Helichrysum - The Immortal Flower
Besides hemp-derived CBD and Lavender essential oil (which we went into detail in last month's newsletter), our CBD Oil Skin Salve contains Helichrysum essential oil. Helichrysum is an incredible medicinal herb, but here at HealthNaturally we found out that African Helichrysum is one of very few plants, other than cannabis and hemp, that contains cannabinoids, specifically CBG, and now we couldn’t be more excited about this plant’s healing possibilities!
Helichrysum, Helichrysum italicum, is a non-toxic, non-irritant, strongly aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean. The name “Helichrysum” is derived from the Greek word ‘helios’ meaning sun and “chrysos” meaning gold, referring to the brightly colored daisy-like flowers. Helichrysum Essential Oil is an important ingredient in our CBD Skin Salve. This essential oil was used in herbal health practices in ancient Greece and is obtained by steam distillation of the flowerheads.
Leonardo Santini is considered the father of modern studies on Helichrysum. In the1930s, Santini began to administer a decoction (plant material in boiling water) and syrup of the Helichrysum plant for patients who were suffering from bronchitis and asthmatic cough. Not only did the patient’s respiratory conditions improve, but also other unrelated diseases from which they were suffering, particularly psoriasis and arthritis. After more and more success in using Helichrysum in the treatment for psoriasis, Santini confirmed the beneficial effects in two independent clinical studies carried out in the 1950s. In the 1995 study, all the participants’ psoriasis improved after only three weeks, leading to a great support for Helichrysum for psoriasis treatment. When it came to arthritis, Santini determined that the clinical activity of Helichrysum was similar of that of cortisone! Few studies have been conducted since Santini, but many practitioners and herbalists here at HealthNaturally,swear by Helichrysum for it’s skin saving/renewing properties.
Also referred to as the Everlasting or Immortal Flower, Helichrysum is highly valued and sought after for its many benefits, mainly focusing on its restorative and anti-aging properties to the skin. In addition to psoriasis, Helichrysum is used for a variety of skin conditions, such as burns, scars, wounds, dermatitis and eczema. Helichrysum oil inhibits microbial growth and protects the body against a long list of microbial infections, meaning it can be safely applied to wounds and any other open cores that could become infected. Helichrysum makes the skin smooth and, soft, and helps it retain moisture, as well as preventing dehydration and cracking of the skin. Many use Helichrysum to reduce the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles and to promote a youthful complexion.
Another reason why Helichrysum is named the anti-aging flower is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Helichrysum interrupts pro-inflammatory signalling and has a very similar anti-inflammatory profile to curcumin, an active ingredient in the powerful anti-inflammatory turmeric. In addition to the compound arzanol, there are a number of other bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, acetophenones and phloroglucinols, that exist in Helichrysum that complement its anti-inflammatory activity.
Helichrysum italicum is a medicinal plant with promising pharmacological activities. However, most of the traditionally claimed applications we reviewed are not yet scientifically proven. Clinical trials are needed to further confirm this data and promote Helichrysum as an important ingredient . Here a HealthNaturally we are excited for what the future holds for Helichrysum and cherish its healing properties!