Extracted from a shrub belonging to the “Helichrysum” genus is an essential oil known as Helichrysum Oil. This oil is obtained from a shrub that belongs to the “Helichrysum italicum” species within the plant kingdom. Furthermore, the plant from which this oil is obtained is apparently found in European countries such as France, Italy etc. In addition, this oil possesses a long shelf life, and hence can be stored for a longer period of time than other oils.
A. Chemical constituents of the Helichrysum Oil:
This oil is extracted from a shrub belonging to the “Helichrysum italicum” species within the plant kingdom. In addition, this essential oil comprises of organic compounds that include a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, myrcene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, terpinen-4-ol, neryl acetate, nerol, geraniol, eugenol, italidone and other b-diketones.
B. The uses and benefits of the Helichrysum Oil:
There are a few benefits that one can gain by using this essential oil. However, one should also consider the adverse reactions or side effects reported from its use:
1. Antispasmodic:
This oil when used serves as an “antispasmodic” by exhibiting properties that suppress muscle spasms that occur in the respiratory tract, nerves, intestines etc.
2. Anticoagulant:
This oil when used is also capable of reducing the coagulation of blood, extending the clotting time, and thereby serving as an anticoagulant. Furthermore, this oil is a blessing especially for those individuals who are prone to heart attacks due to presence of a high cholesterol level in the blood.
3. Antiallergenic:
This oil also possesses an “antiallergenic” property and thereby when used helps in preventing allergic reactions.
4. Anti-inflammatory:
This oil also consists of an “anti-inflammatory” property which when used helps in suppressing inflammation and swelling.
5. Expectorant:
This oil also helps stimulating the expulsion of waste such as mucus formation and phlegm out of the body, and thereby serves as an expectorant.
C. The adverse effects of the Helichrysum Oil:
There is one major adverse effect that could occur as a result of using this oil. It is as follows:
This oil when used as an anticoagulant could cause internal hemorrhaging especially in individuals who have undergone surgery. Hence such individuals must avoid using this oil.
