Xerochrysum bracteatum ~ Strawflower , Everlasting ~ Health Benefits and Uses
The health benefits of Helichrysum Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antispasmodic, anticoagulant, antiallergenic, antimicrobial, antihaematoma, antiphlogistic, nervine, antiinflammatory, antitussive, cicatrisant, expectorant, febrifuge, anti septic, cholagogue, emollient, mucolytic, fungicidal, hepatic, diuretic, splenic and cytophylactic substance.
Helichrysum, the flower that contributes to “Everlasting” and “Immortal” Essential Oil, and known by the names Helichrysum Angustifolium and Helichrysum Italicum, is an European herb native to France, Italy and a few neighboring countries.
MEDICINAL APPROACH & PROPERTIES
The essential oil shows considerable infraspecific variation; its main components are monoterpene hydrocarbons (pinene, camphene, myrcene, and limonene) and monoterpene-derived alcohols (linalool, teripinene-4-ol, nerol, geraniol, also their acetates);
Further important aroma components are nonterpeoid acylic beta-ketones. It sounds so technical that it’s confusing but they are important elements and they need to be mentioned.
So many people are beginning to appreciate the healing elements of this plant and aroma therapists world wide recognize the power of this plant, heres a link to a super piece all about our friend Helichrysum Italicum, so get reading folks.
Scroll dow now below and discover what helichrysum can do for you if you have a skin issue but not only : In fact it is also thought to be a strong chelator, supporting liver function and potentially drawing heavy metals and toxins out of the body. It is noted as one of, if not THE, most effective detoxification supporting essential oils by Battaglia in ‘The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy’. A strong dilution can be used (coconut oil, for example) and massaged twice per day into the feet. The reflex points of the feet corresponding to the liver may be of greatest help in this process.
Helichrysum essential oil therapeutic properties: READ IN FULL HERE ~
http://www.helichrysum-italicum.com/properties.html
Helichrysum bracteatum, Strawflower; Everlasting
An intense rich aroma with a herbaceous note. Among its properties are anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitussive, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, fungicidal and cicatrisant.
The French used this oil primarily as an anti-inflammatory to regulate cholesterol, stimulate the cells of the liver, and as an antispasmodic. This particular variety has powerful antibruise properties. It’s ideal to use in lymphatic drainage massage, acts as a stimulant for the liver, gall bladder, kidneys and spleen and the organs responsible for detoxifying the body.
Italidone, one of its chemical components, has been found to have strong mucous thinning, expectorant and cicatrisant properties. It is a rejuvenating oil which promotes cell growth, helping to rebuild tissues. Clears the body of candida apparently, which often thrives when vitality is low. Blend with rosehip seed oil for scar formula or with lemon and geranium for kick-smoking blend. Assists in healing scars, acne, dermatitis, boils and abscesses.
http://medicalfunnyhoney.com/helichrysum
Plant Profile: The Strawflower
Scientific name: xerochrysum bracteatum (previously helichrysum bracteatum)
Other names: Everlasting, Paper Daisy, Golden Everlasting
The Strawflower, a flowering plant native to Australia, produces showy flowers with large dark green leaves. Plants can grow to be 3-4 feet tall, depending on the variety. The flower is also known as “paper daisy” for its papery texture. Just like the daisy, the center is made up of a cluster of tiny individual flowers. The “petals” surrounding the cluster are actually bracts. The plant will flower from summer to fall. The daisy-like flowers come in a wide range of colours, including white, yellow, pink and red.
Strawflowers are great additions to the garden, adding colour and texture to the landscape and will attract butterflies. Plant them in masses for the best effect. The taller varieties would be ideal as borders in a garden bed or rock garden. Gardeners love them because they are easy to grow, will tolerate heat and drought and can adapt to any soil condition. They can be grown as annuals, perennials, or shrubs. They also do well in containers.
Strawflowers don’t need much maintenance, but the plant would benefit from regular light pruning to encourage branching and increased blooms.
Strawflowers, especially the sturdier and long-stem varieties, are commonly used in the cut flower industry. Cut flowers can last between 2-3 weeks! Not only do they make great cut flowers, they are often used in dried floral arrangements because they are everlasting. When cut young and dried, the flowers and stems will retain their colour for a long time.
[growerdirect.com/plant-profile-the-strawflower]
Natural Remedies: Stress and Anxiety
Natural Remedies: Stress and Anxiety
We all have times when stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness enter our lives. Here are traditional herbal remedies to help.
First calm thyself. If gardening or another relaxing activity doesn’t calm your nerves and make you sleep well, try a tea (really a tisane, from the Greek for “medicinal brew.)
Herbal Teas
- Teas of chamomile, basil, marjoram, or basil help ease stress. Use about 1 ounce fresh herbs (half of that if dried) for every 2 to 3 cups water.
- A tea of elderberry flowers is considered relaxing to the nerves and is sleep inducing, too. (Caution! Avoid if pregnant.)
- For insomnia, drink bee balm which acts as a mild sedative, calming the nerves and aiding sleep. Take an infusion of 2 teaspoons chopped leaves in 1 cup boiling water.
- Drink rosemary tea to alleviate melancholy or depression.
- Native America tea ingredients for insomnia included lady’s slipper (decocted), yarrow, mullein, hops, and purslane (decocted).
- Valerian tea (or capsules) is a natural sleep aide. In infusions, 1 ounce of the roots in 1 pint boiling water is a common recipe, consumed by wineglass as needed. (Caution: Too high a dose may lead to negative side effects!)
Food
- First, do not eat your final meal late in the evening, and keep the meal light.
- Eating lettuce with your dinner is supposed to be calming, helping you to sleep and have pleasant dreams. Some say you should not have vinegar with your lettuce.
- Mandarin oranges are soporifics, so consider adding them to your evening meal to help insomnia.
- Native Americans reportedly ate raw onions to induce sleep. (They also used a variety of herbal syrups and poultices but they’re a bit too complicated for most of us today.)
- Trying to remain relaxed but alert? Some studies suggest that the smell of apples, apple cider vinegar, or spiced apples have this effect. The right smell can make all the difference.
Massages and Rubs
- Massage the temples with lavender oil.
- A warm bath with a couple of drops of chamomile oil aides sleeping. Add a slash of lavender oil for a relaxing aroma.
- For a relaxing body rub, soak equal parts finely chopped dandelions, burdock (roots and/or aerial parts), yellow dock, and lobelia in 1 quart rubbing alcohol for two weeks. Apply externally.
Bedtime
- Strew lavender in the linen closet to scent your bed sheets with this mildly narcotic herb.
- Try putting a few drops of lavender oil in your nose—gently, with a cotton swab (Q-tip).
- Sprinkle infusions of dill on your pillowcases and quickly iron them dry or fluff them in a clothes dryer.
- Dill will also lull cranky babies to sleep. Add dill infusion to the bath, sprinkle on a baby’s blanket, or use as a hair rinse.
- Sage is considered a “ghost medicine,” used to prevent nightmares. Strew it on the floor or in the bed.
- Keep in mind: Not every fragrant herb is suitable for a good night’s sleep. Some can have the reserve effect. You may wish to consult a herbalist.
A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.
–Irish proverb
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