So many folks are bearing some sort of physical pain, and are in need of an effective form of pain relief. One that is more than just a masking agent (one that just blocks the pain sensation), but instead heals while reducing pain. Helichrysum essential oil has the ability to do both. Noted by many therapists as one of the most profoundly healing essential oils used today, Helichrysum italicum is used with success for a great many physical ailments. One of North America’s leading medical aromatherapists has noted the oil’s effects to be so convincing as to have “never met with any kind of criticism” from the conventional medical community. The oil is readily available, and easy to use — here’s more about it, and how to make best use of it for your needs.

The pure essential oil steam distilled from the flowers of the Helicrhysum italicum plant is an absolutely remarkable healing agent. Not just compared to natural medicines, but compared to ALL pain relieving medicines available today. It is safe, effective, and easy-to-use. The oil is listed in ‘Essential Oil Safety’ as non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It is regularly prescribed for undiluted application to the skin (where very few other essential oils are). Most conservatively, the oil is sometimes said to be avoided during pregnancy, and by young children — but this warning is not found in today’s most advanced aromatherapy texts. If your situation is questionable, check with a health professional before use, but know that Helichrysum essential oil is considered to be exceptionally safe.

In terms of efficacy, a great many trained natural therapists have found the oil to be the most profoundly pain relieving of any topical medicine available today. Back ache? Joint pain? Sports injury? Pain due to surgery or other trauma? All these ailments and more can be treated effectively with a preparation of Helichrysum essential oil in the vegetable or nut oil of your choice. Users call it a ‘magic oil’, and claim the pain relief is ‘amazing’. Apricot Kernel oil is commonly used, as it has anti-inflammation properties itself; Rosehip seed and Tamanu oils are used when treating skin damage; Jojoba is a wonderful all-purpose stand-by, good for any application.

Mixing your own topical preparation is very simple: just mix one part Helichrysum to nine parts ‘carrier oil’ in a separate bottle. This makes a 10% concentration. Some users create formulas as strong as 20% Helichrysum, others with as little as 5%. Using the lowest concentration necessary is more a question of cost than anything else — the pure essential oil is relatively costly, particularly the highest quality, rarest varieties. The pure essential oil applied ‘neat’ or undiluted is called for when a trauma has just occurred. For example, if one has just twisted an ankle, or really any serious injury where bruising will occur, several drops of the essential oil should be applied immediately and then again every hour or so until the potential for hematoma is eliminated.

Beyond simple pain relief, Helichrysum is known to actually speed the healing of injuries through its antioxidant, anti-inflammation and regenerative actions. This is helpful for not only ‘common’ bumps and bruises, but for surgical sutures and burns as well. Further, the oil is found in 3-5 percent concentrations in skin care recipes to reduce the appearance of skin aging, and to reduce and eliminate scars of all kinds.

The finest of Helichrysum essential oil varieties is considered to be that distilled from plants grown on the island of Corsica, France. The environmental conditions and sub-species genetics result in a unique natural chemical composition of the essential oil with strong anti-inflammate, analgesic and regenerative properties. This oil may be listed as Helicrysum italicum sub-species ’serotinum’. You may find that other varieties work as well for your needs, and can experiment as you see fit.

Helichrysum is considered by many therapists to be one of, if not THE, most profoundly healing essential oil used today. It is safe and effective for a wide variety of physical pain and ailments where the body’s connective tissue, skin, muscles, joints and nerves are affected. (More esoteric aromatherapy even uses the oil as a healer of the heart center, which may be constricted or closed from many years of emotional trauma). Whatever your need for pain relief and healing, Helichrysum essential oil may offer the help you need, quickly and safely.