By Kerry Pieri

Essential oils encompass a staggering array of aromatic plants, but helichrysum stands out for being a true inner and outer healer, treating both skin ailments and emotional trauma. On paper, helichrysum is in the sunflower family, and contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its name is derived from the ancient Greek for sun and gold, and it is also referred to as Everlasting, Immortelle, or the Curry Plant. Helichrysum is primarily sourced from Corsica or the Balkans. According to naturopathic doctor Dr. Scott A Johnson, “The chemistry of oils produced from plants grown in these environments is very different. Corsican helichrysum tends to be higher in neryl acetate, while the Balkan variety is rich in alpha-pinene and selinene (alpha and beta).”

Helichrysum is a powerful skin healer when used topically. No wonder it is such a star player in our holi (oil) refining ageless face serum and holi (body) ageless body serum formulations. 

holi (oil) is a radiance-enhancing youth serum face oil, and was one of the first products our founder Jena formulated when she began studying at her natural cosmetic school and perfumery in Grasse, France. Packed with organic helichrysum (which contains regenerative compounds to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), rosehip (a natural retinol), rice bran oil and a ton of Vitamin A, this treat for your skin combines the highest grade of natural, non-GMO organic or wildcrafted ingredients. 

Once Jena had formulated holi (oil) she knew she wanted to include helichrysum as a key ingredient in our holi (body) formulation too - particularly because it can help with psoriasis and inflammatory skin conditions - and the diketones found in helichrysum are also reputed for their anti-bruise and scar-reducing capabilities, even after major surgery. The blend we’ve created of protective antioxidants, moisturizing omega fatty acids and regenerative diketones so it repairs dryness without any sticky residue, leaving you with luxurious, soft, supple and youthful-looking skin.

Not surprisingly, helichrysum is nicknamed ‘liquid stitches’ for its strong skin-supporting properties. “It is valuable for minor cuts and scrapes, skin restoration, relief of skin conditions, and even for minor aches and discomfort when incorporated into a massage”, Dr. Johnson tells Agent Nateur. Studies indicate it’s particularly effective for healing c-section scars.

Additionally, Dr. Johnson continues, “Anecdotally, people also use it for liver support and the nervous system.” Helichrysum is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as it is, “the only commercially available essential oil that contains several diketones known as italidiones.” Italidiones are also associated with anti-aging and overall healing. As far as how he uses it in his own practice, Dr. Johnson explains, “I primarily use it for skin conditions, whether recent or long-lasting,” and that, “Research shows that it decreases skin puffiness and helps maintain skin elasticity and strength due to interactions with the enzymes collagenase and elastase, making it beneficial for wrinkles, scars, and wound healing.” 

But what sets Helichrysum apart from other powerful flowers is its simultaneous ability to treat physical and psychic ailments. Its emotional healing properties may stem from its robust energetic vibration. 

Healthy human bodies have a frequency of approximately 62-78 MHz, while helichrysum’s frequency is much higher at 181 MHz. In “Emotional Healing with Essential Oils” author Daniel Macdonald writes that Helichrysum aids “the walking wounded,” also known as individuals who have experienced difficult childhoods, intensive trauma, loss, or other trying life circumstances. It is said to help with the endurance necessary to continue through difficulties, as it represents the power of the sun and the joy and healing it can bring.

Practitioners maintain that helichrysum lends a transformational spirit, allowing the wounded warrior to see that the trials they’ve experienced as a necessary part of their journey and that, often, even difficulties can be a gift. It allows light into the darkest parts of us. It’s also said to remove energetic and psychic blockages. It can clear out any boundaries to healing, often in the dream state, so it is recommended to be taken before bed, ingested as a flower essence. It can also be used as the aforementioned essential oil topically or as a facial or body spray when diluted. Helichrysum is said to alter how we see the world, changing perception and allowing new perspectives. 

It is said to be particularly effective with inner child work and is referred to as “honey for the psyche.” It can also be used for stress, PTSD, connecting the user to their authentic selves, and can lend compassionate insight into one’s inner being. 

“I have seen it stop bleeding of a fresh wound very quickly as well as accelerate the wound healing process,” Dr. Johnson says of the unique capabilities of helichrysum. Can it also accelerate the healing of deep emotional wounds? It certainly seems worth a try.