A popular item found in many medicine cabinets today, essential oils have become a natural go-to remedy to treat all kinds of ailments and conditions. Oils such as Helichrysum oil have been used for many centuries and can strengthen and boost your overall heart health.
What Is Helichrysum Oil?
Helichrysum flowers were offered to Greek gods in ancient times. Helichrysum is a European herb that grows in Italy, France and the neighboring countries. This plant has medicinal properties, boasting of various physical and mental health benefits.
The essential oil obtained from this plant plays a big role in traditional medicine. The oil is scarcely available and quite expensive. It has a long shelf life and can be stored for a long time.
Helichrysum essential oil is extracted from the flowers through steam distillation. It is recommended to purchase helichrysum oil that is fully organic, with a therapeutic grade.
Uses of Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum oil blends well with other oils such as lavender, clary sage, rose, geranium, orange, neroli, lime, ylang-ylang and petit grain.
Helichrysum oil is used in the following ways:
- In aromatherapy
- In antiseptic creams
- In vapor rubs and pain balms
- In lotions, creams and skin cleansers
- In anti-aging treatments
Benefits of Helichrysum Oil
The health benefits of helichrysum oil can be attributed to its nervine, expectorant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antiallergenic, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hematoma, antiphlogistic, cicatrizant and diuretic properties.
The significant health benefits include the following:
1. Reduces hemorrhaging
Helichrysum oil acts as a natural anticoagulant and can reduce the risk of heart attacks that occur due to thickening of the blood and high cholesterol content.
This property is a life-saving feature of helichrysum oil as it provides instant relief by thinning or liquefying blood.
2. Acts as an expectorant
Helichrysum oil is a natural expectorant that provides warmth to the respiratory tract, loosens the phlegm deposits and expels it out of the respiratory system. It provides instant relief from cold, cough and sinuses.
3. Increases urination
Helichrysum oil contains diuretic properties that increase the frequency and output of urine. This helps in removing toxins, uric acid, salts, excess water and excess sodium from the body.
By increasing urination, helichrysum oil also helps you lose weight, lower blood pressure and improve digestion.
4. Treats anemia
The spleen is responsible for the recycling and production of red blood cells. If the spleen does not function properly, it can cause medical conditions such as anemia.
Regular use of helichrysum oil helps maintain a healthy spleen and thus prevents anemia and other infections.
5. Treats spasms
Spasms can occur in the muscles, nerves, lungs, intestines and respiratory tract. They are unwanted or abnormal contractions in the body, and if left untreated, can prove to be fatal.
Helichrysum oil is antispasmodic in nature and provides instant relief from spasms by inducing a relaxing effect on the affected area.
6. Reduces fever
Helichrysum oil is an excellent solution to treat fever and any inflammation due to the symptoms surrounding your condition. The antiphlogistic properties present in the oil can help to bring down fever and prevent feelings of exhaustion.
7. Fights infections
Helichrysum oil contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help fight infections from the invasion of foreign pathogens. It also helps treat allergic reactions, liver malfunctions, arthritis, boils and pox.
8. Mucolytic properties
Mucus keeps the respiratory tract slippery and moist, thereby protecting the body from infections and wounds. However, when the mucus thickens and deposits as phlegm in the respiratory tract, it can cause sinus problems, cold and cough, resulting in a congested chest.
Helichrysum oil contains mucolytic properties, thinning the hardened mucus by hydrolysis and expelling it out of the body through normal excretions.
Side Effects of Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum oil has no reported side effects.
- Helichrysum oil must always be diluted with a carrier oil before use.
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised not to use this oil.
- Those having sensitive skin must do a patch test before using helichrysum oil.
