Fun facts about Helichrysum

We love Helichrysum; it’s in some of our favorite blends such as Deep Relief™, but it’s also fabulous on its own. A little bit earthy, a little bit herby, its invigorating aroma can chase away the sluggish energy in a room. And that’s just the start of the dozens of ways this essential oil is a multitasking all-star.

It may be a must-have, but this rare plant is also a little mysterious, so we’re giving you eight fun facts and tips about this favorite essential oil for your inner botanist! Go ahead and use them to flex your EO knowledge at your next party — you’re sure to establish yourself among your friends as the essential oil guru.

1. Helichrysum flowers are sometimes called Immortelle, or the Everlasting Flower, possibly because of the way its essential oil can smooth the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone. Home spa night, anyone?
2. Helichrysum is a self-seeding plant in the sunflower family. It grows native in rocky and sandy terrains throughout the Mediterranean. If you love Helichrysum oil, you should probably book a Mediterranean vacation to go see it for yourself ASAP. Just saying.
3. The word “helichrysum” comes from Latin and Greek roots, meaning “gold spiral.” Its beautiful, tiny golden blossoms definitely deserve the name.
4. Hit a slump? Throw some Helichrysum and Eucalyptus Radiata into your diffuser. The fresh, earthy, invigorating scent will perk your space right up and help you refocus on that mile-long to-do list. It probably wouldn’t hurt during homework time either.
5. Tiny flowers mean tiny yields of essential oil. We steam distill the delicate blossoms of this plant, and while we don’t get much oil from each distillation, that oil has a rich and complex profile of the naturally occurring constituents neryl acetate, gamma-curcumene, and alpha-pinene.
6. Hitting the gym? One of our top Helichrysum oil uses is sports massage. Add a few drops of Helichrysum and Peppermint to V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex and knead into muscles wherever you need it. Believe us—that treadmill won’t look so daunting tomorrow.
7. Helichrysum is typically harvested wild from the rocky shores of Croatia’s Dalmatia region, but Young Living’s helichrysum is cultivated at our farm in Split, Croatia. By cultivating this rare plant, Young Living is helping to protect it from exploitation and overharvesting. In using our Helichrysum essential oil, you’re helping support sustainable agriculture. Doesn’t that feel good?
8. Skin dull and dry from time out in the sun? Help revive it with a soothing, aromatic combination of Helichrysum, Lavender, and coconut oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin, then kick back with a honey-lavender lemonade for a total inside-out reprieve from the heat.

Ready to blend Helichrysum with your other favorite oils? Check out these related posts on 5 reasons to keep Lemon handy in the Kitchen and All About Cedarwood!

This blog was reprinted with permission from the Young Living website.