Italian helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) also called “immortelle” is a plant in the Asteraceae family. It bears the pretty nickname of immortelle, because it is the first to be able to grow back after a fire and because its flowers never seem to fade. In Latin, we know it under the name “helichrysum”, which means “golden sun” to recall its “sunny” yellow flowers.
Italian Helichrysum Essential Oil
Italian helichrysum is a 30 to 50 centimeter plant that likes draining, dry and sunny soils. It has very fine, soft, whitish, silvery needle-shaped leaves, arranged on a woolly stem. Its flowers are small golden yellow flower heads that do not fade. It is often given the name curry herb because of its hot, dry and slightly smoky notes reminiscent of the smell of curry.
Where is she from ?
Initially produced in Corsica, the success of this oil led to the development of French, Italian, Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian and even Albanian productions.
What is it for ?
Nowadays, it is mainly used in cosmetics for its “anti-aging” active ingredient. At Pranarôm, we use it mainly in the form of essential oil for its powerful anti-hematoma power . In addition to its captivating fragrance, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-phlebitis, antispasmodic, healing and hepatopancreatic stimulating properties. It will therefore be used mainly to quickly reduce even an older bruise, a bump or even a recent varicosity. Furthermore, this oil will also be recommended for the following problems: acne, wounds, scars, psoriasis, bronchitis, rhinitis, etc. In short, it is a family medicine kit in itself because it truly works miracles.Different profiles of Italian helichrysum essential oils
The reason why the cultivation origin used for the distillation of Italian helichrysum essential oil is so important is because it results in significant differences on a molecular level. There are in fact numerous chromatographic profiles (including for the same origin).
3 main chromatographic profiles
- a Corsican profile , rich in neryl acetate but with a variable concentration of italidiones [1]
- various Italian profiles [2] [3] , sometimes rich in neryl acetate [4] , sometimes rich in italicene [5] but often "poor" in italidiones (although there are exceptions).
- Balkan profiles , with a low concentration of neryl acetate, often rich in italidiones and pinenes.
This variability of profiles can be explained by different factors. the nature of the soil, climatic conditions as well as variations in the harvest period and the condition of the plant. This obviously pushes each origin to highlight the superiority of its composition. Supporters of the Corsican profile will highlight the benefit of a high level of neryl acetate for an effectiveness considered superior.
Those from the Balkans, for their part, will put forward the theory of Pierre Franchomme and Daniel Penoël according to which italidiones are the crucial active ingredient in the anti-hematoma action of the essential oil.
Although the effectiveness of Italian or immortelle helichrysum is no longer in doubt, the physiological mechanisms behind its action still remain a mystery...
However, certain recent scientific data seem to highlight α-pinene, a molecule contained in the essential oil, for its anti-inflammatory properties [7][8] as well as for its protective effect on collagen and elastin, two molecules essential to the structure of the tissue [6] . This last property could well be at the origin of the anti-hematoma and anti-aging effects of helichrysum oil. It could thus preserve skin firmness (anti-aging) and limit the “damage” linked to the inflammation which accompanies tissue trauma.
Quality criteria
As with all oils, the quality of Italian helichrysum oil is mainly based on the expertise of the producer and the storage conditions which limit the presence of contaminants. Furthermore, due to the high price of this oil, some producers do not hesitate to modify the composition of their oil by adding less expensive synthetic substances. Therefore, whatever its origin, above all ensure the seriousness of your supplier and the fact that it suits you in terms of tolerance and effectiveness.
What are the precautions for use?
Italian helichrysum essential oil, a true treasure for your health and well-being, is carefully cultivated in Italy. Today it is widely used in aromatherapy and skin care and offers many benefits for your body and mind.
When used conscientiously, helichrysum oil poses few risks. If you are going to use it for the very first time, we recommend that you do a simple sensitivity test by placing one or two drops in the crook of your elbow and monitor for a potential reaction. If no redness, marks or reactions have appeared within 72 hours, then you can use it fully.
If you are pregnant, there are a few rules to know. Beyond 3 months of pregnancy, Italian helichrysum oil is not recommended. Before this date, it can be used in dilution and for short periods. In general, avoid applying oil to the abdominal area throughout your pregnancy.
After applying helichrysum essential oil, take care not to directly expose your skin to the sun's rays in order to preserve its health and beauty. The quality of helichrysum oil is also of capital importance to fully benefit from its exceptional properties. At Pranarôm, we are committed to offering you superior quality helichrysum oil, thanks to our expertise in scientific aromatherapy. Our Immortelle Essential Oil is 100% pure and natural, from organic farming, and certified HECT label, a guarantee of botanical and biochemical quality.
Immortelle, a precious ally for my skin
Anti-aging, skin prone to redness
- Hydrosol: tonic lotion
Skin soothing
As a mist or on a cotton pad:
In the morning to wake up the skin
In the evening to cleanse the skin or finalize makeup removal.
As a compress:
10 to 15 minutes on the area to be soothed.
- Vegetable oil: the ready-to-use facial treatment
Skin soothing
Feeding
Facial treatment:
Gently massage a few drops morning and/or evening or a few drops into day cream.
- Essential oil: the concentrate of effectiveness
Anti-hematoma - Healing
Anti-inflammatory - Anti-aging
Specific local care to treat:
- Hematoma and bruises (blows, contusion, sprain)
- Postoperative (wisdom teeth, plastic surgery, laser, injections)
- Redness, visible vessels, rosacea
- Scars
- Dark circles, bags, anti-aging
Conclusion
Italian helichrysum oil is a rare, exceptional and therefore flagship product at Pranarôm. It is thus appreciated both for its effectiveness in cases of physical trauma and for its excellent anti-inflammatory and healing properties. The expertise of our producer and the recent studies published on the subject reinforce our conviction as to the quality of our molecular profile and its interest.
Bibliography
[1] Ange Bianchini Pierre Tomi Jean Costa Antoine François Bernardini (2001) – “Composition of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don fil subsp. Italicum essential oils from Corsica (France)” Flavor and Fragrance Journal 16(1):30-34 · January 2001.
[2] JulienPaolini, Jean‐Marie Desjobert, Jean Costa, Antoine‐François Bernardini, Cinzia Buti Castellini, Pier‐Luigi Cioni, Guido Flamini, Ivano Morelli (2006) – “Composition of essential oils of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don fil subsp. italicum from Tuscan archipelago islands” Flavor and Fragr J 21: 805–808.
[3] Leonardi M, Giovanelli S, Ambryszewska K, Ruffoni B, Cervelli C, Pistelli L, Flamini G, Pistelli L (2018) – “Essential oil composition of six Helichrysum species grown in Italy.” Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 79. 15-20. 10.1016/j.bse.2018.04.014.
[4] Leonardi M, Ambryszewska KE, Melai B, Flamini G, Cioni PL, Parri F, Pistelli L. (2013) – “Essential-oil composition of Helichrysum italicum (ROTH) G.DON ssp. italicum from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy).” Chem Biodivers. 2013 Mar;10(3):343-55. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201200222.
[5] Emilia Mancini, Laura De Martino, Aurelio Marandino, Maria Rosa Scognamiglio, Vincenzo De Feo (2011) – “Chemical Composition and Possible in Vitro Phytotoxic Activity of Helichryum italicum (Roth) Don ssp. Italicum” Molecules 2011, 16(9), 7725-7735; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules16097725
[6] Fraternale D, Flamini G, Ascrizzi R (2019) – “In Vitro Anticollagenase and Antielastase Activities of Essential Oil of Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum (Roth) G. Don.” J Med Food. 2019 Jun 14. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2019.0054.
[7] Zhou JY1, Tang FD, Mao GG, Bian RL. (2004) – “Effect of alpha-pinene on nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B in THP-1 cells.” Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 Apr;25(4):480-4.
[8] Kim DS, Lee HJ, Jeon YD, Han YH, Kee JY, Kim HJ, Shin HJ, Kang J, Lee BS, Kim SH, Kim SJ, Park SH, Choi BM, Park SJ, Um JY, Hong SH . (2015) – “Alpha-Pinene Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Activity Through the Suppression of MAPKs and the NF-κB Pathway in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages.” Am J Chin Med. 2015;43(4):731-42. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X15500457. Epub 2015 Jun 28
