Other common names– Everlasting, Helichrysum, Curry Plant, Imphepho, Kooigoed and Yellow Chaste Weed.

Latin – Helichrysum spp.

Parts used– Leaf and Flower

Constituents– Sesquiterpenoids, Flavanoids, Diketones, Asarone and Essential Oils.

Description:

Young plants grow large, hairy leaves in a rosette-shaped pattern, and in its second year of growth, the plant grows a pole-like spike that will later flower. That spike can range from 1-8 feet in height. Once the plant develops flowers, they are densely packed on the spike. The flowers are usually yellow and close to an inch in diameter. Typically, it is the flower “branches” that are sold as medicinal herbs. A tea made from the flowers is said to have a bitter taste, but it may be improved with other flavors like lemon, mint, or honey.

Properties– Anti-Inflammatory (Reduces inflammation), Anti-Allergenic (Prevents allergies), Anti-Aging (Slows aging), Diuretic (Increased urination), Sedative (Relaxes the body and mind), Oneirogen (Increases dreaming) and mild Astringent (Causes the contraction of body tissues).

Uses – Internally can be used as a tea, tincture, or essential oil for inflammatory conditions, minor digestive complaints, gall bladder disorders, water retention, rheumatism, cystitis, and ulcers. Externally a tea or essential oil is used for its wound healing and anti-aging properties. Helichrysum species are also known to effectively induce vivid dreams.

Health Benefits:

• Cough
• Asthma
• Ear Pain
• Antibacterial
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Parasites
• Flu
• Wounds
• Staph Infections
• skim
  

Cautions: Should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation. Otherwise, there are no contraindications when used properly.

Bright and full of life, Helichrysum shines likes the sun! There are over 600 different species spread across the whole of the world. Relative of the sunflower in the Asteraceae family this herb makes for an excellent addition to tea blends or alone for its various medicinal applications. It is said that the Immortelle flower fights the ravaging of aging, making one’s skin soft and supple. Since it has astringent qualities it can also be used for reducing the sagginess of skin. It’s therapeutic constituents encourage new skin cell growth making it great for wrinkles, blemishes, acne, age spots, dermatitis, boils, psoriasis and many other skin conditions. It is also commonly used in treating coughs, colds, and headaches. As far as its neurogenic effect, it is often used as a visionary herb for lucid dreaming, either smoked in combination with tobacco, other herbal smoking mixtures or as a pleasant bedtime tea. Among other applications, it is used as sweet scented relaxing meditative incense. Many use the incense for ceremonies, initiations, and deep dream work.