice Tumeric, called 'curcumin' has become popular as an anti-inflammatory supplement. The supplement is considered helpful not only for joint inflammation and pain, but as an all-around anti-aging supplement as well. Many Helichrysum italicum species contain a significant quantity of 'gamma' curcumene, providing an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.

Natural Muscle Relaxant

The first place where the 'serotinum' sub species shines is in the area of relieving tight muscles. Much back and neck pain, for example, is the result of the muscles being chronically cramped. Helicrysum contains a natural chemical called 'neryl acetate' which acts to relax these cramped muscles. Helichryum italicum essential oils contain in the range of 5% to 50% neryl acetate. This natural chemical is from a group of compounds called Esters, found in a great many relaxing essential oils -- most notably that of Lavender, the most widely-studied and highly revered 'relaxing' essential oil.

The 'serotinum' sub-species is nearly all grown on the island of Corsica (the island is well-known for its bounty of many high quality, therapeutic essential oils). The Corsican variety has the highest neryl acetate levels of all, in the range of 25-50%. Some aromatherapists believe this makes this Helichrysum type the most valuable for its more esoteric applications, that of relieving deep emotional wounds. And this may have a solid foundation, in that many therapies, such as yoga and massage, acknowledge that emotional trauma is often 'held' in the physical body. Releasing muscle and connective tissue tension (which can happen even on the smallest, cellular levels) is crucial to the healing process, as it allows the movement of damaged material OUT, and new healthy material IN.

Regeneration

Helichrysum contains molecules regarded for their ability to signal our cells to heal and regenerate. These compound are called 'di-ketones', of which Helichrysum specifically contains several Italidiones. You'll find the essential oil an ingredient in nearly every wound healing and scar reducing formula in aromatherapy. (It should not be used on open wounds due to its anticoagulant effects, but is suitable once an injury is no longer likely to bleed). These same regenerative di-ketones make the oil an excellent choice for all sorts of skin-care recipes; the regenerative action can be complemented by a carrier oil like Rosehip seed, whose carotene content also supports skin healing -- these two oils together form the foundation of many anti-aging skin care blends.

Anti-Hematoma, Bruise Preventative

{Helichrysum essential oil is called for at 100% strength in one particular use: preventing the formation of bruises and hematomas. When an impact injury occurs, one of the first physiological responses is the filling of the damaged tissues with fluid, and the blocking of further blood flow through the area. Blood already in the area will stagnate and turn dark, resulting in a bruise. This is a natural response to prevent us from causing further damage. However, it also slows the healing process. One ore more applications of the essential oil will prevent the initial swelling from occurring, and limit the formation of a bruise. This typically gets one 'back into the game' much more quickly, as many avid users who are also fitness addicts will attest to. Twist an ankle, apply some oil. Bump your head, do the same. Works every time!|
A wonderful effect for all us accident prone folks is the bruise prevention offered by Helichrysum. Keeping a little of the oil on hand at all times is a smart way to keep ourselves injury-free. An application or two of the oil on any part of the body experiencing physical trauma can profoundly speed healing by preventing the formation of a hematoma, a bruised area where blood flow almost comes to a halt. For athletes twisting an ankle, for example, the oil can significantly reduce the swelling that occurs in the minutes after the injury, speeding healing by quickening the nutrient/waste exchange in the area. ANY blunt injury (walking into furniture in the middle of the night, or hitting your head on an open kitchen cabinet are but two common examples) will greatly benefit both in terms of healing time AND immediate pain reduction. (An important safety note: it is due to this anti-coagulant action that folks taking blood-thinning medication should check with their physician before use. It is likely that small topical applications of the oil should not pose a problem).}

Encouraging Individual Experiences

MANY users rely on Helichrysum for its marvelous effects, despite science being a little behind in testing the whole essential oil itself. Users find nearly instant relief of joint pain, back and neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions. These reports abound around the Web -- and while anecdotal reports should be considered with a bit of caution, this doesn't mean one should shy away from trying the oil for themselves. With its exceptional safety profile and quick results, the oil is really worth a try, and can offer a much safer route for pain relief than many conventional medicine offerings. Helichrysum essential oil has been called THE future of Aroma Medicine for trauma applications. While a little dramatic, it may be very worthwhile to keep a little bottle of this fine oil on hand for life's little emergencies!

By: Melissa Stevens

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The author is a wellness director for Ananda Aromatherapy and Essential Oils, found at www.anandaapothecary.com. Find more resources are available on aromatherapy and essential oil blends through the website.