Helichrysum was one of those essential oils I put off trying because of its expense, but I am so glad I finally tried it – only a small amount is needed and I’ve seen incredible results using it on a scar from a recent surgery by blending it with rosehip seed oil. I highly recommend it!

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Latin Name: Helichrysum italicum

Description: Helichrysum is most commonly known as Immortelle and/or Everlasting. It is a fragrant herb that grows to about 2 feet tall, with long lasting, yellow daisy-like flowers, which dry as the plant matures. There are over 500 species of helichrysum, but only a few of these produce essential oil. The essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh flowers and flowering tops.

Countries of Origin: Corsica, Croatia, France, Bosnia, Spain, Italy

Scent: Helichrysum has a sweet, fruity scent with tealike undertones. It blends well with most floral and citrus essential oils, as well as clove and clary sage.

Properties: Helichrysum is an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal oil. It is often used to treat bruises and scars. It is purported to help the body reabsorb blood back into the tissue and making bruises fade and heal very quickly. Psychologically, helichrysum is comforting and soothing and is believed to help improve creativity.

Precautions:Helichrysum is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. It should not be used in children under the age of 12. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of helichrysum oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

Latin Name: Euphorbia cerifera

Description: Candelilla wax, a ¼ inch light yellow hard, brittle flake is a natural vegetable wax, hand collected from the leaves of the small Candelilla shrub, native to the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico. This wax is used in many vegan body care products as an animal-friendly substitute for beeswax.

Largest Producing Countries: Mexico, United States (Texas)

Scent: Flat

Properties: Candelilla wax is formed as an outer coating on the leaves of the Candelilla shrub and acts as a protecting agent to retain moisture and help keep the plant alive. Once separated from the plant, the wax is most often used along with other waxes to help harden them without raising their boiling points or as a food additive/glazing element. The melting point of candelilla wax is between 155 and 160 degrees F.

Products that Use Candelilla Wax: Vegan Butter Bar, Eco Baby Botanical’s Herbal Baby Bottom Balm

Latin Name: Zingiber officinalis

Family: Zingiberaceae

Description: Ginger is a perennial herb that grows to about 3 feet high and has a thick, spreading root system. Each year is grows a stalk with narrow, spear-shaped leaves and white/yellow flowers. Essential oil is steam-distilled from the unpeeled, dried ground root.

Countries of Origin: Australia, China, India, Thailand

Scent: Ginger has sharp top notes and fiery, spicy undertones. It blends well with citrus and floral essential oils.

Properties: Ginger is a warming oil and stimulates both digestion and circulation. It is often used for both travel sickness and morning sickness. Ginger oil is used in massage when muscles are cold and contracted. Ginger has been used to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder, fatigue and loss of libido as it is arousing and stimulating psychologically. Some use ginger oil in massage oil to speed up the healing of bruises.

Precautions: Do not use if you have very sensitive skin. Use at a low level (less than 2%) in massage oils. Ginger oil is non-toxic, but may cause photosensitivity.

Products where you can find Ginger essential Oil: Our Orange Ginger Spice soap.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of ginger oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.