There are over 600 species of Helichrysum occurring worldwide, with 245 found in southern Africa. The word Helichrysum is derived from the Greek “helios” meaning sun and “chrysos” meaning gold, referring to the colour of many of the flowers of species in this genus. African, European, Eastern and North American cultures use Helichrysums for their medicinal value.
It grows in big straggling clumps, often in moist areas such as the hollows between dunes, It ranges from the Western Cape, along the coastal mountain ranges of the Eastern Cape and as far as Lake St Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal.
In South Africa it forms a component of traditional African medicine. The leaves and twigs are boiled and prepared as a sort of tea to soothe coughs and fever. The leaves are applied to wounds to prevent infection, and are ceremonially burnt to produce traditional incense.
Recorded medicinal history: For Europeans, the Helichrysum ranks as one of the most ancient and valuable healing substances. Helichrysum is said to be more anti-inflammatory than German Chamomile, have more tissue regenerating than Lavender and more cicatrisant (helping the formation of scar tissue) than Frankincense. The oil of Helichrysum has been found by European researchers to generate tissue, reduce tissue pain, helps improve skin conditions, circulatory function, prevents phlebitis, helps regulate cholesterol, stimulates liver cell function, reduces scarring and discoloration. It is anticoagulant, anticatarrhal, mucolytic, expectorant, and antispasmodic.
Medicinally the roots, leaves, stems and flowers are used as traditional medicine for chest complaints, colic in children, coughs, colds, internal sores, fever, headaches, and for dressing wounds amongst others.
Helichrysum is commonly used by the Xhosa to treat circumcision wounds and is known as isicwe. The Zulu and Xhosa burn the leaves of Helichrysum as incense in ritual ceremonial occasions.
Helichrysum has been used to treat rheumatism and is a good fuel plant in the mountains of Lesotho. It is also used in potpourri and lasts well in a vase as a cut flower.
The Afrikaans people name Helichrysum as kerriekruie and use it for medicinal purposes. They also use it for their wound-healing and antifungal properties.
Also known as African Immortelle, it’s exceptional cell regenerating & anti-inflammatory qualities, Immortelle is well known for its skin rejuvenating properties, exceptional cell regeneration. Especially effective for healing any kind of skin wound, scar tissue (be it recent or an old scar), dermatitis, acne, stretch marks, burns, boils and counters the effects of aging.
Diluted in the bath or blended for massage (for muscle aches & pains, respiratory problems & the digestive system); in a cream or as a lotion, it is beneficial for most skin problems.
Helichrysum has a musky, warm, slightly spicy aroma. The cooling and rejuvenating qualities of this oil make it suitable for skin care preparations.
Helichrysum is also used to soothe burns and raw chapped skin. The leaves are also applied to wounds to prevent infection.
Promotes the healing and regeneration of skin. Use in preparations for aging skin.
Helichrysum is also known as Everlasting and/or Immortelle (the immortal flower), because it retains its shape and beautiful yellow coloring even if plucked and dried. Just imagine what those properties can do for ones skin.
Emollient: This property of Helichrysum Oil makes the skin smooth, soft and helps it retain moisture. It prevents dehydration and cracking of the skin.
Hair: Oils are essential for your hair. They keep it healthy, prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Even if you use them for scalp massages, for homemade masks and treatments or just as an integrated part of your regular hair products; oils are simply amazing for your hair.
Soaps: Helichrysum Essential Oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.