One of the most challenging aspects of finding a good pain reliever is that they so often have significant drawbacks: they can be bad for the liver, they’re addictive, they only mask the pain temporarily, or they just don’t make you feel good. Well here’s a suggestion: for decades, the essential oil from a little yellow flower called Helichrysum italicum has been successfully used in Europe for profound pain relief. It’s easy to use, safe, and readily available. Aromatherapy isn’t just about aromas! It’s really about the branch of natural medicine dealing with the volatile extracts of plants, many of which are complex healing chemicals. And Helichrysum is fast becoming one of the most popular of these oils — and not because of its aroma, but because of its fast pain relieving action.
A Superior Pain Reliever
The pure essential oil steam distilled from the flowers of the Helicrhysum italicum plant is really an absolutely remarkable healing agent. Not just compared to natural medicines, but compared to ALL pain relieving medicines available today. It is safe, effective, has no addiction potential and very easy-to-use. Pain relief reported by most users happens nearly instantly — certainly within minutes of application. The oil is listed in ‘Essential Oil Safety’ as non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It is regularly prescribed for undiluted application to the skin (where very few other essential oils are). Most conservatively, the oil is sometimes said to be avoided during pregnancy, and by young children — but this warning is not found in today’s most advanced aromatherapy texts. The only other concern is of the oils helpful anticoagulant properties, and is sometimes contraindicated if one is taking blood thinning medication. The amounts absorbed for pain relief are exceptionally small. However, if your situation is questionable, check with a health professional before use, but know that the essential oil is considered to be exceptionally safe for the vast majority of the population.
A Look at the Chemistry: Why Helichrysum Works
An essential oil is simply a natural volatile (easily evaporated) liquid extracted from plant matter. Essential oils are actually very complex, often made up of many, many natural chemicals — all in each single oil. Science clearly backs-up the claims of Helichrysum through an investigation into its chemistry. Within the essential oil from Helichrysum italicum (the therapeutic species of this essential oil) chemists have found compounds that are anti-inflammatory and prevent bruising (the curcumenes, similar to the anti-inflammatory compounds found in the spice ‘turmeric’); others that are muscle relaxants (the anti-spasmodic ‘esters’) which loosen tightly-knotted muscles; regenerative agents (the di-ketones, which are unique to this essential oil), and axiolytics (linalool, for example, shown in many studies to significantly calm stress). These compounds ‘synergize’ — meaning together they do more than the single components are expected to — for a profound pain relieving action (in addition to the anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and axiolytic activity).
What Kind of Pain Can it Help?
Nearly everyone with pain originating in their muscles, joints or connective tissue may find relief with this oil. Helichrysum is applied topically to the area where symptoms are noted, where it readily absorbs through the skin. The greatest effects are found where the painful spots are relatively close to the surface — like the neck, back, and most joints. Folks with arthritis may benefit, and can even use another essential oil like Ginger to add a warming effect. Sports enthusiasts and hard-core athletes are some of Helichrysum’s greatest proponents. It works on virtually any impact and trauma-related injury. Over-use injuries are more challenging, but even here the oil has been found effective if used in the early stages, when the pain first appears. Anyone can benefit anytime they hurt themselves: bang into the furniture in the middle of the night? Burn yourself in the kitchen? Twist an ankle on the stairs? Give Helichrysum a try! The sooner its applied, the more effective it will be, as one of the most wonderful actions is the way it prevents bruises from forming, which not only reduces pain but significantly speeds the healing process. Beyond these common uses, many individuals have found relief from nerve pain, and other conditions which painfully affect the skin, muscles, connective tissue and nervous system.
How to Use Helichrysum Essential Oil for the Greatest Benefit
There are essentially two unique conditions which determine the way the essential oil is used: whether the injury or pain is Acute (just occurred) or Chronic (has been present for some time, and is not obviously healing). For acute cases, like one has JUST twisted an ankle, banged a knee, or burned themselves, Helichrysum is applied ‘neat’, or directly from the bottle at 100% strength. This gets the most amount of oil delivered to the area as quickly as possible. Once an injury is not getting worse, or the condition or pain has been present for some time, Helichrysum is often diluted to about 20% in an oil that acts as a ‘massage’ base. Helichrysum and this ‘carrier’ oil (Jojoba is commonly used) are then frequently massaged-in.
In most cases of chronic pain, diluting in another ‘carrier’ oil — like Sweet Almond, Jojoba, or even Olive oil — will ‘extend’ the Helichrysum, and can help improve its effects over a larger area. If using for the entire mid-back area for example, one can dilute one part Helichrysum into 5 or even 10 parts Jojoba oil and massage-in as frequently as necessary. Making our own formulation is very easy to do. It is recommended to start of with lower dilutions and work your way up only if necessary; this helps you conserve the precious oil by only using as much as required for the desired results. Forty drops of Helicrysum in each ounce of carrier oil will create an approximate 5 percent dilution; eighty drops for a 10 percent dilution; etc.
Making A Custom Recipe
Helichrysum essential oil can be blended with other essential oils in your formula to make a ‘custom’ recipe. Tea tree can be added to provide antiseptic / antibactieral action. Lavender is an excellent choice if you would like to add a little ‘anti-stress’ effect. To further enhance the anti-inflammation of the essential oil, Blue Chamomile is an excellent choice (which is most effective used at a low dilution of only 1-2% of the total formula). For a warming effect, Ginger or Black Pepper can be used; these oils will increase circulation and are often included in blends for arthritis support. For even more effective pain relief, Wintergreen essential oil can be used cautiously — it is actually liquid aspirin, with a potential for overdose. The two oils together can synergize for an extra-strength pain formula for occasional use. Finally, Helichrysum is used in wound and scar healing formulas (again, once the wound is sealed) mixed with Sea Buckthorn Berry, in a base of Rosehip Seed oil (there are many versions of this recipe — a little searching will help you find the right one for you).
There Are Many Kinds of Helichrysum — Which One to Use?
When using Helichrysum essential oil, it is essential to find a very specific type: Helichrysum ‘italicum’. There are other species of this oil available, but this is the one that offers the great pain relief discussed here. It is one of nature’s most profound pain relievers, helping a great many people with a wide variety of conditions. It works for a great many symptoms of pain, safely and effectively. (It is, of course, imperative one discusses the use of the oil if being treated for any condition by a doctor to be sure in your individual condition.) Helichrysum essential oil is simple to use and readily available through Internet sources — it is, as of yet, difficult to find in local health food stores in the United States, though this may be changing soon). So whatever your needs for this type of therapy, Helichrysum essential oil can really be worth investigating.
The author utilizes essential oils for aromatherapy in addition to making wonderful infusions. More information is available through The Ananda Apothecary at www.anandaapothecary.com.