Italian Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) - 30 ml

Scientific Name: Helichrysum italicum

Family:  Asteraceae

Origin: Europe

Color: Yellow

Aroma: Spicy

Properties: Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic

Quantity: 30 ml

Italian helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) is a very common wild plant throughout the Mediterranean basin. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and is known for its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, useful for treating respiratory and skin disorders.

Properties of Italian helichrysum

The flowering tops of Italian helichrysum are used because they are rich in essential oil, flavonoids, and organic acids that give the plant numerous properties. Italian helichrysum leaves and flowers are used in cooking as a flavoring and in herbal medicine for their anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic action, as well as their expectorant, analgesic, antibacterial, and healing properties. Thanks to its properties, Italian helichrysum is used in the treatment of allergies affecting the airways and skin tissues. Regarding the respiratory system, Italian helichrysum promotes the elimination of excess bronchial mucus, alleviates asthma spasms, and reduces inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by allergies. For internal use, the plant is therefore used in the treatment of allergies, rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and blepharitis, cough, and acute and chronic bronchitis.

For topical use, on the other hand, the plant is a specific remedy for soothing and reducing inflammation in cases of psoriasis, herpes, eczema, burns, and sunburn, and for calming irritation of sensitive skin, thanks to its decongestant and protective action. Another important property of external use of Italian helichrysum is its astringent, anti-edematous, and analgesic action, as it counteracts inflammation and pain, tones the vein walls, and reduces fluid leakage and vein dilation, properties useful in cases of hemorrhoids, arthritis, and acute rheumatic conditions.

Description of the plant

A perennial subshrub growing 25–40 centimeters tall, with a compact growth habit and woody stems covered in dense whitish fuzz that gives off a characteristic curry-like aroma. The leaves are gray or ashen, dense, linear, and pubescent on both sides. The flowers are yellow capitula, predominantly tubular, arranged in dense cymes of 25–35 flower heads. After flowering, the fruits develop—oval achenes equipped with pappi.

Habitat of Italian helichrysum

A characteristic plant of low Mediterranean scrub, widespread in uncultivated, stony, sunny, and arid areas. In Italy, it is found mainly in central and southern regions and on the islands, from the coasts to altitudes of over one thousand meters, especially in areas with good sun exposure.

Historical background

Helichrysum is a name introduced in the early 1700s in reference to the radiant appearance of this plant's flower heads and their golden color. The name indeed derives from the Greek helios, "sun," and chrysos, "gold," and refers precisely to the shape and bright golden yellow of its flowers and to the fact that the plant grows in very sunny and warm places. Italian helichrysum, whose family includes numerous species, is also known as "immortelle," probably because it retains the color of its flowers for a very long time, along with its fragrance, which is very similar to licorice or curry.

Use

Suitable for burning on a heat-resistant saucer with charcoal or in an incense burner with a sieve. The burning process in an incense burner with a sieve is slower than with charcoal. The incense can easily be mixed with other varieties of incense.