Among the varietals of this plant, only the “italicum’ species has been bestowed the moniker 'Immortelle' or 'Everlasting' for its potent regenerative abilities.

Here are just a few examples of what the science says from studies of this oil. 

Anti-Oxidant rich
Helichrysum’s chemical profile is plentiful in antioxidants, it is commonly compared to that of vitamin E, recognised as being the most potent known antioxidant [3, 4].  Immortelle is abundant in flavonoids which is highly effective at collecting free radicals. These properties help rejuvenate the skin by stabilising DNA and other macromolecules and lend to its age-defying reputation. It is also known for its ability to significantly reduce inflammation.

Use for Swelling and Discomfort
Helichrysum reduces swelling in a variety of ways. Studies of the plant have revealed the following about its chemical makeup and their effects:

• Acetophenones as well as flavonoids gnaphaliin and pinocembrin have shown to inhibit synthesis of arachidonic acid metabolites like leukotrienes and prostaglandins which are also known as inflammatory markers [4].
• It efficaciously limits nuclear factor’s kappa B metabolism which, if left unrepressed, will trigger inflammatory signaling pathways [4].
• It greatly reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines and interleukins like  IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, IL-8 [4].

A Germ Preventative
Immortelle also prevents skin infections linked to persistent inflammation. This is achieved from the plants ability to successfully limit the formation of bacterial biofilm [1, 2]. Moreover, it's toughness against bacteria, fungus and viral aspects   [1, 2,3,4] are particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria, of which, is the most common cause for skin infections.

Acts Similar to Cannabis for Relief
Helichrysum also contains phytocannabinoids [3] which exhibit exceptional anti-pain characteristics. A phytocannabinoid is a molecule synthesized by plants. These phyto molecules are cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant, or what one may naturally associate with the cannabis plant. What is less commonly known is that phytocannabinoids occur in several other plant species besides cannabis. Species include: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Acmella oleracea, Radula marginata and Helichrysum umbraculigerum. [5]

Helichrysum is Truly Everlasting Throughout Time
The powerful healing properties found in the delicate yellow petals of the Immortelle (Helichrysum sp.) flowers have been widely used for ailments across the planet.  Helichrysum has been used traditionally and in research studies to treat allergies, common colds, chronic cough, inflammatory disorders, infections, sleep deprivation, and various skin, liver and urinary tract diseases [3,4]! Studies show Helichrysum is useful for skin rejuvenating and pain reducing properties.

The universal medicinal usage of Immortelle (Helichrysum sp.) is well warranted, let alone its numerous benefits for the skin as scientifically noted above.

There are over 600 species in the Helichrysum genus occurring in temperate regions throughout the world. The Corsican variety of which is considered a sub-species, noted as Helichrysum italicum spp. serotinum.

The island of Corsica, France, is world-reknown for producing oils with consistently high levels of neryl acetate, which adds a floral note to the oil. Neryl acetate is an 'ester', considered to help relaxation and reduce spasms  All sources of Helichrysum from the Mediterranean are used for their therapeutic activity.

Try our Corsican Helichrysum today and let us know how it works for you.

References:

1. Julia Werner, Weaam Ebrahim, Ferhat Can Ozkaya, Attila Mandi,  Tibor Kurtan, Mona El - Neketi, Zhen Liu, Peter Proksch; Pyrone derivatives from Helichrysum italicum
2. Dolores Peruc, Ivana Gobin, Dalibor Broznic, Mladenka Malenica Staver, Brigita Ticac; Influence of essential oil Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don on the formation of non-tuberculous mycobacterial biofilm
3. Mine Kürkçüoğlu, Hale Gamze Ağalar, Ahmet Aksoy, Kemal Hüsnü Can Başer; Composition of the Essential Oils of Two Endemic Helichrysum Species in Turkey
4. Daniel Antunes Viegas, Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira, Lígia Salgueiro, José Martinez-de-Oliveira, Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira; Helichrysum italicum: From traditional use to scientific data
5. Woelkart K, Salo-Ahen OM, Bauer R (2008). "CB receptor ligands from plants". Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry. 8 (3): 173–86.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented here is for educational purposes of traditional uses and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Statements made here within this blog, product page or website, or products sold through this web site, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Please consult with your physician, or naturopathic doctor, aromatherapy clinician or medical professional, particularly your obstetrician if you are pregnant before use of any product.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.