Everything You Need to Know About Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum is a widely used traditional remedy in the areas where it grows. It’s reported to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. Yet, while laboratory and animal research are encouraging, there is limited evidence about its effectiveness in people.

Helichrysum essential oil is extracted from the Helichrysum italicum plant, which typically grows around the Mediterranean and in southern Europe. The oil can be obtained from all green parts of the plant, including stems and leaves. Dried flowers from the plant are also used for medicinal purposes.

Helichrysum italicum is sometimes called the curry plant because its foliage emits a strong curry-like aroma.

Research on helichrysum essential oil

Research indicates that helichrysum essential oil might support healing, combat infection, and reduce inflammation. Most studies so far are small, or carried out in animals or on isolated tissues rather than in people. Still, the preliminary findings suggest helichrysum essential oil may be helpful for:

Allergies

Some evidence indicates helichrysum could reduce allergy symptoms, especially contact dermatitis, an allergic rash caused by skin contact with an irritant.

Moreover, many allergy symptoms are driven by inflammation, which arises when the immune system reacts to an allergen. The anti-inflammatory action of helichrysum may therefore ease allergic symptoms.

Colds and coughs

Helichrysum essential oil may have antimicrobial qualities that help against colds and coughs. In addition, colds and coughs often involve inflammation of the airways and nasal passages.

Research suggests helichrysum may also reduce inflammation. Using a diffuser is a common way to apply helichrysum oil for colds and coughs.

Skin inflammation

Using helichrysum oil to treat skin inflammation is a long-established folk practice. One laboratory investigation indicates helichrysum has general anti-inflammatory effects and thus might help with inflamed skin.

Wound healing

Helichrysum oil could potentially help wounds heal faster, although the exact processes involved aren’t well understood.

Poorly healing wounds are often vulnerable to infection. The antimicrobial traits of helichrysum may help prevent infection and thereby support the healing process.

A 2016 study found that combining essential oils with antibiotics was more effective at preventing skin wound infections than antibiotics alone.

Digestive complaints

Traditionally, helichrysum essential oil has been used for various digestive problems, including:

• stomach pain
• bloating
• indigestion
• acid reflux
• constipation

A 2013 study in mice and in vitro suggests oil from the plant’s flowers may suppress intestinal spasms, which could ease symptoms like cramps, pain, and bloating.

Gallbladder conditions

Treating gallbladder complaints is a traditional use of helichrysum across parts of Europe. Some evidence, mainly from animal research, indicates helichrysum essential oil might reduce gallbladder inflammation and the related pain.

Muscle and joint inflammation

Because studies indicate helichrysum essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties, applying it topically to muscles or joints could potentially lessen inflammation in those areas.

Infections

The antibacterial activity of helichrysum is one of the most researched aspects. Most work has been in the lab, but findings suggest helichrysum essential oil may inhibit the growth of a variety of bacteria, including strains that cause staph infections.

Candida

Candida is a fungal organism that can produce yeast infections, thrush, and other systemic infections.

Some 2018 laboratory evidence shows helichrysum essential oil can inhibit or slow candida growth. When tested in both liquid and vapor phases, the oil was effective against candida.

Claims not backed by research

Insomnia

Using helichrysum essential oil for insomnia is a traditional remedy, but there is currently no scientific data to support this practice.

Acne

Helichrysum essential oil is often promoted for acne — particularly for acne scarring — yet there’s no solid scientific proof that it works for these uses.

Liver diseases

Parts of Europe use helichrysum essential oil for liver conditions, but there is no current scientific evidence confirming its efficacy for liver diseases.

How helichrysum essential oil is used

Helichrysum oil is frequently sold already mixed into a cream so you can apply it directly to skin for muscle and joint discomfort.

If you buy pure essential oil, inspect the label; if it’s not already diluted to roughly 2–5 percent, mix it with a carrier oil before use.

Always test for a skin allergy before applying over a large area. Dilute the essential oil (2–3 drops helichrysum essential oil in 1 ounce of a carrier oil like sweet almond oil) and place a small amount on your forearm. If no reaction appears within 24 hours, it’s generally safe to use elsewhere on the body.

You can also inhale helichrysum by using a diffuser. When diffusing any essential oils, it’s wise to take breaks and keep children, pregnant people, and pets out of the room while the oils are in use, since fumes can be harmful to them.

Never ingest essential oils.

Precautions with helichrysum oil

Helichrysum essential oil is generally regarded as safe. Nevertheless, a few studies indicate there are some cautions to consider.

A 2013 study involving humans reported one case of allergic contact dermatitis, though that reaction was not observed in the other 10 participants in the same study or in other research. It’s prudent to patch-test the oil on a small area of skin before wider use.

A 2002 animal study and a 2010 study found that helichrysum might inhibit certain liver enzymes. This raises the possibility of interactions with medications that are processed by those enzymes.

Side effects

Helichrysum essential oil is typically considered to have a low risk of adverse effects, but relatively few human safety studies exist.

Where to buy helichrysum essential oil

Helichrysum essential oil is available at many health stores and online retailers. Look for the Latin name (Helichrysum italicum) on the label, which often indicates better quality. Purchase only from reputable sellers.

Bottom line

Preliminary research and traditional use suggest helichrysum may possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, most evidence comes from animal or laboratory studies rather than human trials.

Use helichrysum essential oil cautiously: apply it diluted to the skin or use a diffuser rather than ingesting it.