Not too many people have heard of helichrysum essential oil. It’s because of the fact that it is rather expensive, and so it is overshadowed by a lot of budget-friendly essential oils. However, the steep price tag of helichrysum essential oil is very well justified by the impressive health and beauty benefits that it’s known to offer.
Helichrysum essential oil is obtained from the helichrysum flowers by means of steam distillation. If you log on the web and look for a listing of the most expensive flowers on the face of the plant, chances are that helichrysum will be mentioned as one of the costliest blooms around for its appearance and fragrance.
But just like what’s mentioned earlier, helichrysum essential oil can be used for a variety of purposes, and that’s why it is a worthy investment. What’s more, this volatile essential oil with a sweet, fruity and earthy fragrance has a very long shelf life — you can enjoy it for years for as long as you limit its exposure to air and direct sunlight.
Let’s now check out some of the wonderful perks offered by this pricey yet highly beneficial essential oil:
It Relieves Cough
Traditionally, helichrysum essential oil is regarded as an antitussive agent, which means that it is capable of preventing or relieving a cough. This volatile oil works effectively by getting rid of phlegm in the upper airways that causes itchiness, thereby bringing about the cough reflex.
It Controls Inflammation
Helichrysum essential oil may be added to the carrier oil of your liking and then massaged on painful and swollen joints. That’s because this oil possesses impressive anti-inflammatory properties. A little helichrysum oil may also be massaged on achy and overused muscles for immediate relief.
It Lowers Stress
One of the traditional uses of helichrysum essential oil is for keeping the nervous in an optimum state. It’s exactly due to this why it is commonly employed for dealing with high levels of stress. Especially at the end of a really busy day, you may count on helichrysum essential oil to help calm both your mind and body.
It Also Helps Control Anxiety
The lovely fragrance of this essential oil obtained from the helichrysum flowers is enough to pacify your frayed nerves. Taking a whiff of it can help in keeping your nervousness from being a full-blown anxiety attack. And just in case a nasty anxiety attack is going on, you can pair helichrysum essential oil with slow, deep breaths for relaxation.
It Improves Scars and Stretch Marks
Applying helichrysum essential oil directly on scars can help improve their appearance after some time. The fragrant essential oil may also be employed for dealing with stretch marks. But since it’s on the expensive side of things, helichrysum essential oil may be diluted with the carrier oil of your choice.
It Wards Off Skin Aging
You may also depend on helichrysum essential oil in keeping your skin looking young. Thanks to the loads of antioxidants it has, it is very good at preventing fine lines and wrinkles from forming. Helichrysum essential oil is known to be very mild so it may be applied without dilution. However, doing a skin test first is always a good idea.
It Prevents Blood Coagulation
Scientists are currently taking a look at helichrysum essential oil, particularly on how it can save lives with the help of its blood-thinning properties. Keeping the blood from becoming too thick and eventually clumping can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Also, it’s been found out that this essential oil can help dissolve dangerous blood clots.
A few words of caution: Even though helichrysum essential oil is known to produce no unwanted side effect or risk, it’s still a good idea to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or diagnosed with a medical condition if you wish to use it. If you are taking an anticoagulant, steer clear of it as it can increase the effects of the said drug.