Today’s Fragrant Friday Essential Oil Profile focuses on a healing aromatic that I will always keep in my home first aid kit. Helichrysum italicum is well-known for its quick healing properties and is the best essential oil for addressing bruises and topical wounds and trauma to the body.

My Personal Relationship with Helichrysum

Having raised two active boys and a grandson, as well as being married to a man that loves outdoor adventures, Helichrysum has been an important part of my life for decades. I have many Helichrysum stories but one of the most dramatic happened in 2002.

I was the Keynote speaker for a conference on well-being that was organized by PennDOT (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation). Two hours before my scheduled presentation, I was unloading the supplies for my talk. I held onto the inside opening of the van as I removed items with my left hand.

When I was done, I automatically slid the side door closed with my left hand but forgot to move my right hand in time before the door firmly slammed on the first three fingers of my right hand. I stood in shock looking at my hand trapped in the closed door, not taking in what had happened

The conference organizer had been helping me unload my van and quickly grabbed the door handle freeing my hand and yelled, “You’ve smashed your hand! There’s a paramedic inside, let’s go!”  In spite of my shock and pain, I asked him to wait a minute (he looked at me like I was crazy). I opened my box of essential oils and grabbed the Helichrysum, clumsily opened the bottle with the left hand, and put a few drops across my purple, bleeding, crunched fingers. In retrospect, it was a miracle that I happened to have that particular oil with me as I usually only use it in advanced classes.

Inside, the paramedic examined my hand as a crowd gathered around me. When he saw the deep cuts and deep purple bruising forming on my fingers he was sure I’d broken my hand and suggested someone drive me to the nearby Hospital Emergency Room. As I waited to see the doctor, I continued to apply the Helichrysum to my throbbing fingers. That may have been a bit overkill, but it was a comforting action. I received side-eye glances from the other people in the waiting room because Helichrysum has a strong, unique aroma; something like curry. I absolutely didn’t care. I was x-rayed which determined there were no broken bones, just deep contusions. My fingers were wrapped and I was sent back to the venue.

As I entered the building, I was met by the paramedic who had initially examined my fingers and asked to see them again. When I removed the wrapping he stepped back in shock and asked, “Wait. Is that the same hand that you slammed in the door?”  I said that it surely was. There were still deep cuts, but the bruising was nearly gone and the swelling was down. He said he had never seen any wound heal as quickly as mine. Heck, even I was impressed with the remarkable healing. I explained that it was because I’d applied the Helicrysum immediately after the impact to my fingers, and continued to do so for about an hour after.   

During my talk, I had the rapt attention of everyone, especially because many PennDOT employees do dangerous work with the risk of injury. At that time I was selling essential oils and had a booth set up in the back of the room. I sold every single product I’d brought with me! My only regret is that I didn’t get before and after photographs.

The Foundations

• Geographical source: Corsica, Croatia, Bosnia
• Plant Part: The essential oil is steam distilled from the flower
• Oil Characteristics: Helichrysum is warm, radiant, herbacious, reminiscent of curry
• Chemical Families: Primarily Sesquiterpenes and Esters

Learn about Essential Oil Chemical Families: AWP 032: Essential Oil Chemical Families: A Beginners Guide

Therapeutic Properties of Helichrysum

• Alleviates inflammation (due to the high ester content)
• Fast healing of bruises
• Supports healing of topical wounds and burns
• Helps relieve symptoms of allergies

Some Ways to Use Helichrysum Essential Oil

The amazing healing benefits of Helichrysum oil have to be seen to be believed. It can disperse bruises, help with injured muscles and reduce skin scarring.

• Use neat (1 drop only) on cuts. wounds and bruises.
• Add to Arnica Oil or Trauma Oil to reduce a large bruised area
• Use in a nasal inhaler to help reduce symptoms of allergies

Three Helichrysum Essential Oil Recipes

1. Minor Cuts and Wound

Ingredients: 1 oz (30 mL) Trauma Oil 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) 10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) 1 oz (30 mL) Dropper Bottle Directions: Add the essential oils to the dropper bottle, then top off with the Trauma Oil. Gently shake to mix the ingredients. Apply as often as needed.

2. Bruise and Sprain Relief Oil

Ingredients: 1 oz (30 mL) Trauma Oil 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) 6 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil (Helichrysum italicum) 4 drops German Chamomile Essential Oil ( 1 oz (30 mL) Dropper Bottle Directions: Apply frequently to the bruised area for 2-3 days.

3. Quick Pain Relief (3%)

This blend offers quick pain relief when you’ve had an unexpected minor painful trauma, like bumping your elbow on a door frame or knocking your ankle bone on an open dishwasher door (my speciality).

Ingredients: 1 fl oz (30 mL) Trauma Oil or 1 fl oz (30 mL) Arnica Oil 10 drops Spike Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula latifolia) 6 drops Cinnamon Essential Oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) 4 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil (Helichrysum italicum) 2 drops Clove Bud Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum or Eugenia cariophylata  1 oz (30 mL) Dropper Bottle Directions: Add the essential oils to the dropper bottle then fill with Trauma oil or Arnica Oil and close the cap. Gently shake to fully mix the blend. Apply as needed until the pain subsides. Do not add warmth to the area (see safety below).   Safety: Because Cinnamon and Clove are “hot” essential oils (meaning they may be irritating), I recommend you do a small patch test to ensure there is no skin sensitivity. Avoid use on broken skin. Safe for kids over 10.

Subtle Properties of Helichrysum (vibrational and energetic)

Helichrysum gives spiritual strength and helps integrate spirituality and compassion.  Just as this oil beautifully facilitates healing of the physical body, it also supports healing of emotional wounds. It helps dissolve feelings of depression and emotional exhaustion.

Safety Information

Helichrysum italicum is non-toxic, non-irritating. Given its remarkable healing potential and mindful of its high cost, a small dose is usually all that is necessary.

Where to Purchase Ingredients for the Recipes

You can find all of the ingredients in the recipes above at NaturesGift.com. My newsletter subscribers received 10% discount. You can subscribe here.

You can also purchase a lovely organic Helichrysum on Amazon. I don’t always recommend purchasing from Amazon, but I have researched, purchased, and used the products that I endorse and, as an educator, I feel comfortable recommending them.

Helichrysum italicum, organic with GC/MS report available

Trauma Oil

References

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037887411300799X referenced 12/21
• Battaglia, S. (2004). The complete guide to aromatherapy (2nd ed.). Brisbane, Qld: The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy.
• Elpel, T. J. (2004). Botany in a day: The patterns method of plant identification (6th ed.). Pony, MT, United States: HOPS Press.
• Aromatic Wisdom Institute Aromatherapy Certification Program, Chemistry

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