Helichrysum benefits 

The helichrysum plant has several benefits, although not proven through science, there have been studies to show great benefits throughout. This essential oil comes from the Helichrysum flower, which is native to France, Croatia, and Italy. Some herbalists believe that helichrysum should be part of a holistic first aid kid, believing it helps with things such as:burns, ear infections, inflammation of the kidneys, and wounds. 

What is helichrysum?

The genus Helichrysum has an estimated 600 species of flowering plants in the sunflower family. Helichrysum also goes by the names of everlasting, immortelle, and strawflower. There are versions of the plants that are annuals, herbaceous perennials or shrubs.Several of the species are grown as ornamental plants, and dried flowers. When cut young, and then dried, the open flowers and stalks preserve their color and shape for longer periods. 

The essential oil comes from the flower, and is steam distilled. The flowers are put into a chamber, where steam is pumped in, then the steam and oil are removed to a condenser, steam is turned into water and separated from the essential oil. 

Uses of the essential oil

There is evidence that helichrysum may be able to reduce allergy symptoms, particularly contact dermatitis, which is an allergic rash caused by contact with an allergen. Other allergy symptoms, like inflammation, can be reduced by using helichrysum. The best way to use helichrysum to reduce inflammation from coughs and colds is by putting the essential oil in a diffuser. One laboratory study shows that helichrysum can generally be anti-inflammatory, and therefore it may be able to treat skin inflammation. 

It is also possible that helichrysum oil can help heal wounds quicker, although the mechanisms are unclear. One study in 2016 found that essential oils combined with antibiotics were more effective than antibiotics in preventing infection in skin wounds. 

It is important to dilute the helichrysum oil before using it, most generally with a carrier oil. Helichrysum essential oil has generally shown it is safe, although, there have been a few studies that suggest there might be some things to be aware of when using the oil.