From the hands of ancient healers to the labs of modern scientists, helichrysum is a timeless botanical with remarkable promise. Also known as the immortelle flower, this golden bloom from the Mediterranean has long played a role in rituals of renewal. And now, its benefits are making their way into the world of skincare.
As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant flower with a calming energy, helichrysum offers age-defying support for the mind, body, and soul. What’s behind its enduring appeal across cultures and generations? Here is a glimpse into the immortelle’s ancient lore, current scientific research, and a few ideas about infusing it into your own wellness rituals.
Meet Helichrysum: The Immortelle Flower
Helichrysum is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The most well-known and studied species is Helichrysum italicum, often referred to as "immortelle" or "everlasting." These nicknames stem from the remarkable longevity of its flowers, which stay vibrant and richly scented even after harvesting.
The name Helichrysum combines the Greek words helios (meaning "sun") and chrysos (meaning "gold"), perfectly capturing its sunlit, golden appearance. Yet, Helichrysum's appeal goes far beyond its enduring beauty. Each flower carries a complex, captivating aroma: earthy, spicy, and sweet, with subtle hints of honey, tea tree, and soft herbal or woody notes hidden in its depths.
Throughout the summer, clusters of these bright yellow blooms dot the Mediterranean, blooming in succession over several months, scenting the air with a herbal and honey-like fragrance.
Helichrysum essential oil is highly prized because of its aromatic complexity, and it's widely used in skincare, aromatherapy, and beyond.
A Legacy Rooted in Ancient Rituals
The tradition of Helichrysum as a healing herb is not a new discovery. Its magical aroma and effects have charmed poets, herbalists, and healers for millennia. It held a sacred place not only in ceremonial rituals but also in daily life.
The lore surrounding Helichrysum revolves around ancient Greece, where it was revered for its golden, sun-like blossoms and was associated with the god Apollo. It was woven into garlands, applied to crowns for heroes, and used to decorate temples.
During ancient marriage ceremonies, revelers would often weave Helichrysum flowers into garlands and crowns. According to this tradition, Helichrysum was a symbol of renewal, immortality, and divine favor, serving as the perfect symbolic decoration of love.
This golden immortal flower was also closely tied to ancient medicinal uses. Healers used it to treat wounds and soothe conditions of the lungs, liver, and skin.
Helichrysum's presence in festivals, weddings, and healing rites reflects its continued symbolism of protection, vitality, and connection, traditions we see carried on in modern herbalism and aromatherapy.
The Age-Defying Potential of Helichrysum Essential Oil
Once rooted in the rituals and lore of Ancient Greece, Helichrysum is now gaining scientific recognition for its remarkable properties for skin care. Helichrysum italicum has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing effects, all of which contribute to Helichrysum oil's reputation as an age-defying ingredient.
The Immortelle flower's secrets lie in its complex composition. Helichrysum oil contains flavonoids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds known to support skin health, regeneration, and resilience. While clinical trials have shown a favorable safety profile, research into the full therapeutic potential of Helichrysum essential oil is still ongoing.
Here are a few of the most interesting highlights so far:
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Helichrysum italicum has shown strong anti-inflammatory effects in both lab and animal studies. Its extracts inhibit key enzymes (cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase), helping to reduce inflammation and prevent skin irritation. Both factors can help slow the visible signs of aging skin.
Some studies even suggest corticoid-like effects that may help alleviate stress, which impacts certain signs of aging.
Antioxidant Properties
Aligned with its inflammatory qualities, Helichrysum also produces flavonoids and terpenes, which are known to neutralize free radicals. Reducing the activity of free radicals helps mitigate oxidative stress, which is a leading cause of premature aging. Helichrysum oil's beneficial antioxidant effects may help preserve skin elasticity, tone, and youthful appearance over time.
Skincare Support
Like ancient Greek herbalists relied on Helichrysum to support wound healing, today’s researchers have found that the immortelle flower stimulates skin stem cell production after injury. Animal studies have shown that topical applications speed up skin renewal.
In another area of study on topical Helichrysum, scientists have found that it increases collagen production, which is important for tissue repair, and may also prove invaluable for anti-aging skincare formulations.
Calming Capacity
Helichrysum essential oil may also have a calming effect when used within an aromatherapy context. In animal studies, there are reports that Helichrysum oil helps calm nerves and lift mood. A small pilot study also showed that a blend of essential oils containing Helichrysum seemed to reduce the experience of burnout among a small group of participants.
While indirect, these aromatic effects could help protect skin health and slow visible signs of aging by supporting overall emotional well-being and reducing stress-related damage.
Holistic Wellness Rituals Featuring Helichrysum
From ancient lore to scientific study, it's not surprising to see Helichrysum once again making an appearance in our wellness rituals. These days, Helichrysum oil is making its way into essential oil blends, aromatherapy candles, herbal teas, and skincare products.
For both the mind, body, and soul, this golden Mediterranean flower has much to offer. So, how can you infuse your routine with the warming, herbal notes of the immortelle flower?
Here are a few ideas for how to introduce it into your life:
Add it to Your Daily Skincare Ritual
Lightweight yet ultra-luxurious, our Beyond Body Oil is a powerful addition to your skincare toolkit. Centered around organic hemp CBD and Helichrysum oil, as well as jojoba and apricot kernel oil, this is a highly concentrated moisturizer rich with antioxidants and omega-rich fatty acids.
Created to harness Helichrysum oil benefits for the face and body, this nourishing oil not only helps with dryness but is also designed to make your skin glow.
Infuse Your Evening With a Moment of Peace
There's no better way to experience the calming and rejuvenating properties of Helichrysum than with our Unwind Bath Gem. It's a soothing bath soak that blends Epsom salt, magnesium, and Helichrysum essential oil for a deeply restorative experience.
As the warm water releases the oil's gentle aroma, it creates a calming aromatherapy session while also nourishing your skin with the flower’s anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties. The end result is a relaxed mind, soft, hydrated skin, and a body perfectly primed for sleep.
Experience the Benefits of Helichrysum Oil for Yourself
Helichrysum oil captures the rituals of ancient Greece, the warm slopes of the Mediterranean hillsides, and a scent dripping in herbs and honey, all in one simple flower.
But the immortelle flower’s allure isn’t just rooted in its rich history or captivating aroma—it also lies in its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a prized ingredient in modern skincare.
At Prima, we thoughtfully source our ingredients and craft every formula with plant-powered precision. We are committed to clean, functional, and effective wellness skincare solutions, so it’s no wonder we’ve infused Helichrysum oil into our line.
With Helichrysum at the heart of select formulations, you can nourish your skin, calm your mind, and embrace the radiant, age-defying benefits of this remarkable flower every day.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this content is for general knowledge and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD or any hemp-derived products, especially if you have underlying health conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking prescription medications.
