As some of you may know I’m a channel, and every month at the new moon I send out a newsletter to my subscribers that contains a message from The Sacred Rose Council. As part of the message, every month they suggest an essential oil that would be helpful to explore.
Since flowers have been on my mind so much this month playing in Lori Moon’s May Flower Challenge, it occurred to me that I might share a bit about the flower associated with the essential oil suggested for this month: Helichrysum.
Helichrysum belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes asters, daisies, and sunflowers. There are over 600 species in the Helichrysum genus, but the one most commonly used for essential oils is Helichrysum angustifolium Synonym H. italicum.
You may know the flower as Everlasting, Immortelle, Strawflower or Curry Plant. Although it does appear in other colors, it’s most widely known in its yellow form. The flowers maintain their color long after being picked and are quite popular in dried arrangements.
The essential oil has a strongly straw-like, fruity smell, with a honey and tea undertone.
In my training both as an aromatherapist and a natural perfumer, keeping journals was a critical, and fun, part of the work. Here’s a peek at the page where I’ve included some pictures of Helichrysum.
My favorite part of the page is the white strip under the name. That’s a fragrance test strip. They’re used to dip into the oil and you sniff the strip rather than from the bottle. They’re particularly helpful when you’re evaluating blends because you want to be able to see how a fragrance develops over time. The first top note isn’t the whole story. Test strips are also a good way to simply train your nose as well, and I love keeping them on journal pages where I can see a photo and catch a hint of scent as well.
Helichrysum essential oil can be a stimulant for body organs responsible for detoxifying; it’s also an effective antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent used to treat skin issues and respiratory complaints.
I admit I’m much more interested in the psychological and spiritual effects of essential oils than the physical. Helichrysum can be grounding without being too heavy or dense; it’s warming; it encourages looking inward in self-discovery.
Whenever I talk about essential oils I always feel obligated to remind people they are concentrated form and need to be approached with care and consideration. Here’s a helpful little guide to safety considerations.
So do you know Helichrysum? Are there other golden flowers you love? Do you use essential oils? Do tell, you know I love to hear.
In the Northwest we have an invasive non-native bush called Scotsbroom (also referred to as Scotchbroom). It is just now in full bloom. The smell is horrible and is responsible for many allergies. The seed pods burst open in the heat and the seeds are responsible for acres of land becoming overrun with the tall bushes.
Despite those negatives, I must admit…I absolutely love the bright golden blooms! Even on the cloudiest days, a field covered in Scotsbroom causes brightness! I was so incredibly tired after work this past Monday. But rather than going home to take a nap, I drove to the river in a search of this beautiful weed. Call me crazy! I found one bush right by the river’s edge. How I was rested by the beauty of the blooms and the rush of the river!
I have found Wintergreen essential oil very helpful in soothing severe hip pain.
Oh Ruth, I can’t tell you how delighted I am by your story. Drinking in a littl visual nourishment at the end of a long day, and then feeling refreshed, is such an important reminder of what’s available to all of us.
And I’m glad Wintergreen has proven helpful for you. It’s not one I’ve found myself working with much, so I’m glad to hear of your success.
Deborah – your posts are so informative. I am learning so much from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and making it fun! I love your page.
Well thanks Lori. I’m having a great deal of fun playing and I’m grateful to you for extending the challenge. Flower love all around!