Helichrysum Essential Oil User Guide: Benefits, Uses, & FAQs

Helichrysum essential oil, often referred to as the immortelle or everlasting oil, is a powerhouse of nature's healing properties. Derived from the vibrant yellow flowers of the Helichrysum Italicum plant, this essential oil has been treasured for centuries for its remarkable mental and physical therapeutic benefits.

Helichrysum routinely stands out as a versatile and potent ally. Its distinct aroma carries hints of honey and earthiness, evoking a calming sense of grounding. Beyond its fragrance, this oil boasts an impressive array of healing properties, ranging from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant to antimicrobial and skin-regenerative effects. Join me on a journey through the enchanting realm of helichrysum essential oil – where ancient wisdom meets modern wellness.

Table Of Contents

How Helichrysum Essential Oil is Made
Helichrysum Essential Oil ORAC Value:
Helichrysum Essential Oil Health Benefits
Helichrysum Essential Oil Uses
DIY with Helichrysum Essential Oil Ideas
Helichrysum Essential Oil Substitute Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions about Helichrysum Essential Oil
More Articles Featuring Helichrysum Essential Oil

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. Nothing on this page has been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is not intended to provide medical advice for any health condition, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Helichrysum Essential Oil is Made

Helichrysum essential oil is made by steam distilling the flowers from the Helichrysum italicum plant.

It is important to note the italicum species because there are over 600 different helichrysum plants, though those species are often (and can be) used interchangeably. But for the purpose of this article and the constituents and benefits involved, we are focusing on the italicum species.

Helichrysum Essential Oil ORAC Value:

The ORAC value of helichrysum essential oil has been reported to measure up to 1,740 μmolTE/100g, demonstrating a lower antioxidant activity.

ORAC stands for “Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity,” developed by USDA researchers to measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals, which are molecules responsible for aging and various diseases.

To learn more about ORAC, check out our ORAC article.

Helichrysum Essential Oil Health Benefits

Helichrysum contains the following constituents:

Esters (up to 60%): neryl acetate, neryl propionate, and butyrate
Ketones: italidione and β-diketone
Sesquiterpenes: y-curcumene and β-caryophyllene
Monoterpenes: l-limonene and a-pinene
Alcohols: nerol, linalol, and geraniol
Oxides: 1,8 cineol
Phenols: eugenol

Helichrysum's historical uses include helping with supporting detoxification, respiration, gallbladder, liver, circulation, lymph nodes, pancreas, digestive system, skin, muscles, and bones.

It is also well documented to help with assisting your body during stressful moments, reduce moodiness, help you focus on forgiveness, and to cut through anger.

** PLEASE NOTE ** Don't be fooled by clever marketing. Not all essential oils are created equally. Make sure you're not wasting your money on fake or altered essential oils (even if they're labeled as “pure essential oil”). Don't miss our explosive report outlining the dirty little secrets of the essential oil industry to ensure you're not wasting your money on brands of oils that legally mislead you through deceitful marketing practices.

Helichrysum Essential Oil Scientific And Medical Studies

Numerous studies are found on helichrysum essential oil, whether you're searching on NIH (National Institute of Health) or Google Scholar.

** Please note: None of these studies discloses which brand is used in the study, nor does any endorse any particular brand.

Below listed are the studies I've seen and become the most excited about:

Helichrysum Essential Oil Showed Antibacterial and Biofilm Inhibitory Activity against Respiratory Tract Pathogens. “… may have a role in the treatment of respiratory tract infections due to their antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity.” (source)
Formulation and Evaluation of Helichrysum italicum Essential Oil-Based Topical Formulations for Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats. “A significant decrease in the wound size was observed in animals treated with helichrysum essential oil formulations compared with other groups…” (source)
May help reduce inflammation (source)
A 2013 study on mice suggests helichrysum oil may help stop intestinal spasms, reducing cramps, pain, and bloating. (source)
May help reduce gallbladder inflammation and pain (source)
May help reduce the growth and spread of drug-resistant staph infections (source)
“Rats supplemented with both extracts [helichrysum and grapefruit oils] gained less body weight during the 5-week period of treatment, showed lower serum insulin levels and liver TBARS levels… Both extracts helped to reduce weight gain, hyperinsulinemia, and IR, improved inflammation markers, and decreased the HFS diet-induced oxidative stress in insulin-resistant rats.” (source)
Helichrysum has also been studied for overall benefits (anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects), including in humans.

Helichrysum Essential Oil Uses

Throughout history, helichrysum has long been used as a body cleanser. Whether intended to detox organs, the blood, or the lymph system, helichrysum packs a powerful punch in your wellness arsenal!

Release negativity and stabilize your mood: add a drop into your hands with some carrier oil and rub it over your liver. Then, cup your hands over your nose and mouth while taking slow, deep breaths.
Respiratory comfort: diffuse or dilute and rub over your chest to help soothe your breathing and coughs
Help heal minor scrapes by dripping a drop onto your skin
Soothe sore muscles after your fitness routine using 2 drops each of helichrysum and peppermint essential oils diluted in an ounce of your favorite carrier oil.
Rejuvenate sun-damaged dull and dry skin by applying a few drops each of Helichrysum and Lavender essential oils in a pea-sized amount of your favorite skin-loving carrier oil (like jojoba)
Dilute 1 drop per 1ml (pump) of carrier oil, and apply it over your liver and gallbladder to support both organs and your body's natural detox processes
May balance scalp hydration and promote healthy-looking hair
May help slow the loss of collagen, elastin, and keratin in aging skin and hair
Helps reduce hyperpigmentation and sunspots
May reduce inflammation and associated pain when inhaled through diffusion or applied topically
Add a few drops to your favorite homemade skin serum
Add a few drops to your favorite homemade face toner
Apply a drop or two of diluted helichrysum on areas where your skin is thin, and on spider veins

While you *can* use helichrysum essential oil neat (without diluting), you should dilute one drop of helichrysum oil per one ml of carrier oil, at a minimum, in most circumstances. Before applying on a large area, do a small patch test first. If it irritates your skin, you didn't dilute enough and should add more carrier oil.

A carrier oil can be any cold-pressed, seed-based oil (ideally organic and unrefined). This includes most cooking oil, like coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil. Personally, we LOVE using sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and the V6 Carrier oil (made by Young Living). This is the best way to dilute your essential oils for topical use.

Essential Oils That Blend Well with Helichrysum Essential Oil

Helichrysum has a sweet, fruity aroma with honey or nectar overtones and blends especially well with:

Bergamot,
Black Pepper,
Blue Cypress,
Chamomile,
Clary Sage,
Cypress,
Geranium,
Lavender,
Lemongrass,
Marjoram,
Myrrh,
Neroli,
Orange,
Patchouli,
Rose,
Rosemary,
Vetiver

Member-Favorite DIY Helichrysum Essential Oil Blends

Desert Sunset Diffuser Blend: 4 drops cedarwood essential oils with 3 drops each of helichrysum, and tangerine oils
Harmonious, Calming Diffuser Blend: 3 drops each helichrysum, lavender, and jasmine essential oils with 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
Happy, Uplifting Diffuser Blend: 3 drops Orange Oil with 2 drops each of Helichrysum and Lavender Oil

DIY Helichrysum Diffuser Blends ->

DIY with Helichrysum Essential Oil Ideas

DIY Headache Relief Roller: 1 Tbsp vitamin E oil, 5-10 drops each helichrysum, eucalyptus radiate, frankincense, copaiba, and lavender essential oils in a 10-15oz roller bottle

DIY PanAway essential oil blend

DIY Face Serum: add 5 drops each frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, myrrh, helichrysum, and rose essential oils to a 10-15oz roller bottle, fill the rest of the way with jojoba oil.

Need empty bottles? You can order them from any bottle supply shop that offers essential oil bottles or even off Amazon. Personally, we save our old essential oil bottles, remove the labels, and reuse them with a roller fitment. To reuse your bottles, ensure they are clean by soaking the empty bottle disassembled in boiling water for at least 15 minutes. Then, let dry.

Helichrysum Essential Oil Substitute Ideas

“Hey Nicole! I don’t have helichrysum, but I’d love to use these recipes anyways, what can I use in its place???”

Good substitutes for helichrysum essential oil, which also have similar aromas and functions, include:

Chamomile
Clary Sage
Frankincense
Hyssop
Lavender
Palmarosa
Patchouli
Rose Geranium

If you're looking for something with similar benefits but not as concerned about the aroma, then lemongrass, eucalyptus, or sage would work, too.

Frequently Asked Questions about Helichrysum Essential Oil

Is Helichrysum Essential Oil Safe To Ingest?

Yes, in very small and diluted amounts, IF you're using pure helichrysum oil that isn't adulterated in any way (be sure you trust your supplier).

If you're going to ingest helichrysum oil, I recommend diluting 1 drop to 4 oz of your carrier.

Is helichrysum essential oil safe to use while pregnant?

Helichrysum should be used very cautiously (if at all) while pregnant.

I don't recommend using helichrysum without being under the care of an aromatherapist, herbalist, naturopath, or other natural-minded medical professional unless you're very well-versed in what you're doing. There are other oils you could use instead.

If you're using oils while pregnant, I highly recommend this reference guide. It contains some great advice for using essential oils while pregnant, plus some DIY Recipes you'll love too.

Is helichrysum essential oil safe for kids or babies?

Please only use helichrysum essential oil on or around children over 6. For children under 12, be sure to dilute more than normal before using topically.

While essential oils may be safe for kids to use, please do not have your child use an essential oil internally as a supplement without being under the direct guidance of a naturopathic doctor.

Also, keep in mind that helichrysum essential oil is very concentrated. It is best to keep it out of the reach of children, and stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Can you be allergic to helichrysum essential oil?

There are a few reasons why you would experience an allergy-like reaction to essential oils. Usually, this is caused by not diluting the oil you're applying (or not diluting it enough). Please refer to our essential oils and allergies article for more in-depth information.

Is helichrysum essential oil safe for dogs and cats?

Helichrysum essential oil is safe to use with your dogs and cats.

As always, especially when using essential oils around cats, it is wise to seek counsel from a natural or holistic vet, animal aromatherapist, or herbalist.

If you're using essential oils around your family pets, be sure to allow them to exit the room and into a room where you're not diffusing. This way, they'll be able to escape when they feel they've had enough.

Please also consider picking up a reference guide specific to using essential oils with animals. There are also reference guides specific to Young Living's oils too.

How often should you use helichrysum essential oil?

Whether or not to use helichrysum essential oil is also a personal question. This depends on what you're using it for and how experienced you are using it.

For beginners, I recommend only diffusing for 30 minutes at a time, then giving your body an hour break. If you diffuse too much, you could end up lightheaded.

Personally, I have a diffuser running most of the day intermittently (using the intermittent setting on our diffuser). Or I'll wear a piece of diffusing jewelry with 3 drops of oil on it throughout the day (those 3 drops usually last a few days). Check out our article about diffusing essential oils safely for more info.

Should you use helichrysum essential oil if you're taking medication?

No, helichrysum should be avoided or used with extreme caution when taking medication.

Helichrysum contains Tiliroside, an active flavonoid. While this flavonoid is known for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumor activities, it could influence your metabolism in a manner that may cause your body to more rapidly eliminate medication from your system or cause adverse drug responses.

However…

Whether you decide to use it or not is a very personal question. If you are on medication or have underlying health issues, I highly recommend having a lengthy conversation with your local aromatherapist or pharmacist.

For more information, see our article about medication contraindications with essential oils

Where do you purchase helichrysum essential oil?

We purchase our helichrysum oil directly from Young Living because they set a higher standard for essential oil production than I've found throughout the rest of the industry.

Their farm-to-table type of approach and testing at every phase of their farming, distillation, and bottling processes has proven to me time and time again to be the closest thing out there to buying from your local farmer or DIYing the oil yourself, only better with their 25+ years of continual research and improvement. I also love their transparency and how they open their farms so you can see for yourself (or involve yourself in the process).