Immortelle / Helichrysum (Everlasting)

General Information

• Latin Name: Helichrysum italicum

• Extraction Part: Flowers

• Plant Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

• Growth Characteristics: A sun-loving Mediterranean plant; drought-tolerant; thrives in intense sunlight, dry conditions, and rocky or sandy soil.

• Origins: Italy, Corsica (France), Croatia, Bosnia, and Slovenia.

Chemical Composition

• Key Components: Neryl acetate, γ-Curcumene, α-Curcumene, β-Selinene, γ-Selinene, α-Pinene, Nerol, Limonene.

• Special Note on Ketones: Contains Italidiones—a safe, gentle, and highly regenerative type of diketone. ◦ Comparison: Unlike Thujone (which is highly irritating and neurotoxic), Italidiones are known for their healing properties.

Regional Scent Profiles (Sensory Descriptions)

• General Aroma: Honey-sweet with herbal undertones; a sophisticated European floral scent.

• Corsica (France): Stronger sweetness, honey-like, soft, and luxurious.

• Dalmatia (Croatia): Medicinal, herbal, and fresh.

• Italy: Balanced with a soft, fruity aroma.

• Bosnia: Intense herbal notes with potent restorative characteristics. Not based on my experience, because I didn’t get chance to smell these.

Physical Benefits

• Anti-hematoma: Resolving bruises (the signature benefit of Helichrysum).

• Anti-pruritic: Relieving itchiness caused by inflammation or sensitivity.

• Skin Care: Softens and soothes the skin; promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration.

• Anti-inflammatory & Antibacterial

• Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress.

• Circulatory Support: Reduces swelling (anti-edema) and promotes healthy circulation.

• Pain Relief: Alleviates muscle pain, relaxes smooth muscles, reduces spasms, and lowers inflammation.

• Respiratory Health: Supports clear breathing.

Emotional & Spiritual Benefits

• Inner Warmth: Disperses "gloomy days" (emotional shadows) with its warming energy.

• Emotional Trauma: Soothes a shocked or frightened heart; helps process deep emotional wounds.

Safety Precautions

• Please consult a professional aromatherapist before use if you are pregnant, taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication, or for children under 6 years old.