Properties:

Powerful Bruise relief: For those really severe bruising you can apply the Helichrysum Italicum essential oil directly on the haematoma either in its pure form or diluted in a vegetable oil in a proportion of 5 to 10%, I find that apricot oil is really good but other people like rose hip oil. It’s a question of taste or in this case, smell.

Anti-coagulant, anti-phlebitis: Stimulates the blood circulation and can treat old bruises therefore reliving skin tissue and can also be applied to scars, even old ones, phlebitis, varicose veins, oedema and blotches can be treated in an effective way with great results. It activates the arterial circulation and the micro computing blood circulation alleviating suffering in distressed skin tissue. It is particularly active against blood clots.

Anticatarrhal, mucolityque (loosens bronchi): Helichrysum Italicum can be used very successfully as a bronchial expectorant which will elevate congestion. A few drops of this oil in either hot water or an inhaler will help to relieve and cure this uncomfortable ailment.

Cholesterol : Regulates the cholesterol level A and B: A visit to the site of K.G. Stiles will tell you more. http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfo/helichrysum.htm

Healing and astringent cutaneous and desclerosant: A high proportion of anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. This compound disperses free radicals. The unique chemical composition of essential oils from individual plants provides the oil its healing features. For instance, Helichrysum essential oil is distilled from the Helichrysum Italicum flowers. The oil includes a very effective blend of compounds that are anti-inflammatory, anti-free-radical a very powerful anti-oxidant, a tissue regenerative, and anti-haematomata.

Antispasmodique and anti-inflammatory: Neryl acetate, which has a calming effect that can lower stress of the tissues located where the injury occurred. In acute injuries, the oil is effective in quickening the healing process of common injures associated with sports. When Helichrysum essential oil is applied to a sports injury quickly enough, it can prevent haemorrhaging. Furthermore, it is valuable in reducing joint pain, Arthritic suffers have greatly benefited from its pain reliving virtues. After a sports injury occurs, in the "primary injury," cells become damaged. In fact, the very construction of cells of connective tissue is altered, cells can become so severely harmed that they die. Afterwards, a need emerges for them to be grown again. Bruising and swelling causes a reduction in the supply of blood to nearby cells, and the obstruction of oxygen, nutrients and waste travelling between the cells. This results in an increase in free radicals; those wrinkle enemy lines, and contribute to the formation of the "secondary injury." The key is to reduce the damage and death of cells via this second injury. That is where Helichrysum essential oil becomes useful.

Liver: Stimulates the regeneration of liver cells. Di-ketones, which have a regenerative effect. Huge amounts of di-ketones are found in Helichrysum oil alone. However I am still researching into this aspect and I am waiting for medical back up on this. I will develop this section further in the months to come.

Aroma therapeutic : Studies have revealed that the mere smelling of natural aromatic oils, such as Helichrysum essential oil, can help you to sleep better, focus better, improve your mood. All of these effects can have a positive effect on the athlete suffering from sports-related injuries. In fact it’s a great anti depressant. The unique chemical composition of essential oils from individual plants provides the oil its healing features. For instance, Helichrysum essential oil is distilled from the Helichrysum Italicum flowers. The oil includes a very effective blend of compounds that are anti-inflammatory, anti-free-radical anti-oxidant, tissue regenerative, and anti-haematomata a renowned active against blood clots.

Use in a room diffuser and it will sooth the most fraught nerves and anyone with hyper tension can certainly benefit from this manner of treatment.

This plant can do so much and I’m sure that there will be further discoveries concerning its healing properties.