Guide to essential oils

Essential oil of Helichrysum Italicum (Immortelle)

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Known for its ability to treat bumps and bruises, Helichrysum Italicum (or Immortelle) essential oil is traditionally used to treat minor injuries. Helichrysum Italicum essential oil also helps to even out skin prone to redness. As an astringent, it can be used in facial and body treatments to firm and soothe the skin. In psycho-energetic olfactotherapy, just like its action on the physical level, Helichrysum Italicum essential oil is used to help soothe injuries to the soul and heal emotional wounds.

Soothing

Circulatory

Soothing

Circulatory

How to use

  • Skin application and massage

    Skin application and massage

    Suitable

  • Diffusion

    Diffusion

    Possible but not recommended

  • Cosmetic active ingredient

    Cosmetic active ingredient

    Suitable

  • Aromatherapy bath

    Aromatherapy bath

    Possible but not recommended

  • Food grade

    Food grade

    Possible but not recommended

Features

Properties

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Flowering tops

Botanical name

Helichrysum italicum ssp italicum

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Bibliographic references

Baudoux D. (2002) L'Aromathérapie - Se soigner par les huiles essentielles. Editions Amyris.

Baudoux D. (2003) Le Formulaire D'Aromathérapie Pratique pour le Prescripteur et le Conseil Pharmaceutique. Editions Inspir.

Baudoux.D (2008) : L’aromathérapie, se soigner par les huiles essentielles ; Edition Amyris

Baudoux D (2003). Les Cahiers Pratiques d'Aromathérapie selon l'école française -Dermatologie. Edition 2003. Edition Inspir S.A.

Baudoux D. (2010) Les cahiers pratiques d'aromathérapie selon l'école française - Pédiatrie. Edition 2011. Edition Inspir S.A.

Berton H. (2008) Tout savoir sur les huiles essentielles pour la peau. Recettes, usages et conseils. Une saine alternative cosmétique. Editions Favre.

Bosson L. Dietz G ; (2004) : L’aromathérapie énergétique, guérir avec l’âme des plantes, Edition Amyris

Escriva C. (2016) ; Guide pratique des huiles essentielles et des hydrolats corses ; Edition Amyris

Festy D., Dufour A, (2023) : Soigner ses enfants avec les huiles essentielles. Edition Leduc

Franchomme P., Jollois R. et Pénoël D. (2001) L'Aromathérapie exactement. Editions Roger Jollois.

Laparé M.-C. (2000) Les huiles essentielles et les soins de la peau. Editions de Mortagne.

N.A.R.D ( ) Aroma News N°10. Editions Inspir.

N.A.R.D ( ) Aroma News N°24. Editions Inspir.

Willem J.-P. (2005) Les huiles essentielles - Médecine d'avenir. Editions Dauphin.

Properties

Helichrysum Italicum (Immortelle) essential oil: benefits and uses is traditionally used for: Scarring, rosacea, arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, bruises, blows, bumps, haematomas, sprains, strains, bedsores, heavy legs, varicose veins, stretch marks, etc.

Health

Wellness

Beauty

Find out more

Helichrysum Italicum essential oil is indispensable for your natural first-aid kit. It is traditionally reputed to prevent the appearance of bruises and haematomas, or to encourage their absorption. As a tonic, it is a precious ally to varicose veins and heavy legs. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is recommended in aromatherapy to promote healing.

Properties

For health, Helichrysum Italicum essential oil is recognised for the following properties:

  • Very powerful anti-haematoma action, helping to limit the formation of haematomas and promote their resorption.

  • Anti-coagulant, anti-phlebitic, circulatory (stimulates blood circulation).

  • Anticatarrhal, mucolytic (clears bronchial tubes)

  • Anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic

  • Healing

  • Liver support

Uses

Helichrysum Italicum essential oil is traditionally used to improve the following:

  • External and internal haematomas, even old ones, trauma, blows, bruises, etc.

  • Varicose veins, oedema, blood circulation problems, heavy legs, Raynaud's disease

  • Varicosities, erythrosis, cyanosis

  • Wounds, eczema, psoriasis, acne rosacea

  • Arthritis, polyarthritis, rheumatism, tendonitis

  • Rhinitis, bronchitis, bronchial congestion

  • Dupuytren's contracture, carpal tunnel

  • Liver problems (on medical advice), hypercholesterolaemia

Synergies

  • Tonic, light legs: Mastic Tree and Mediterranean Cypress essential oils, tamanu oil.

  • Joint health: Lemon Eucalyptus and American Wintergreen essential oils, St John's wort macerated oil.

In practice

Tonic, light legs : Mix in your oil blend. Rub the mixture into the legs.

Respiratory health: Mix with your oil blend. Apply the mixture locally, rubbing it into the chest and upper back.

Soothes bruises and blows: Mix with your oil blend. Apply the mixture locally, massaging lightly into the affected area.

Precautions

  • Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, in children under 6 years old, or in people with epilepsy. Internal use only in limited doses and for short periods, on the advice of a therapist.

  • Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

  • Keep out of reach of children. Always dilute before topical application.

  • Can be incorporated up to 2% in your cosmetic preparations.

  • Some natural compounds contained in this essential oil may present a risk of allergy for certain sensitive individuals when the essential oil is incorporated into a cosmetic preparation.

  • Old or oxidised essential oils should be avoided.

  • Store protected from light and air.

  • As a general rule, always perform an application test of your preparation in the crease of the elbow at least 48 hours before use.

  • For use as a cosmetic ingredient, please refer to the specific precautions.

Find out more

Helichrysum Italicum isa perennial plant typical of the Mediterranean region, growing in arid, sunny soils. It is characterised by its silvery, soft needle-like leaves on a stem covered in a light down, and above all by its small, golden-yellow flowers, which do not fade and are grouped together in flower heads. Its name comes from the Greek "helios", meaning sun, and "chrysos", meaning golden, in reference to its golden-yellow flowers. Its name "Immortelle" is said to be due to the exceptional longevity of its flowers, even in dry bouquets. Immortelle is renowned for its strong smell, reminiscent of curry.

Although this plant has been well known since ancient times, until a few years ago it was considered rather invasive and was used to burn pigs' bristles or to make fire. In Aregno, Corsica, people used to say "Brusgia quante a calaticcia", in other words "it burns like Immortelle". Over the last few decades, the astonishing and exceptional properties of this plant have been rediscovered, and it is now highly coveted.

In aromatherapy, Corsican Helichrysum Italicum essential oil has historically been known for helping to soothe the minor bumps and bruises of everyday life, and improving the recovery and regeneration process. It is traditionally used to help soothe inflammatory pain. According to Dr Daniel Pénoël, Helichrysum Italicum is the "super-arnica" of aromatherapy. When you smell Corsican Helichrysum Italicum essential oil from Balagne, you may experience sensory and psychological effects, such as mental relaxation and more intense concentration, sometimes leading to a resurgence of buried thoughts. In terms of energy, Balagne Corsican Helichrysum essential oil is reputed to have an effect on injuries to the soul.

Can't get any better

H
H

Terrible, I used it for scar massages

H
Hamid

Visible results for rosacea in 1 week

D
Delphine

I use it to prepare an eye contour cream! Very effective

I
I

To see if it does the job. Normally yes

H
H

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier Oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml


However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

EO = Essential Oil VO = Carrier Oil or Macerated Oil

Redness from acne (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Daucus carota essential oil (carrot): 0.5 ml

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 0.2 ml

  • Pistacia lentiscus essential oil (mastic tree): 0.2 ml

  • Tanacetum annuum essential oil (blue tansy): 0.1 ml

  • Cistus ladaniferus CT pinene essential oil (gum rockrose): 0.2 ml

  • Calendula officinalis OV (marigold): 3 ml

  • Transcutol: add up to 15 ml extra for blend consistency

Use: 1 application morning and evening until clear improvement.

Aroma-Zone comment: Transcutol is a pharmaceutical blend that is not widely used and allows fats such as essential oils to penetrate the skin easily. It can easily be replaced by a dry carrier oil such as hazelnut, kukui or macadamia oil.

Scar (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Immortelle essential oil 1 drop

  • Rosemary verbenone essential oil 1 drop

  • Rosehip OIL 2 drops

Use : applied locally

Rosacea (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Provençal cypress essential oil 2 drops

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil (Immortelle) - 1 drop

  • Cistus ladanifera essential oil - 2 drops

  • Egyptian Rose essential oil - 4 drops

  • Calophyll Inophyl oil - 4 drops

Use : 3 drops of the mixture applied topically morning and evening until a noticeable improvement is seen.

Old bruises (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingBlows and trauma

  • Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel) essential oil: 5 ml

  • Cedrus atlantica essential oil (Atlas Cedar): 5 ml

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil (Immortelle): 5 ml

  • Calophyllum Inophylum oil (Calophylla): 25 ml

  • Triticum vulgare oil (Wheat germ): 100 ml make-up

Use: 2 to 3 applications a day, until clear improvement.

The older the bruise, the longer the treatment should last. This does not, however, call into question the efficacy of the treatment.

Stretch marks on the breasts - curative treatment - Pregnancy and breastfeeding excluded (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 2 ml

  • Cistus ladinferus CT pinene (gum rockrose) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Myrtus communis CT cinerose (cineole myrtle) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Pelargonium x asperum CV Egyptian geranium (rose geranium) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Argania spinosa (argan) carrier oil 10 ml

  • Rosa rubiginosa (sweet briar) carrier oil: add up to 30 ml extra as required for product optimisation

Use: 1 local application morning and evening by "pinching" the stretch mark (align edge to edge).

Difficult skin healing, sluggish wounds (Aroma News - NARD)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Cistus ladaniferus CT pinene (gum rockrose) essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Lavandula spica (spike lavender) essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Commiphora molmol (myrrh) essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) essential oil: 0.2 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Evening primrose carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Wheatgerm carrier oil: add up to 15 ml extra as required for product optimisation

Use: 3 topical applications per day

Pressure sores and other bed sores (under medical supervision) (Aroma News - NARD)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 3 ml

  • Cupressus sempervirens (cypress) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Cistus ladaniferus CT pinene (gum rockrose) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Pistacia lentiscus (mastic tree) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) essential oil: 3 ml

  • Commiphora molmol (myrrh) essential oil: 5 ml

  • Tanacetum annuum (blue tansy) essential oil: 2 ml

  • Lavandula spica (spike lavender) essential oil: 10 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 50 ml

  • Evening primrose carrier oil: 50 ml

  • Thyme or chestnut honey: 100 g

  • Green clay: 570 g

  • Wheatgerm carrier oil: between 180 and 250 ml to obtain a paste of the ideal consistency

Use: 1 topical application morning and evening, cover with an occlusive dressing

Before each new application, cleanse to remove any remnants of the previous application. Keep the mixture in a cool place (fridge door)

.

Varicose veins (on medical advice) (P. Franchomme)

Health & wellbeingCirculatory disorders

  • Pistacia lentiscus essential oil (Mastic tree): 1 ml

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil (Immortelle): 1 ml

  • Melaleuca quinquenervia CT cineole essential oil (Niaouli): 2 ml

  • Cupressus sempervirens essential oil (Mediterranean Cypress): 3 ml

  • Calophyllum Inophylum oil (tamanu): 5 ml

  • Gel: 100 g

Directions for use: 2 to 3 applications per day on the affected area for 20 days.

Arthritis / sciatica in adults (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingMuscles and joints

  • Helichrysum essential oil: 2 drops

  • American wintergreen essential oil: 1 drop

  • Peppermint essential oil: 1 drop

  • Lemon eucalyptus essential oil: 3 drops

  • Vetiver essential oil: 1 drop

Use: 3 to 4 drops of the mixture applied locally to the painful area 3 to 4 times a day for 10 days.

Haematomas, bruising (Aroma News - NARD)

Health & wellbeingBlows and trauma

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil (Immortelle): 3 ml

  • Laurus nobilis essential oil (bay laurel): 1 ml

  • Calophyllum inophyllum oil (Calophylla): 1 ml

Directions for use: massage a few drops very lightly into the bruise and repeat as necessary.

Bruising in children (over 6 years and on medical advice) (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

  • Helichrysum Italicum essential oil: 4 ml

  • Arnica oil: 6 ml

Directions for use: Place 3 or more drops of the mixture on the affected area 3 to 5 times a day for 2 to 3 days. Massage gently.

Sprain (in children aged over 6 and on medical advice) (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

  • Helichrysum Italicum essential oil: 2 ml

  • Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil: 2 ml

  • Bay Laurel essential oil: 2 ml

  • Arnica oil: 10 ml Qs

Directions for use: Apply 5 to 6 drops locally 3 or 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days.

Wasp or jellyfish stings (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingVarious

  • Lavandula latifolia spica essential oil (spike lavender): 1 ml

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 1 ml

  • Calendula officinalis (marigold) carrier oil: 3 ml

Use: Apply immediately and continue to pat in regularly (every 15 seconds) for the first two minutes, then every 1/4 hour for the next two hours, then apply 4 times a day.

Sunburn in children (over 6 years of age and on medical advice) (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingChildren's medical care

Liquid form (oily)

  • Spike lavender essential oil: 2 ml

  • Annual Tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • helichrysum essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Wheat germ carrier oil: 10 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Calophyll carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Calendula carrier oil: 15 ml

  • St John's wort oil: 50 ml

Aroma-Zone Note: St John's wort macerated oil presents a risk of photosensitisation. Do not expose yourself to the sun after applying this mixture Use: 1 local application 3 to 4 times a day for 4 to 5 days.

Sunburn over a limited area (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Spike lavender essential oil: 3 ml

  • Helichrysum italicum essential oil: 1 ml

  • Egyptian rose geranium essential oil: 2 ml

  • St John's wort essential oil: add up to 15 ml extra as required for product optimisation

  • Argan oil: 30 ml

Use: 3 topical applications a day until completely healed Aroma-Zone note: St John's wort macerated oil carries a risk of photosensitivity. Do not expose skin to the sun after applying this mixture.

Lichen planus (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Liquid form (oily)

  • Ravintsara essential oil: 1 ml

  • True Lavender essential oil: 1 ml

  • Helichrysum essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Blue Tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Rosehip carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Argan carrier oil: 10 ml

  • St John's wort carrier oil: 30ml

Aroma-Zone Note: St John's wort macerated oil presents a risk of photosensitisation. Do not expose your skin to the sun after applying this mixture. Use: Apply locally 3 times a day until you see improvement.

Atopic eczema (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

Solid form (cream)

  • Peppermint essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Blue tansy essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Katafray essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Helichrysum essential oil: 1 ml

  • Evening primrose oil: 5 ml

  • Argan oil: 5 ml

  • Calendula oil: 5 ml

  • Eucerin pH5 (or shea butter): add up to 100 g as required for product optimisation

Use: 2 to 3 topical applications a day until noticeable improvement.

Contact eczema (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Immortelle essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • True Lavender essential oil: 0.5 ml

  • Roman chamomile essential oil: 0.3 ml

  • Myrrh essential oil: 0.2 ml

  • Tamanu carrier oil: 5 ml

  • Argan oil: 15 ml

Use: 4 local applications a day until complete improvement.