Updated 17 January 2024
Botanical characteristics
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Helichrysum
- Part used: Flowering tops, flowers/plant
- Country of origin: Italy, France, Corsica
Precautions for use
Warning, this essential oil is reserved for adults and adolescents, however it may be prescribed by a doctor for pregnant women, children and infants.
Helichrysum essential oil is used by application to the skin and, exceptionally, by prescription, orally or inhaled in small doses and for short periods.
It contains few allergenic components.
Other precautions
Cutaneous use:
- Pregnant women, children and infants may use diluted topical preparations under medical supervision.
Ingestion:
- Helichrysum essential oil is exceptionally used orally, under prescription.
Contraindications:
- Helichrysum essential oil should be avoided by heavy menstruators or those on anticoagulant treatment.
Allergenic components:
Helichrysum essential oil contains allergenic biochemicals.
- Limonene (≤ 3%)
- Linalool (≤ 1%)
- Benzyl cinnamate (≤ 0.2%)
Note: It is best to test the essential oil before use (two drops on the crease of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check for a reaction).
Authorised users
How to use
Risks of use
Properties
- Anti-haematoma
- Anticoagulant, antiphlebitic
- Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory
- Healing
- Anti-catarrhal, mucolytic
- Cholesterol-lowering
- Liver regenerating
- Sclerosing
Indications
- Scars, even old ones
- Rosacea
- Sprain
- Dupuytren's disease
- External or internal haematomas (even old ones)
- Phlebitis
- Varicose veins
- Cholesterol
- Heavy legs
- Raynaud's syndrome
- Wound
- Acne
- Arthritis
- Polyarthritis
- Liver damage
- Bronchitis
- Rhinopharyngitis
- Bartholinitis
Directions for use/usual dosage
- Phlebitis, rosacea, scars: topical applications diluted at 5%.
- Arthritis, polyarthritis: local applications diluted to 20%.
- Haematoma: local applications diluted at 30%, but can also be used immediately undiluted on bruises and sprains (apply drop by drop and rub in gently).
Cosmetic
- Anti-inflammatory, healing and decongesting
- Recommended for psoriasis, eczema, varicose veins and acne
- Vitalising for mature and tired skin
Interior use
- Helichrysum essential oil should not be diffused or applied to surfaces.
Find out more
- The main active constituents are esters and (di)ketones.
- This EO is said to be beneficial in relieving vascular or coronary spasms.
- Dr PENOËL recommends it in the event of a blow to prevent bruising and absorb haematomas (gentle, prolonged massage drop by drop), but also to prevent or limit "black eyes", diluted at 3% in arnica oil (with which it has a synergistic effect). However, as it is difficult to apply locally to the eyes, it is preferable to use Italian helichrysum hydrolate orally for this application.
- This EO is rare, expensive and in great demand. It is difficult to replace.
- Yugoslavian Red Helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium) has a different composition and is less potent.
- To a lesser extent, Laurel, Yarrow and True Lavender EOs have a positive effect on bruises, blows and sprains.