Immortelle ~ Helichrysum italicum

Introducing Immortelle.  It is best known for its powerful healing, rejuvenating and restorative properties to the skin - which is why we add it to our Organic Night Cream, our Beauty Serum.  We also sell Immortelle essential oil on its own.

Here are some interesting facts about Immortelle.

Other names:  Helichrysum; the ‘immortal flower’; and the ‘everlasting flower’; curry plant.
Botanical Name:  Helichrysum italicum
Family: Asteraceae/Compositae
Aroma:  Earthy, herbaceous and fresh

The name Helichrysum comes from the Greek language; ‘Helios’ meaning sun, and chryssos’ meaning gold.  The shrub is a small perennial herb with narrow leaves and clusters of golden yellow blossoms.  It is native to coastal Adriatic area, Balkans and Italy; growing on dry, rocky or sandy ground (Maksimovic et al., 2017, p. 10)(Holmes, 2016, p. 215).

Known as a skin generator, collagen stimulant and anti-inflammatory, Immortelle can be used to eczema, cuts, broken veins, stretch marks, dermatitis, and psoriasis (Holmes, 2016, pp. 212-213).  It is used in anti-ageing products, to reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone and promote a youthful complexion. The regenerating qualities can assist in the healing of scars, acne, dermatitis, stretch marks, boils, abscesses and for its anti-ageing properties.  The main biological activities of H. italicum essential oils are: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antioxidant, and anti-larvicidal (Maksimovic et al., 2017, p. 10)

Aromatically, immortelle is balancing and restoring, promoting emotional stability and calm.  It also can assist in building emotional security and strength (Holmes, 2016, p. 210).

Why is Immortelle so expensive?  
Because it takes about 1100-1400kg of immortelle flowers to make 1kg of essential oil.  The precious oil is extracted from the fresh flowering-head clusters by steam distillation (Holmes, 2016, p. 208).

First photo 📷 @helichrysum_italicum
Second photo 📷 @immortellefarmkrk

References:
Maksimovic, S., Tadic, V., Skala, D., & Zizovic, I. (2017). Separation of phytochemicals from helichrysum italicum: an analysis of different isolation techniques and biological activity of prepared extracts. Phytochemistry, 138, 9–28. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2017.01.001

Peter Holmes. (2016). Aromatica Volume 1 : A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Principles and Profiles. Singing Dragon.