Therapeutic Uses:
- Allergies – There’s some evidence that helichrysum may be able to reduce allergy symptoms, particularly contact dermatitis, a type of allergic rash caused by contact with an allergen. In addition, allergy symptoms are often the result of inflammation, which happens when the immune system reacts to an allergen. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory properties of helichrysum may help reduce allergy symptoms.
- Colds and cough – Helichrysum essential oil may have antimicrobial properties that help fight colds and coughs. Additionally, colds and coughs can cause inflammation in your airways and inside your nose. Evidence suggests that helichrysum may also help reduce inflammation. The best way to treat colds and coughs with helichrysum oil is to use a diffuser.
- Skin inflammation – Treating skin inflammation is a long-standing traditional use of helichrysum oil. One laboratory study suggests that helichrysum is generally anti-inflammatory, and therefore it may be able to treat skin inflammation.
- Wound healing – Helichrysum oil may be able to help wounds heal more quickly, although the mechanisms are unclear. Skin infections are also a common side effect of a wound not healing properly. The antimicrobial properties of helichrysum can help prevent infection, which helps the wound heal in turn. One study found that essential oils combined with antibiotics were more effective than antibiotics in preventing infection in skin wounds.
- Digestive disorders – Helichrysum essential oil is traditionally used to treat a wide range of digestive issues, such as: stomachaches, bloating, indigestion, acid reflux, and constipation. One study suggests that helichrysum oil from the plant’s flower can help stop intestinal spasms, which can help reduce the symptoms of some digestive issues such as cramps, pain, and bloating.
- Gallbladder disorders – Treatment of gallbladder disorders is a traditional use of helichrysum throughout Europe. There is some evidence, mainly from animal studies, that helichrysum essential oil can help reduce gallbladder inflammation and associated pain.
- Muscle and joint inflammation – Because studies suggest that helichrysum essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, it may be able to reduce muscle and joint inflammation when rubbed into the affected area.
- Infections – The antibacterial effects of helichrysum are one of its most studied areas. Most of these studies have been done in the lab, but they do suggest that helichrysum essential oil may be able to slow or stop the growth of a range of bacteria, including ones that cause infections.
- Candida – Candida is a type of fungus that can cause a yeast infection, thrush, and other infections throughout the body. Evidence from laboratory tests suggests that helichrysum essential oil can stop or slow the growth of candida. When analyzing the composition of this essential oil in both the liquid and vapor phases, it was found to be effective against candida.
Medicinal Uses: * Aromatherapy * Bruises/sprains * Cellulite
Helichrysum Flower Side Effects: None Noted.
