Asteraceae
Helichrysum
Helichrysum italicum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Mediterranean (Italy, Corsica, Dalmatia)
Also known as: Curry Plant, Immortelle, Everlasting Flower, Italian Everlasting
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Flower
Therapeutic Uses
Bruising (topical — exceptional anticoagulant — dissolves bruises faster than any other topical), wound healing, skin aging, respiratory conditions, liver support, rhinosinusitis.
Herbal Actions
Anti-inflammatory (arzanol — potent 5-LOX inhibitor, NF-kB), antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, wound healing, anticoagulant
Active Constituents
Arzanol (phloroglucinol derivative — primary anti-inflammatory), italidione, neryl acetate, nerol, isochroman, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, naringenin), phloroglucinols
Preparation Methods
⚗️ Essential Oil🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried flowers per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Essential oil: primary use — 3% dilution in carrier. Apply topically to bruises 3x daily — resolves bruising significantly faster than controls. Corsican quality considered finest. One of best topical anti-inflammatory essential oils available. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Anticoagulant effects — caution with blood thinners. Caution in pregnancy. Asteraceae allergy.
Side Effects: Contact sensitization (essential oil). Anticoagulant effects. GI upset at high internal doses. Generally well tolerated.