Helichrysum Essential Oil: the Everlasting Flower

Welcome back to Harvesters’ Corner! 2025 is here, and the new year beckons for us to become the best we can become. Today we are going to discuss an ancient plant, one which has benefited people for millennia. The wonderful plant is a small groundcover with vibrant yellow flowers and is found all around the Mediterranean Sea: Helichrysum.

Helichrysum italicum is a spontaneous and perennial flowering plant commonly found in areas that are notoriously difficult to cultivate, like rocky slopes, coastal dunes, and stony ground. The mature plant reaches a height of twenty-eight inches (70 cm) and has woody branches extending from its base and flowering tops of a more herbaceous consistency, with flexible stems. The plant’s flowers inspired its name: helios (sun) and chrysos (gold). These lovely flowers resemble clusters of golden suns. (1)

Helichrysum Through the Ages 

Helichrysum’s use in folk medicine is long and ancient, with references found in the Egyptian kingdoms and Greece, as well as the Romans. One recipe I found from southern Italy included Helichrysum to help open the airways as a means to reduce coughing fits. To the west of Italy, the island nation of Sardinia developed a taste for Helichrysum in its wine. The golden tops are soaked in an alcohol solvent, a process called alcoholic maceration. (2) The resulting solution is distilled into a liqueur—not to be confused with liquor. Liquor is not sweet, while the liqueur is. Hence liqueur commonly being mixed with chocolate as a flavorant.

Here is a unique historical tidbit concerning Helichrysum. The plant has an intense scent, and it is said that the smell enabled Napolean being able to tell when he was nearing his home on Corsica from the sea even though the island was far over the horizon. (3) This lovely plant is still very abundant on the island, nearly two centuries later.

Helichrysum flowers may be “golden suns,” but these flowers are also known as the Everlasting Flower or, in France, as Immortal, due to the flowers not withering for close to a week after being picked. (4)

Modern Science Meets Tradition 

The commonality of Helichrysum’s use anciently has caught modern interests. There are several studies published which evaluate the fact that Helichrysum has been used in traditional folk medicine around the Mediterranean basin for centuries and assess the plant’s efficacy in that role. (5) While the studies are heavy in scientific notations, they do offer some fascinating insights into the discovery process that is ongoing where plants are concerned.

One very positive aspect of Helichrysum research is that pre-clinical studies suggest a high likelihood of Helichrysum supporting healthy skin tone and reducing wrinkles and blemishes. Helichrysum has a long and extensive use in cosmetics and anti-aging products for its rejuvenating skin benefits.

Practical Uses: How to Incorporate  Helichrysum Oil into your Life

So how can Helichrysum be used, and how can it benefit us? Part of Helichrysum’s chemical makeup are molecules called Esters, which promote a soothing sensation. Placing a drop of Helichrysum on the back of your neck and massaging it in will help tension ease away. Helichrysum oil can be a helpful adjunct in combatting acne. (6) Since the oil can cause skin sensitivity, it is recommended to dilute the oil with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO). Considering that FCO is also beneficial to the skin and complexion, this is an added plus. You may want to consider using the Helichrysum Touch, a 10mL bottle with the mixing already done and ready to apply. This is also a budget-friendly means of experiencing the oils, as I know the main bottle is expensive. If you are unfamiliar with FCO and its benefits, take a look at our prior blog to learn more. Helichrysum oil can also promote healthy skin regeneration and can be used to target ageing spots and fine wrinkles.  

To the men out there, this is one oil that you can also benefit from! Helichrysum oil is a great tool to help sooth razor burn and the little bumps that shaving can cause. Feel free to mix Helichrysum with Frankincense, Myrrh, Melaleuca (Tea Tree Oil), and yes, even Lavender! (7)

Now this next use may sound a little unusual, considering we recently passed the Winter Solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere, but when you have too much sun exposure, apply Helichrysum oil to help sooth the irritated skin. (8) I’m not just talking about too much sun while hiking or hitting the beach. I’ve known plenty of people who’ve received some nasty sun exposure out skiing or snowboarding. The cold wind saps the moisture from your skin as you race down the slopes. Trust Helichrysum to help sooth the irritation.

I discovered as I researched this blog that Helichrysum can also be used in cooking and baking. (9) Helichrysum blends well in curries and has a taste comparable to a mild rosemary. (10) Some localities will even use it in beverages. Helichrysum is truly a remarkable plant.

Sustainable Sourcing: A Story of Empowerment 

The source for the Helichrysum dōTERRA uses is the Balkan state of Albania, across the Ionian Sea from southern Italy. Emiland, one of the sourcing partners in-country, sent a sample of helichrysum to dōTERRA almost as an afterthought. “I had focused on Juniper Berry, Lavender, and other things,” he relates. (11) He received an e-mail the following week. Much to Emiland’s surprise, dōTERRA wondered if he could produce 1,500 kilos of Helichrysum oil. (12) Almost five years later, Emiland oversees a modern distillery with ten stills which employes nearly 200 people. In addition, he has contracts with many small landowners, people who have toiled on their land for decades. He states, “Most of the time we help them plant. Most farmers can’t afford to do all the tractor work and the seedlings.” (13) Emiland’s wife, Lauren, remarked that Helichrysum is potentially the only source of income for some of the smaller farmers. She added, in a broken voice, that they have seen people arriving at the distillery in a horse-drawn carriage filled with sacks of harvested plants. It’s hard not to get emotional when you see an eighty-year old man who has labored to raise Helichrysum in a hot, humid environment and then spent days bent over in the middle of summer with a cutting tool harvesting his crop, bring it in to get weighed, and then break into a smile as he receives a fair wage for his back-breaking labor. She adds, “We want to have more of an impact…We want to help them and hopefully the community in helping to build it.” (14) Emiland has a dream of helping return Albania to its former position of being a market leader in oils. His goal to achieve that dream is simple: “Our goal is to keep expanding, while partnering with dōTERRA.” (15) Emiland’s partnership with Co-Impact Sourcing empowers him as he and his wife make impacts in people’s lives and in their community. Individual farmers are making their land productive, which in turn, helps these farmers become more self-reliant. As they become better, others around them will have opportunities to improve themselves, as well. This is a process which has worked in Guatemala, Nepal, and Bulgaria, a close neighbor of Albania. It will continue to work in Albania, as well as other locations where Co-Impact Sourcing partners with individuals with passion and vision.

Before we close today, I want to share a recipe for shaving salve. Here is a wonderful opportunity for the men out there to experience the power of these oils. This recipe comes from the Blog at doTERRA.com and provides the basics to start. (16) If you find that you like other oils than the ones listed, swap them out! This is for you. Your body will tell you what you need. The ingredients: one-half cup Fractionated Coconut Oil, one-quarter cup rosewater (this can be purchased at a health-food store), and five drops each of Frankincense, Lavender, Tea Tree, Myrrh, and Helichrysum oils. Mix the Fractionated Coconut and rosewater in a spray bottle or pump bottle. Add the oils to the mixture and shake. Spray directly on the skin or pump onto your hands and rub over the affected skin.

Helichrysum and Helichrysum Touch are really special oils, with more uses than I had considered previously.  I hope you will experience the goodness of this golden oil for yourself. Our next post will look at some of the chemistry behind the oils—nothing crazy, just an informational post to better define terms used in association with the oils, and describing some of the tests used to help confirm the purity of these oils we love. Join us next time, here at Harvesters’ Corner!

Sources

1.    Wilden Herbals. “Helichrysum, the golden symbol of the Mediterranean scrub.” 9 May 2022. Online < https://wildenherbals.com/en/helichrysum-golden-symbol-of-mediterranean/>. Accessed 16 December 2024.

2.    Ibid.

3.    Ibid.

4.    Farmer Bailey. “Helichrysum Growing Guide. Date Unknown. Online. <https://farmerbailey.com/pages/helichrysum-grow-guide#:~:text=Helichrysum%20are%20fast%20growing%20and,to%20avoid%20them%20becoming%20rootbound.&text=Not%20absolutely%20necessary%20but%201,especially%20in%20a%20windy%20area.> Accessed 23 December 2024.

5.    Three studies that stood out to me were the following:

A). Antunes Viegas D, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A, Salgueiro L, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R. “Helichrysum italicum: from traditional use to scientific data.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;151(1):54-65. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.005. Epub 2013 Nov 14. PMID: 24239849. Online. <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037887411300799X>. Accessed 16 December 2024.

B). Furlan, Veronika & Bren, Urban. (2023). “Helichrysum italicum: From Extraction, Distillation, and Encapsulation Techniques to Beneficial Health Effects.” Foods. 12. 802. 10.3390/foods12040802. Online. <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368531842_Helichrysum_italicum_From_Extraction_Distillation_and_Encapsulation_Techniques_to_Beneficial_Health_Effects>. Accessed 16 December 2024.

C). Wijayadi and Kelvin (2022). “Effectiveness of Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil on Wound Healing”. Online. <https://Jurnal.ugm.ac.id>. Accessed 16 December 2024.

6.    dōTERRA. “Helichrysum Essential Oil Uses and Benefits.” The Blog. Date Unknown. Online. <www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-helichrysum-oil>. Accessed 16 December 2024.

7.    Ibid.

8.    Ibid.

9.    Furlan, Veronika & Bren, Urban. (2023). “Helichrysum italicum: From Extraction, Distillation, and Encapsulation Techniques to Beneficial Health Effects.” Foods. 12. 802. 10.3390/foods12040802. Online. <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 368531842_Helichrysum_italicum_From_Extraction_Distillation_and_Encapsulation_Techniques_to_Beneficial_Health_Effects>. Accessed 16 December 2024.

10. Shutes, Jade. “Helichrysum: Helichrysum italicum.” The School for Aromatic Studies. Date Unknown. Online. < https://aromaticstudies.com/helichrysum-essential-oil/#:~:text=Helichrysum%20italicum%20is%20a%20small,crushed%20release%20a%20distinct%20aroma.>.  Accessed 25 December 2024.

11. doTERRA Essential Oils Europe. “Co-Impact Sourcing: Helichrysum.” Video, YouTube. Accessed 25 December 2024.

12. In case you are curious, this is comparable to 100,000 15mL bottles of oil!

13. doTERRA Essential Oils Europe. “Co-Impact Sourcing: Helichrysum.” Video, YouTube. Accessed 25 December 2024.

14. Ibid.

15. Ibid.

16. dōTERRA. “Helichrysum Essential Oil Uses and Benefits.” The Blog. Date Unknown. Online. <www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-helichrysum-oil>. Accessed 16 December 2024.