One of the most challenging aspects of finding a good pain reliever is that they so often have significant drawbacks: they can be bad for the liver, they're addictive, they only mask the pain temporarily, or they just don't make you feel good. Well here's a suggestion: for decades, the essential oil from a little yellow flower called Helichrysum italicum has been successfully used in Europe for profound pain relief. It's easy to use, safe, and readily available. Aromatherapy isn't just about aromas! It's really about the branch of natural medicine dealing with the volatile extracts of plants, many of which are complex healing chemicals. And Helichrysum is fast becoming one of the most popular of these oils -- and not because of its aroma, but because of its fast pain relieving action.
A Remarkable Pain Reliever
There are a few simple points a pain reliever needs to meet to be widely used and accepted: First, it needs to work -- and that Helichrysum does. Many folks find relief of joint, neck, muscle or back pain nearly immediate upon application. And it's not just a dulling of the feeling, it really actually goes away. Second, it needs to be safe -- and this essential oil truly is. It's one of the very rare essential oils that is noted by most aromatherapists as safe for use in its undiluted form. It comes with a very short list of contraindications (a doctor should be consulted if using blood thinning medication or by hemophiliacs, and it should not be used on large open wounds); it is noted as non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. It has absolutely no potential to be addictive. AND, it should be easy to use. Rubbing a little liquid on painful spots is pretty simple!
A Look at the Chemistry: Why Helichrysum Works
Essential oils are evaluated using a process called Gas Chromatography. This test tells the us what the oil is made of -- and essential oils are really interesting: they're made of all KINDS of different natural chemicals. Within Helichrysum essential oil, one finds chemicals naturally made by the plant's flowers that 1) reduce inflammation and act as chelators (they can remove unwatned toxins), 2) prevent bruising and blood clots, 3) relax tight muscles and connective tissue, and 4) stimulate cellular regeneration. All in one oil! And it's these components that work together to offer pain relief -- in a big way. Aspirin, for example, is a blood thinner and anti-inflammate. Together, these actions produce its pain relief. Helichrysum is a far more complex natural substance, that not just masks pain, but actually addresses the cellular physiology that is causing it.
What Kind of Pain Can it Help?
Nearly everyone with pain originating in their muscles, joints or connective tissue may find relief with this oil. Helichrysum is applied topically to the area where symptoms are noted, where it readily absorbs through the skin. The greatest effects are found where the painful spots are relatively close to the surface -- like the neck, back, and most joints. Folks with arthritis may benefit, and can even use another essential oil like Ginger to add a warming effect. Sports enthusiasts and hard-core athletes are some of Helichrysum's greatest proponents. It works on virtually any impact and trauma-related injury. Over-use injuries are more challenging, but even here the oil has been found effective if used in the early stages, when the pain first appears. Anyone can benefit anytime they hurt themselves: bang into the furniture in the middle of the night? Burn yourself in the kitchen? Twist an ankle on the stairs? Give Helichrysum a try! The sooner its applied, the more effective it will be, as one of the most wonderful actions is the way it prevents bruises from forming, which not only reduces pain but significantly speeds the healing process. Beyond these common uses, many individuals have found relief from nerve pain, and other conditions which painfully affect the skin, muscles, connective tissue and nervous system.
When and How to Use the Oil -- Chronic and Acute Cases
There are essentially two unique conditions which determine the way the essential oil is used: whether the injury or pain is Acute (just occurred) or Chronic (has been present for some time, and is not obviously healing). For acute cases, like one has JUST twisted an ankle, banged a knee, or burned themselves, Helichrysum is applied 'neat', or directly from the bottle at 100% strength. This gets the most amount of oil delivered to the area as quickly as possible. Once an injury is not getting worse, or the condition or pain has been present for some time, Helichrysum is often diluted to about 20% in an oil that acts as a 'massage' base. Helichrysum and this 'carrier' oil (Jojoba is commonly used) are then frequently massaged-in.
It's very simple to mix your own formula once you know the dilution ratios. A ten-percent dilution goes like this: There are 30 milliliters in 1 ounce (carrier oils are often purchased in ounces, where essential oils are found in milliliters). Three milliliters of Helichrysum into one ounce of carrier oil makes a 10% formula. Just double the Helichrysum to 6 milliliters for a 20% mixture. And to make it even easier, remember there are 27 drops of Helichrysum essential oil per milliliter. Got it? Good!
Adding Other Essential Oils for a Personal Formula
Helichrysum essential oil can be blended with other essential oils in your formula to make a 'custom' recipe. Tea tree can be added to provide antiseptic / antibactieral action. Lavender is an excellent choice if you would like to add a little 'anti-stress' effect. To further enhance the anti-inflammation of the essential oil, Blue Chamomile is an excellent choice (which is most effective used at a low dilution of only 1-2% of the total formula). For a warming effect, Ginger or Black Pepper can be used; these oils will increase circulation and are often included in blends for arthritis support. For even more effective pain relief, Wintergreen essential oil can be used cautiously -- it is actually liquid aspirin, with a potential for overdose. The two oils together can synergize for an extra-strength pain formula for occasional use. Finally, Helichrysum is used in wound and scar healing formulas (again, once the wound is sealed) mixed with Sea Buckthorn Berry, in a base of Rosehip Seed oil (there are many versions of this recipe -- a little searching will help you find the right one for you).
Getting The Right Kind of Oil
All the pain relieving effects discussed here refer specifically to the essential oil from the flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant. The best of these oils is considered to come from France and the island of Corsica -- these oils have the highest concentration of the muscle relaxing component, and often times the highest concentration of the regenerative components as well. Helichrysum from the Balkans, Croatia and Serbia Montenegro can have higher levels of anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory constituents. ALL these are 'italicum' species however, and will impart their wonderful pain-relieving and healing effects. The oil is not inexpensive! Beware of oils that seem priced too low, as they may not contain pure essential oil, and will not produce the same results. Also, if you are in the care of a medical doctor, be sure to consult them before using Helichrysum essential oil just to be sure there will be no contraindications with your condition or medication. At the same time, a great many people have experienced excellent results with this important essential oil, and if it sounds like it's for you, it's almost certainly worth a try!
