Helichrysum Italicum
Related ingredient: AREAUMAT PERPETUA
The name Helichrysum comes from the Greek “helios”, meaning the sun, and “chrysos”, which means gold.
Helichrysum is also known as Immortelle or Everlasting, because the flowering tops keep their yellow color
ever as they dry out, or also "Curry Plant" because of its spicy perfume.
Synonyms: Helichrysum angustifolium, Helichrysum serotinum, Immortelle, Everlasting, Curry plant,
Muredda, Elicriso, Gnaphalium angustifolium Lam., Gnaphalium italicum Roth, etc.
Source : commons.wikimedia.org
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BOTANY
Plant family: Asteraceae
Helichrysum Italicum is a small flowering and perennial shrubby plant, between 30 and 45 cm high.
The flowers are a cluster of golden yellow ball shaped blossoms, are hermaphrodite (have both male and
female organs) and pollinated by Insects. The flowering of Helichrysum Italicum occurs during the summer
months. The internal bracts are linear, oblong and not elongated at the edge.
The leaves are delicate, very narrow and oblong, from 2 to 3 cm long, and rolled by the edges. They are
green on both faces, and, when crushed, they release a distinct and strong aroma. This powerful scent can
be described as a floral mint: it is both earthy and fresh.
The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60 cm or more in height.
The fruits are very small achenes, covered by white, small and bright glands.
Source : www.jardinsdugue.eu
BIOTOPE
Helichrysum Italicum is found on dunes, in seaside sand, and generally in sandy soil in very sunny areas.
This plant grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. It likes arid hills, rocks and cliffs,
and is drought and wind tolerant. It prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires sun and welldrained, dry or moist soils. The plant develops in acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Helichrysum Italicum is distributed in the Mediterranean basin, where it grows in continuous and widespread
populations in diverse open habitats.
Globally, we can find this plant in many continents: South Africa, Northern Africa (Algeria, Morocco), Asiatemperate, Western Asia (Cyprus) and Southeastern Europe (Greece, Italy, Yugoslavia) and Southwestern
Europe (France, Portugal, and Spain).
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HISTORY AND LEGEND
According to a Greek legend, told in Homer’s Odyssey, Helichrysum Italicum, or
Immortelle would exist even before the 8th Century Before Christ. This legend
says that Ulysses, during his odyssey, was once shipwrecked on an island
called Phaeacia. There he met the king’s daughter, Nausicaa. She was
renowned for her beauty which she attributed to her use of a precious golden
Representation of Ulysses
oil extracted from Immortelle flowers. To help Ulysses recover she gave him a
and Nausicaa
vial of this famous Immortelle essential oil and after applying it to his body he
regained his strength and beauty and continued on his voyage. It is said that Helichrysum has been used
since the time of the ancient Greeks for its great wound healing ability, and was used often after battles.
It is also said that Helichrysum Italicum, which confers the Corsican maqui its predominant olfactory and
characteristic note, led Napoléon (Emperor of France from 1804 to 1815) to declare that he could recognise
his island with his eyes closed.
MEDICINAL USES
Helichrysum Italicum Essential Oil is famous for its many medicinal properties:
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Anti Allergenic
Anti Coagulant
Anti Haematoma: The essential oil of Helichrysum helps to clear the accumulation of bloods or
blood clots which result from a haemorrhage.
Anti Inflammatory
Anti Microbial: Helichrysum Oil checks microbial growth and protects from microbial infections.
Anti Septic: it can be safely applied on wounds, cuts, pricks etc.
Anti Spasmodic: Helps in relieving headaches, migraines, asthma, bronchitis and irritable bowels.
Aroma therapeutic: Studies have revealed that the mere smelling of natural aromatic oils, such as
Helichrysum essential oil, can help you to sleep better, focus better, improve your mood.
Cholagogue: Helichrysum Oil has Cholagogue properties, which means it promotes discharge of
bile into stomach and helps neutralize acids, thereby promoting digestion, curing acidity and
acidosis.
Diuretic
Effective against Cholesterol : Regulates the cholesterol level A and B
Effective for the cells regeneration: Helichrysum Oil promotes cell health and also encourages
recycling of dead cell and production of new cells.
Effective to treat skin disorders: Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis, burns, inflammations, etc.
Emollient: this property of Helichrysum Oil makes the skin smooth, soft and helps it retain moisture.
It prevents dehydration and cracking of the skin.
Fungicidal: this oil prohibits and inhibits fungal infections effectively.
Healing: This property of Helichrysum Essential Oil makes your wounds and cuts heal up and scar
marks disappear fast.
DIETARY USES
Leaves can be used as flavouring in salads and cooked food. They have a slight flavour of curry.
An essential oil (from the leaves) is used as a flavouring to enhance fruit flavours in sweets, ice cream,
baked goods, soft drinks and chewing gum.
A tea can be made from the flower heads.
OTHER USES
One of the reasons why Helichrysum is also called “Immortelle” is its flowers retain their color and shape
after drying, making them a popular flower for long-lasting natural flower arrangements.
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