Helichrysum

The H. italicum species is what most people think of when they are looking for Helichrysum essential oil. This species is considered the premium oil to get -- it's great for healing the skin, reducing inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms, is anti-microbial, can enhance the effects of other essential oils, and is not toxic or irritating to the skin.  It's also very expensive.

​There are several other species of Helichrysum, and I have found each to have its own particular benefits.  You can see that in some of my recipes.  In The Cut Away, I use Helichrysum italicum, while in Joint Candy I use Helichrysum bracteiferum.  If you're asking "Why?  What's the difference?", then you're asking a great question.

The differences between essential oils of the various Helichrysum species  occur in their chemical compositions and in their therapeutic properties.  

H. splendidum has similar properties to H. italicum - antimicrobial, antispasmodic, skin healing - it just uses different chemicals to get the same result.  It is also A LOT less expensive than H. italicum!

H. Bracteiferum adds decongestant, expectorant, and mucolytic properties to the therapeutic properties listed above.  It contains significant quantities of 1,8 Cineole, beta-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene.  This variety will work with the immune system to help support homeostasis.

H. gymnocephalum is predominantly 1,8 Cineole and is therefore great for the lungs - including for allergies and especially during cold and flu season.  It adds decongestant and expectorant properties to the list.  

H. splendidum and italicum are considered safe and non-irritating to the skin. 

Due to the high levels of 1,8 Cineole in H. bracteiferum and H. gymnocephalum, these oils should not be used on or near the faces of children under the age of 10.

One last note on the varieties of Helichrysum, in small quantities, they can enhance the effectiveness of other oils in a blend.  For example, if making a 1% dilution, you'd use 1 - 2 drops of Helichrysum and 3 - 5 drops of other oils for a total of 5 - 6 drops of essential oils per ounce of carrier oil.  
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