Melissa's Botanicals 
Helichrysum, Corsican, Wildcrafted (French name : Immortelle)
The French know it as "Immortelle" or "Everlasting" or - the “Fountain of Youth” in a bottle.
About
Known in France as a “Fountain of Youth” in a bottle.
Helichrysum is to Aromatherapy what Arnica is to Herbalism. Put more simply, Helichrysum is a must have for physical trauma, first aid, swelling and scars.
Helichrysum’s tremendous regenerative properties help heal sprains, strains, sore tendons, muscle aches, and bruises. There is one place and one place only to obtain the most sought after DEMETER or WILD: THE CORSICAN HELICHRYSUM. Everyone advertizes they sell it. Unfortunately, Corsica is an island off the south of France, and because it is a small island, it does not produce even 5% of what is sold in the world today as “Corsican Helichrysum.”
Most of what is sold today is Helichrysum from the Bulkins. You can get your Helichrysum Oil there for 1/7th of the price of the best Corsican Helicrysum. Here is the chemistry of Both. If you can ask for a current GC from the company you are researching, well, this is what it will show. However, people cheat on this too! They will show you the Corsican GC and sell you one of the other countries’ Helichrysum. The only way to truly know is to know the producer (we have 100% transparency on all of our oils and where they come from.) and we give true testimonials on how they work for people. To be honest – If an formula or oil has not worked in the past- we have simply discontinued it. So, at this point, our dispensary is very strong.
Of the more than 500 different species of Helichrysum, Helichrysum italicum is the only one used therapeutically in French Medical Aromatherapy. The finest Helichrysum italicum is produced in Corsica, harvested fresh at 5am for critical bloom. Distilled for 1.5 hour to capture its peak constituents. While the market is flooded with Helichrysum sourced from Croatia and Ukraine, the chemical make-up of these oils is distinctly different (see below), and so is the aroma. Corsica’s serotinum variety, however, contains the highest levels of Neryl Acetate and di-ketones, both compounds known for their exceptional healing properties. When it comes to finding the best Helichrysum essential oil, look to Melissa’s Botanicals Corsican Helichrysum and nowhere else.
Two most important constituents for healing are the Neryl acetate content and the diketone called Italidone. (see below for details!)
The man whom first distilled Helichrysum for its medicinal properties is Mister Von Keyserling. He now grows DEMETER Helichrysum italicum var. serotinum and harvests the WILD subspecies of this plant. When Melissa owned Simplers, she left france to meet Mr. Keyserling and Sophia and Bianca, his daughters close to Melissa’s age. The three have become very close and Melissa gets her Helichrysum only from this family. The farm is biodynamic and and distills many plants. To see a video of Melissa at ENC – visit MelissaFarris.com.
We have so many uses for Helichrysum. It is a sesquiterpene / Ester, so it can be used neat on the skin. It is in almost all of our wellness formulas. . See the chemistry above to see how superior the Corsican Helichrysum is and why we find it an indispensable part of your home pharmacy.
Uses
- Bath, Compress, Massage, Neat and Skin Care.
- General analgesic – Apply 2-3 drops where pain is located. For stronger relief, mix with 2-3 drops of Peppermint essential oil to help with nagging neck and back pain, TMJ symptoms, arthritic pain, peripheral neuropathy, and even restless leg syndrome. Add 5 drops Helichrysum to 10 drops Peppermint for an area as large as a forearm. Massage and let essential oils penetrate skin for 2-3 minutes. Also recommend mixing with Melissa’s Botanicals P*!N Remedy for all of the above. Follow-up with lotion, if desired.
- Burns – Apply a thin layer of equal parts helichrysum and lavender undiluted to burn site as soon as possible for immediate relief. For ongoing wound maintenance, use often. Helps reduce and stop scarring.
- Inflammation – For impact injuries such as sprains, strains, and broken bones, apply undiluted immediately to prevent initial swelling. Use enough to cover the affected area in a thin layer (often only a few drops). Repeat every 30 minutes, as necessary. Helichrysum can also be mixed with Blue Chamomile essential oil and Lavender for further anti-inflammatory effects.
- Scar treatment and prevention – For maximum benefit, use a mixture of 3 drops each Lavender and 3 drops Helichrysum and rub on scar area or scab. (Wait until scab forms to start applying). Continue use until scar is healed and there are no signs of skin damage. This does not work on scars that are more than a year old. Massage deeply to break up scar tissue on entire area.
- Anti-aging – Pat 5 drops on face and neck twice a day to clean skin. Wait 2 minutes for Helichrysum to penetrate, then add moisturizer. Add Lavender Reserve for maximum bennifits.
Helichysum and Lavender reduce large pours, fine lines, wrinkles, redness and acne. Most importantly, it restores underlying tissue for a more youthful glow and appearance and must be used regularly for best results. Both Lavender and Helichrysum help break down damaged cells and rebuild healthy tissue. - Tinnitus – Apply 1 drop behind the ear. Apply a second drop to a cotton ball and place in ear before sleep.
How Does It Work
- Analgesic – Reduces pain
- Anti- inflammatory – Reduces swelling, redness, and inflammation
- Astringent – Strengthens skin and other tissue. Reduces secretions
- Regulation – Helps balance and normalize bodily functions
- Vulnerary – Protects and promotes skin healing and cell regeneration
- Skin Barrier Support: It promotes epidermal differentiation and increases the synthesis of ceramides, which are crucial for protecting and repairing the skin barrier.
- Collagen Stimulation: It helps stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and reducing signs of aging.
- Soothing & Anti-inflammatory: It provides a calming effect and has vasoconstrictive properties, making it excellent for treating bruises, inflammation, and skin irritation.
- Tissue Regeneration: They are recognized for their ability to promote cellular turnover and regenerate damaged skin tissue, making them effective for scarring.
- Intense Anti-inflammatory: They inhibit enzymes (COX and LOX) that cause inflammation, reducing pain and redness.
- Antioxidant: They protect the skin from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.
- Aroma: They act as key odorants, contributing to the oil’s intense, herbaceous scent.
| Feature | Neryl Acetate (Esters) | Diketones/Italidiones (Ketones) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Function | Skin barrier, Ceramide production | Tissue regeneration, Scar healing |
| Action | Soothing, Firming | Anti-inflammatory (COX/LOX inhibitor) |
| Primary Use | Dryness, Inflammation, Bruises | Scars, Wound healing, Anti-aging |
| Concentration | Very High (≈42%) | Moderate/Lower (Italidiones ≈12%) |
Shelf Life
Helichrysum should get better with time if stored in a cool dark place. But since the oxygen in the bottle is inevitable while you use it, 5-8 years is an average time to keep your helichrysum for. Having said that, our owner has 25 year old helichrysums that smell aged, and amazing. So – Why not keep an Archive of your oils and come beck to them 10 years later – you may be surprised what you see/ smell!
Ingredients & Sourcing
100% Pure therapeutic Helichrysum from Corsica
Botanical name: Helicrysum italicum
Source: SA Plantes Aromatics du Diois (SAPAD) 100% organic Located in Provence, France
All Melissa’s Botanicals products are GRAS – Generally regarded as safe.
Cautions
If swelling, redness or irritation occurs, discontinue use. Use Olive oil to remove from Skin. If you have sensitive skin, try 1 drop of essential oil on the inner arm and monitor effects for 24 hours. Keep out of reach of children. Keep away from eyes. Use with caution while pregnant or nursing.
Tips
Of the more than 500 different species of Helichrysum, Helichrysum italicum is the only one used therapeutically in French Medical Aromatherapy. The finest Helichrysum italicum is produced in Corsica, harvested fresh at 5am for critical bloom. Distilled for 1.5 hour to capture its peak constituents. While the market is flooded with Helichrysum sourced from Croatia and Ukraine, the chemical make-up of these oils is distinctly different (see below), and so is the aroma. Corsica’s serotinum variety, however, contains the highest levels of Neryl Acetate and di-ketones, both compounds known for their exceptional healing properties. When it comes to finding the best Helichrysum essential oil, look to Melissa’s Botanicals Corsican Helichrysum and nowhere else.
Two most important constituents for healing are the Neryl acetate content and the Diketones called Italidone 1 and 2.
Our Corsican Wild and Biodynamic Helicrhsyum have the HIGHEST levels that we have ever seen on a GC before.
Look below and compare Melissa’s Botanicals to “normal French Helichrysum Oils” found in French Pharmacies, and our main competitor’s GC.
- Melissa’s Botanicals Helichrysum, italicum var. serotinum sourced from Melissas life-time friends in Corsica called ENC. Mr. VonKeiserling is also the owner whom was the first to ever distill Helichrysum for it’s regenerative properties, in 1982. With a laboratory on his farm, he was able to test the best areas to harvest and grow helichrysum in.
- Organically Certified and Wildcrafted
- Neryle Acetate -%44.7
- Diketones – Italidione – 16.81%
- DEMETER CERTIFIED – Biodynamic
- Neryle Acetate -%44.7
- Diketones – Italidione – 16.81%
- French and Corsican tested from 12 French Pharmacies
- Neryl acetate – 25-40%
- Diketone – Italidione – 8-10%
- Our Main Competitor in the USA sources thier Helichrysum from the Balkin area. This helichrysum is actually a different species and is usually distilled and sold to flavor tobacco products.
- Neryl acetate – 6-8%
- Diketone – Italidione – 4-6%