Helichrysum—Essential Oil for Burnout

Helichrysum's name comes from the Greek words helios meaning sun and chrysos meaning gold, but in Latin the name also means “everlasting” or “immortal,” as the flowers retain their vibrant color for a long time. The helichrysum flower grows in the Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa.

Helichrysum is considered one of the oils with restorative abilities according to a pilot study of its usefulness on mental exhaustion or burnout. In a 2013 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine article, a double-blind study showed that diffusing helichrysum daily helped reduce mental fatigue/burnout. Helichrysum combined with Epsom salt in a warm bath was shown to also aid in lessening mental fatigue and stress.

Helichrysum essential oil has many other benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. One study showed that using helichrysum combined with carrier oil rubbed onto the skin helped with hives, redness, scars, blemishes, and rashes.

When stressed, our immune system tends to be depleted, and inflammation can set in. Helichrysum essential oil helps through inhalation and topically due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In a 2004 article in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology helichrysum was cited as showing that this oil could be used to treat various medical conditions.

High blood pressure can also be positively affected by the use of helichrysum essential oil. In a 2008 study done by the University of Durban to determine the use of helichrysum to aid in the management of high blood pressure, it was shown that inhalation of the oil did indeed help by decreasing myocardial contractile performance.

More uses of helichrysum essential oil, such as weight reduction, skin conditioner, and others can be found in The Melaleuca Wellness Guide.

~ Richard M Barry