Immortelle – oil for the skin

In short
Composition and properties
History and Origin
Benefits in aromatherapy
Popular properties
Primavera immortelle
How to apply it
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Helichrysum italicum is a plant of the Asteraceae family. Immortelle essential oil is considered one of the most valuable oils in aromatherapy. The true Helichrysum italicum, also known as Immortelle , is grown in only a few places in the world, mainly in the Mediterranean, and is unsurpassed in its ability to rejuvenate the skin. It has a strong anti-aging effect and supports the natural regeneration of the epidermis. It makes the skin firm, smooth and radiant.

In short

Helichrysum italicum essential oil is among the most valued for skin care.
It is associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and with support for epidermal regeneration.
Always dilute; true Mediterranean oil is rare and more expensive.

While this is one of its most popular properties, the incredible benefits of its use in aromatherapy certainly don’t stop there. Known for its exotic, spicy scent, many perfume manufacturers use immortelle in their products. The flowers and leaves of immortelle plants have additional uses in traditional medicine in Europe, especially in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Over the past few decades, a wealth of scientific research has been conducted in an effort to understand the properties of immortelle and why it is so useful in aromatherapy. The focus of many of these studies is to understand exactly how the natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents work. Modern science is helping to confirm what people have known for centuries: immortelle essential oil contains special properties that make it an excellent antioxidant, has high antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Due to its high content of beneficial chemical components, this essential oil can be used in many different ways to help promote health. Some of its most popular uses are for treating wounds, infections, digestive problems, supporting the nervous system and heart health, and helping with respiratory problems.

Composition of immortelle oil and its unique properties

Evening primrose oil contains rare chemical components such as diketones and neryl acetate, which are key to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Here are some of them:

Neryl esters and α-pinene: improve microcirculation and help skin regeneration.
γ- and ar-curcumenes: have powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Diketones: a major component rarely found in other oils, responsible for wound healing.

A brief history and origin of the name

The Helichrysum italicum plant is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family, also known as yellow smil (in Bulgaria there is another variety: Helichrysum arenarium ), helichrysum, immortelle (from French: immortelle ).

The etymology of the Latin name is unclear. One version is that the name comes from the Greek: ιλιχ (spiral) – twisted and χρυσός (chrysos) – gold; according to another – from ιλιος (helios) – the sun and χρυσός – gold. Both names refer to the often found golden-colored shells.

There are different species of Helichrysum that grow in different parts of the world, but in aromatherapy the species italicum is mainly used due to its specific beneficial properties. From ancient times to the present day, this plant has played an important role in the traditional medicine of Mediterranean countries - especially Italy, the island of Corsica, Spain, Portugal, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Properties and benefits of immortelle oil in aromatherapy

The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the flowers. It has a golden yellow to reddish color and an intense, spicy-woody aroma, reminiscent of curry, as its leaves have a strong, spice-like odor.

The composition of the oil includes components that are not found in other oils (diketones) or are contained in small amounts (neryl acetate). This accounts for the special properties of primrose oil and its demand among aromatherapists.

It blends well with essential oils of bergamot, black pepper, chamomile, all citrus oils, sage, cypress, geranium, juniper, lavender, neroli, oregano, palmarosa, rose, rosemary, thyme, vetiver and ylang-ylang.

Studies show that immortelle essential oil can help fight infections and reduce inflammation. Immortelle is also used to relieve allergies, colds and coughs, liver and gallbladder problems, inflammatory and infectious disorders, and insomnia.

Some of the most popular and beneficial properties of immortelle oil

In aromatherapy, either for topical application diluted with a base oil, or added to a finished product such as a face cream or body lotion.

For skin and body care

Immortelle is suitable for use on all skin types, except in cases of individual hypersensitivity to essential oils. It has a soothing effect on mixed to oily skin, mitigating inflammatory processes. It will help to alleviate the appearance of various irregularities, and the skin will remain smooth and silky. Immortelle essential oil stimulates the renewal of skin cells and thus improves its health.

For tired, withered and especially dry facial skin, immortelle essential oil will have a refreshing effect and stimulate blood circulation. Thanks to better blood flow, puffiness will gradually decrease. With its regenerating effect on the skin, immortelle essential oil perfectly nourishes extremely dry areas of the skin and has a beneficial effect on various types of dermatitis and skin allergies.

In addition to the mentioned benefits, the immortelle, in combination with other oils, will soften the more visible changes on the skin. For this reason, it is recommended to apply it on stretch marks, varicose and inflamed veins, broken capillaries and bruises. With frequent application, the immortal will restore the fullness of the skin even with possible scars. It is important to note that the essential oil of immortelle has an anti-inflammatory effect and after excessive exposure to the sun helps to reduce the redness of the skin.

For healthy and radiant skin – a scientific study found that the flavonoids and terpene compounds of immortelle are effective in fighting dangerous bacteria that can cause problems ranging from minor skin rashes to much more serious problems. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of immortelle, this essential oil is also often used on scars to prevent inflammatory processes, help with rapid healing and keep the skin healthy. It relieves redness and has a beneficial effect on burns. Helps reduce the visibility of bruises.
Works effectively against skin aging.
Skin inflammation – Immortelle oil is also associated with treating skin inflammation, again due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil – we recommend carrier oils of Spring!
Wound healing – It is known to help wounds heal faster, although the mechanisms are unclear. Skin infections are also common when a wound does not heal properly. The antimicrobial properties of immortelle may help prevent infection.
For allergies – there is scientific evidence that the anti-inflammatory properties of immortelle can reduce allergy symptoms, specifically contact dermatitis – a type of allergic rash caused by contact with an allergen. Furthermore, allergy symptoms are often the result of inflammation, which occurs when the immune system reacts to an allergen.
Colds and coughs – has antimicrobial properties that help fight colds and coughs. In addition, they can cause inflammation in the respiratory tract and nasal mucosa. The best way to relieve colds and coughs with immortelle essential oil is to use it in an aroma diffuser.
Digestive disorders – Immortelle essential oil can help stimulate stomach juices, which are necessary for breaking down food and preventing indigestion. For thousands of years, the oil has been used in Turkish folk medicine as a diuretic, helping to avoid feelings of bloating by drawing excess water from the body and relieving stomach pain.
Inflammation of muscles and joints – may be able to reduce inflammation in muscles and joints when rubbed diluted with a carrier oil into the affected area.
Infections – Immortelle’s antibacterial properties are the most researched by the scientific community. Most laboratory studies have shown that immortelle essential oil can slow or stop the growth of a number of bacteria, including those that cause staph infections.
Candida – a type of fungus that can cause thrush, thrush, and other infections throughout the body. When analyzing the composition of immortelle essential oil, both in liquid and diffused form, laboratory tests conducted in 2018 indicated that this oil may slow or stop the growth of candida.
Stress-relieving – In 2013, researchers conducted a study to see if a combination of essential oils could help reduce mental exhaustion and burnout. They used a blend of essential oils of basil, mint and immortelle. The results are very good.

Primavera Immortelle Essential Oil – the sunny magic of Corsica

It is believed that the sun is stored in the golden-yellow crown of the plant, whose energy is also transmitted to people. It strengthens the nerves, calms, restores and gives us unprecedented support for the spirit.

"As soon as the sun dries the night dew over Corsica, it is time to gather the immortelle. This intensely fragrant plant blooms all over the island among the poppies and by whose scent Napoleon once recognized his home. Before us lies a field of golden yellow flowers, swaying in the morning light. Tart, spicy, slightly sweet aromas, reminiscent of curry, waft through the already warm air.

Wearing protective gloves, the harvesters from Gut Bordeo walk through the rows. They cut the thick bundles of the herb with a sickle. Not too deep, about 20 centimeters below the flower heads, so as not to damage the base of the stems, so that the plants can sprout again. Immortelle is a valuable and sought-after herb – in the perfume industry, in aromatherapy and aromatic care.

This is what Claudia Reschoft tells us in her blog about the cultivation and cultivation of Helichrysum italicum on the farm Gut Bordeo, the estate of the von Keyserlingk family based in Corsica. The cultivation and processing of Helichrysum italicum is carried out according to the guidelines of the biodynamic certification body Demeter for the Allgäu-based aromatherapy company Primavera Life.

“Around noon, a nimble mini-truck rattles through the yard, returns to the production hall, and so collects the morning’s harvest of immortelle. A sunny, warm, fragrant wave spreads through the hall. Employees quickly spread the piles of immortelle with pitchforks. The aromatic herb must be distilled before the fermentation process begins.

The aromatic bags are poured into a large cylindrical tank. Tons of immortelle herb are repeatedly pressed with heavy stones to compress it as much as possible. The plant material is then steamed with 800 liters of water to extract the phytochemicals. After just ten minutes, 80% of the oil is dissolved, but the distillation at Gut Bordeo takes a total of about three hours. Only then can the particularly valuable, highly effective ingredients be extracted.
"From 1,2 tons of plant material, only about two liters of concentrated and aromatic essential oil can be obtained. Too small a yield, requiring so much work!"

How to properly apply immortelle essential oil

Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil (such as almond or fractionated coconut oil) when using them on the skin. You can also use an ultrasonic diffuser to safely experience the effects of immortelle oil.

To use Helichrysum essential oil for soothing or healing skin, combine 2–3 drops with your favorite carrier oil ( almond oil or jojoba oil ) and rub the mixture onto the problem area. It’s great for use on irritated skin, redness, scars, blemishes, rashes, and post-shave irritation. And if you have a rash, applying Helichrysum mixed with Lavender essential oil can help cool and soothe the itch.

When inhaling essential oils, it is wise to take breaks and keep children, pregnant women, and pets out of the room while diffusing oils, as the fumes can be harmful to them. And remember: trust professional aromatherapists, as well as the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA), which does not recommend taking essential oils internally unless under the supervision of a physician qualified in clinical aromatherapy!

Other products from the MaKaSa store that you must try

Immortelle oil is highly concentrated and highly effective. But the plant water, called hydrolate, is also widely used in aromatherapy. For a long time, Primavera researchers have been working on stabilizing immortelle plant water without the need for added alcohol, so that it can be stored for a longer period of time and remains germ-free for more than 26 months.

"We use a fermentation product made from lactic acid bacteria, which also has beneficial properties and helps maintain a healthy balance of the skin. Immortelle water soothes and relaxes emotions, is used for mature skin and acne scars, but also for bruises and minor injuries. The aroma can help calm our emotions when we are going through difficult times."

In the store "MaKaSa" you can find immortelle oil from other manufacturers . Always check if you are buying 100% pure oil. It is important to also check the Latin name described on the bottle label to see if it corresponds to the product you are looking for - Helichrysum italicum oil guarantees that the raw material used to make it is from the right plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is immortelle essential oil used for?

Helichrysum italicum is valued in aromatherapy for skin care—regeneration, scarring, and soothing. It is always diluted in a base oil such as almond or jojoba.

How do you apply immortelle oil to the skin?

A few drops in a carrier oil, topically on clean skin. Do not take internally or apply undiluted.

Does immortelle help with scars?

It is often chosen in diluted mixtures for scar care and mature skin. Results are individual — always consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Conclusion

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a basis for prevention or treatment! The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) does not recommend that essential oils be taken internally unless the application is under the supervision of a physician qualified in clinical aromatherapy! Like medications, essential oils should be treated with respect. It is important to seek professional advice and carefully follow the instructions listed on the packaging of the products you purchase.

When storing essential oils, it is important to be aware that light, heat, and oxygen can affect the integrity of the oil. Products should come from a reliable source, and should be certified by the appropriate authority in the specific country to ensure their quality. Carefully following the instructions reduces the risk of compromising your health.

Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/helichrysum-essential-oil
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324934#summary
https://www.primaveralife.com/ueber-uns/bio-anbaupartner/korsika
https://www.strandkorb-gefluester.de/2020/07/27/primavera-die-bio-pionierin-aus-dem-allgaeu/
https://www.strandkorb-gefluester.de/tag/gut-bordeo/
https://essences-naturelles-corses.fr/fr/content/4-qui-sommes-nous