About African Immortelle

African Immortelle (Helichrysum odoratissimum) – we source this one from a South African producer.  It is an essential oil that is wild harvested from indigenous plants in South Africa. You can see, with no uncertainty, why we are so proud to have this oil as part of our product house.  Read a bit more about this oil and other essential oils from indigenous plants in this blogpost.  This oil is steam distilled from the stems, leaves and flowers.  It has a slight floral, herbal and savoury scent with faint chamomile, yarrow and mint notes.  African Immortelle (Helichrysum) essential oil is a warm oil and also a middle note.  The oil has a yellow colour to it and is quite mobile (thin oil).

Firstly, African Immortelle (Helichrysum) is known to be a effective treatment for respiratory ailments and headaches. For that reason we’ve included it in our Respi-Rescue blend. It is a potent anti-inflammatory and in light of that, it helps to reduce swelling, especially in the airways which helps relieve diseases such as asthma, SARS viruses and bronchitis.

Secondly, other uses it is known to help for includes treatment of inflamed and painful skin such as with wounds and acne. It is a known anti-bacterial agent thus it helps skin conditions that might be infected by bad bacteria. Use it regularly, in a carrier oil, on skin-related issues such as psoriasis and eczema.

African Immortelle (Helichrysum) is, lastly, known to assist with muscle and joint pain while relieving tension and insomnia.  This is mainly due to it’s high anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Use it in a carrier oil to massage into your sore muscles – especially those tension headaches at the nape of your neck and shoulders. Furthermore, it even has anti-infectious properties and could help to fight malaria.  It also is a strong anti-microbial essential oil.

Main Chemical Compounds

The main chemical compound found in African Immortelle (Helichrysum) is α-Pinene, 1,8-Cineol and β-Caryophyllene. It is such a known powerful therapeutic essential oil, mainly based on the synergistic effects of the three main components.  All three these compounds are potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agents whilst 1,8-Cineol and β-Caryophyllene are also an analgesic – blocks pain and reduces swelling. α-Pinene has anti-ulcerogenic and gastro-protective properties, whilst β-Caryophyllene acts against depression and anxiousness. 1,8-Cineol is known for its mucolytic and spasmolytic action on the respiratory tract.

How do I use African Immortelle

For wound cleaning use African Immortelle (Helichrysum) mixed in a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond or Castor oil. Moreover, you can diffuse it in your aroma diffuser as is. Make it into an anti-inflammatory muscle relief massage blend by adding 10 drops to a 50ml Grapseed carrier oil. Other anti-inflammatory oils that you can use with African Immortelle (Helichrysum) in this blend is Myrrh, Frankincense, and Lavender. See our responsible usage guide here.

Blends well with

Don’t know how to make a blend? Keep an eye out on our Facebook page to see when the next Masterclass will be presented.  However, here is a list of single pure natural oils that blends well with African Immortelle (Helichrysum):

• Clove Bud
• Rosemary
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Cypress
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Sandalwood
• Black Pepper
• Sweet Orange
• Thyme
• Rose Geranium oil

Cautions

Do not use topically or diffused around children under the age of six unless very diluted. Do not ingest undiluted. Keep away from the eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Store in glass, in a cool dry place away from sunlight to preserve longer. There isn’t enough information to know if African Immortelle is safe to use during pregnancy and breast-feeding or what the side effects might be. Stay on the safe side and either use extremely diluted or avoid use.