Helichrysum (aka. Curry Plant, Immortelle; Helichrysum italicum) is a small flowering bush with a distinct curry fragrance, with grey leaves and clusters of long-lasting yellow flowers.
The yellow flowers dry well, and as the dried flowers retain their color and fragrance, they are popular in potpourri, wreaths, and dried floral arrangements.
Its strong scent smells like curry powder, yet it doesn’t taste like curry powder. Nonetheless, it is sometimes used as a spice in Mediterranean cuisine. Its flavor is more like sage, with a bitter quality. Helichrysum also has traditional use as a natural dye.
Helichrysum is popular today for its use in essential oils, aromatherapy, cosmetics and also in perfumes as a fixative. It is often used in anti-aging and skin-healing preparations, as it is renowned for its regenerative properties.
Helichrysum has a long history of traditional use in European countries for a range of conditions including allergies, colds, cough, skin health, liver and gallbladder conditions, inflammation, infections and sleeplessness.
Through scientific investigation, it has been found to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities.
The main benefit Helichrysum is used for as an essential oil is for its use in skin conditions, helping the healing and quality of the skin. Although it has been found to have good safety, with no significant levels of cytotoxicity or genotoxicity, it may cause allergy in some individuals. In a comparative study on the use of the above ground portions made into a tea, Helichrysum had equal to or greater than antioxidant activity to green tea or rooibos, and it was assessed as having moderate antidiabetic activity.
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**This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.