Immortelle (Helychrysum italicum) is a flowering plant of the daisy family Asteraceae. Small perennial shrubby herb with narrow, silver-hairy leaves and small, yellow dry (straw -like) flowers. The flowers are a cluster of golden yellow ball shaped blossoms, the leaves are delicate and oblong, which when crushed release a distinct aroma. It is a wonderful plant to grow in the garden, for both its curry aroma and simple beauty. The aroma of the essential oil has been exquisitely described by Holmes (n/d), as being: a deeply-saturated sweet, green floral scent. The name Immortelleor Everlasting comes about for this plant as it retains its yellow color even when dried.
According to Homer’s Odyssey, Ulysses was once shipwrecked on an island where he met divinely beautiful Nausicaa. The secret of her beauty was attributed to the eternal oil extracted from flowers that never fade, even once picked.
Pharmaceutical industry is the biggest consumer of helichrysum oil because of its wonderful regenerative effects on skin.
Rare chemical profile contained in the plant includes strong anti-inflammatory compounds of alfa, beta and gamma curcumene and neryl acetate which relaxes the muscles and treats convulsions.
Helichrysum contains healing italidone, regenerative non-terpeniod diketones, monoterpene alcohol, monoterpene, esters, essential oils, bitter ingredients, b-flavonoid and arzanol.
Helichrysum is beneficial for treating many problems but it is most popular in preventing wrinkles, age spots and other signs of ageing. Traditionally it has been used for treating asthma, migraines, liver and skin problems.It is best known for its anti-age effect. Because of these quality, today it has become an endangered plant.
Protective effect of helichrysum on skin:
strong impact against free radicals
significantly stimulates collagen production
stimulates tissue changes
improves microcirculation and skin detoxification
antiseptic that purifies the skin
Helichrysum also makes skin glow.
Helichrysum maceration – Solution for skin problems
Helichrysum maceration can be used for treating stretch marks, scars, wrinkles, varicose veins, capillaries, eczema, and psoriasis.
It is a natural remedy for treating dry, damaged and irritated skin, burns and bruises.
