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The Amazing Natural Chemical Synergy In Helichrysum Essential Oil

By: Caroline Ashton

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We have been using Aromatherapy for quite some time without realizing it, in the form of Ben Gay and Tiger Balm, for sore muscles and stiff joints. Yet until recently, the real powerhouse of pain relief, Helichrysum italicum, has gone relatively unnoticed. The oil is now becoming more and more popular, as it not only relieves pain, but actually speeds healing of many injuries and ailments. What's different about Helichrysum than oils that have been used traditionally for pain? Why might it provide better effects than the Wintergreen found in Ben Gay? Here's a look at the multitude of actions of Helichrysum, and how you can benefit from this effective natural plant medicine.
Healing Muscles, Joints and Connective Tissue
To reduce pain and heal structural tissues at the same time, a synergy of active ingredients is necessary. That's why aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain, but don't stimulate healing -- they only address one part of the equation. Essential oils are naturally made up of many chemicals -- one oil can have more than a hundred identifiable molecules. And because of their molecular structure, they're very compatible with our physiology. When topically applied, they pass right through our skin and into the bloodstream and underlying tissues where they can quickly get to work.
Inflammation Reduction
Helichrysum has the properties of being anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and regenerative all in the same oil. The anti-inflammatory effects can be attributed to the "curcumenes" present in the oil. "Curcumenes" have recently been very prominent in the field of natural nutrition, as the extract of the spice turmeric, called "curcumin" has become popular as an anti-inflammatory supplement. The supplement is considered helpful not only for joint inflammation and pain, but as an all-around anti-aging supplement as well. Helichrysum contains a significant quantity of "gamma curcumene", providing an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.
Anti-Spasmodic & Muscular Tension Relief
Where Helichrysum distilled from plants grown in coastal regions of the Mediterranean really stand out is in its ability to release muscle tension. In particular, a sub-species known as "serotinum" has the highest levels of neryl acetate. This is of a group of compounds known as "esters" which are particularly good anti-spasmodics. Just like the word says, these compounds relieve muscle spasms -- a condition that is often found in our necks and backs where the musculature has locked up in a stiff and painful condition. This can be the result of old injuries (where the body is trying to protect itself by holding together weak joints), from stress, or simple poor posture or ergonomics (like hunching over a computer all day). By relieving these spasms, circulation in the area is increased, and the healing process is dramatically accelerated.
The Stimulation of Cellular Regeneration
The third unique aspect of the essential oil is due to the regenerative nature of the "di-ketones" found almost exclusively in Helichrysum. The di-ketones are thought to signal tissues of the body to regenerate, and the oil is included in many formulas for wound healing and scar reduction. The di-ketone level is especially high in oils from plants grown and distilled around the Mediterranean, where levels of these di-ketones can exceed 11% of the total makeup of the essential oil.
Anti-Coagulant and Bruise Prevention
A wonderful effect for all us accident prone folks is the bruise prevention offered by the oil. Keeping a little of the oil on hand at all times is a smart way to keep ourselves relatively injury-free. An application or two of the oil on any part of the body that has received physical trauma can profoundly speed healing by preventing the formation of a hematoma, a bruised area where blood flow almost comes to a halt. For athletes twisting an ankle, for example, the oil can significantly reduce the swelling that occurs in the minutes after the injury, speeding healing by quickening the nutrient/waste exchange in the area. ANY blunt injury (walking into furniture in the middle of the night, or hitting your head on an open kitchen cabinet are but two common examples) will greatly benefit both in terms of healing time AND immediate pain reduction.
User Experiences Encourage Experimentation
The use of Helichrysum essential oil on the world stage of medicine has been very brief. While use by dedicated aromatherapists has been significant, the cross-over into the greater world of natural health is only just beginning. As a result, formal testing of its efficacy is limited. However, because the oil is so safe, its really worth a try to see if it works for you. A fairly small amount of Helichrysum essential oil will either give you the results you're looking for or it won't. Many users have reported excellent results: profound relief from back pain, neck pain, joint pain scar tissue tightness. Extreme sports enthusiasts have called it "the magic oil" for its quick pain relief. If Helichrysum sounds like it may help you, there's every reason to give this wonderful, effective, organic natural medicine a try!

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

For more, visit Synergy Essential Oils, or Organic Medicinal Herbs.

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