Helichrysum is one of my favourite oils for my skin, probably what it is best known for but it has a huge range of benefits and in regular use for my dogs and their musculoskeletal system - those benefits I have also been the recipient of as well. I really do love this oil.
Helichrysum is a small perennial herb with golden flowers and silver leaves. The name is derived from the Greek “helios” meaning sun and chrysos meaning gold, it has been used in herbal practices since ancient Greece and is highly valued and sought after for its many health benefits. Commonly known as Everlasting or Immortal for its rejuvenating benefits in anti-ageing products.
Chemically it is derived from a chemical group called esters which are generally known to help with calming and relaxing and balancing to mood. Along with these emotional benefits esters can also have similar effects to the physical body not least the skin and the neryl acetate that is the primary constituent provides a floral and fruity aroma.
The oil can benefit the skin in a myriad of ways particularly supporting skin healing on my spaniels - if you have a spaniel you will understand but it is phenomenal to promote healthy skin regeneration.
Evidence also suggests that helichrysum is supportive for the musculoskeletal system as an antioxidant rich addition as well as useful for the nervous system and it has been key in helping my dog Evie with supporting her mobility now she has arthritis and spondylosis. I love to layer it along the spine in the evening if ever I am concerned about her or just in case and every morning she is back to her normal springertastic state.
Another feature of its benefits for the nervous system is for helping support neuroplasticity. Interestingly, my blind anxious dog went through a stage of choosing this as we worked on changing her responses to traffic and park sounds as we were developing those new neural pathways with exercises. This oil was key to her behaviour change.
This is also great in a massage as this oil can be used to promote vitality along with its energising aroma so use it for your senior pets and I like to layer it with Aromatouch and Lemongrass too which Evie found extremely beneficial when I was looking for a way to support her body after she was diagnosed with sciatic nerve pain.
Helichrysum blends well with other essential oils that are good for the skin such as myrrh, frankincense and lavender.
It really is a wonderful oil - to learn more about this or using oils in general with your pets or you
drop me a message and we can arrange a chat.