COMMON SCENTS: Helichrysum
Helichrysum- also known as Everlasting Oil, Immortale and Straw Flower is one of the most important oils to use. It resonates with the Circulatory System, working on the blood in so many ways.
Helichrysum is expensive because it is uniquely delicate to distill, yet when distilled properly has magnificent effects. Remember it is used in several Young Living blends (listed at the end of this article) so consider always having one of them available.
Distilled from a bright yellow flower that can grow up to 22 inches tall, Helichrysum keeps its shape and bright yellow tint even when dried.
The chemical constituents in Helichrysum vary from region to region. Gary Young uses Italian Helichrysum because of the unique chemical compounds in the flower from that part of the world. The distillation process must be exact–too high a temperature may dissipate one of the rare active ingredients, di-ketones. The difficulty is that it can smell the same to the layperson. Only a professional nose like Gary Young would be able to pick out the difference. Last year he declared an entire batch of Helichrysum unacceptable and refused to ship it, causing the company to be without it for some time.
The best and most dramatic story I heard was when his son Jacob fell and was bleeding profusely. Gary dumped an entire bottle of Helichrysum in the wound and stopped the bleeding because of this oil’s blood regulating properties.
I used a blend with Helichrysum for its ability to stimulate new cell replacement, to literally regenerate skin tissue.
The unique benefits of the chemistry of this oil are that it moves the Chi and the blood. It treats the accumulated, clotted blood of severe bruising. Its anti inflammatory properties can affect the veins in cases of thrombophlebitis.
It is an anti-spasmodic, similar to Roman Chamomile and Yarrow, therefore useful treating migraines, muscular aches, pain, neuralgia and irritable bowel. It moves bile to provide liver support by removing heavy metals from the bloodstream, therefore cleansing the blood.
Helichrysum encourages lymph movement and drainage. It is of benefit for coughs, asthma, bronchitis, colitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
It may help with gallbladder infection and can be used homeopathically (in tincture form from the plant), for gall bladder disorders and lumbago.
Because of its ability to clear toxins from the liver and move Chi, it can cut through deep, stuck anger and negativity that causes resentment.
Helichrysum is found in the following blends for a variety of benefits:
Emotional–Trauma Life, Forgiveness, Live with Passion and Awaken.
For the mind emotionally and physically–Brain Power
For antispasmodic properties–M-Grain.
For muscles, arthritis, pain and inflammation—Panaway and Deep Relief Roll-On
For the liver–JuvaFlex and JuvaCleanse
For blood circulation and regeneration–Aroma Life and Chelex, a tincture to detoxify the blood.
Apply topically. Less Is More. A chiropractor friend once used it way too liberally and the next day went into a healing crisis. Too much over stimulated his lymph and detoxified his blood of heavy metals and toxins too rapidly. Less oil over time would have been much less uncomfortable—a drop or two on an area of concern, temple, forehead, back of neck or outside of ear. It may be directly inhaled or ingested.
Excerpts taken from: “Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit” by Gabriel Mojay,“Reference Guide for Essential Oils” by Connie and Alan Higley
Essential Oils Desk Reference.