For the best experience, please upgrade. Learn more
The Healing Wonders of Helichrysum Oil
A New Approach to alleviating Common Sports Injuries Using Helichrysum Italicum Essential Oil: A Review of Alternative Medicine for Health and Fitness Enthusiasts Most dedicated athletes are willing to try anything within reason (a very flexible term in itself) to overcome injury so that they may resume training and/or competition. ‘Rest’ is never what they [...]
November 15 2006
A New Approach to alleviating Common Sports Injuries Using Helichrysum Italicum Essential Oil: A Review of Alternative Medicine for Health and Fitness Enthusiasts
Most dedicated athletes are willing to try anything within reason (a very flexible term in itself) to overcome injury so that they may resume training and/or competition. ‘Rest’ is never what they want to hear – they want to get right back into the swing of things. The more common injuries – tendonitis, strains and sprains, and variations of these conditions are found in many sports; they typically include inflammation and some sort of tissue damage. Programs for relief are fairly well-known; they each have their plusses and minuses. Rarely, however, do athletes or trainers consider the possibilities of ‘aroma’-therapy. The name itself presents a very ‘touchy-feel’ type of medicine, not considered strong enough or truly effective enough for practical application. However, what aromatherapy is really working with are complex phytochemical compounds with a broad spectrum of interaction with human biochemistry. It is under these auspices that athletes and trainers may investigate the usefulness of Helichrysum Italicum essential oil.
Medical aromatherapists understand the efficacy of essential oils for particular conditions; the oils are not considered a natural approach, but each plant offers chemical compounds with a clear specificity of effects. Beyond the effects of each chemical compound within an oil, some oils efficacy is a clear synergy of the particular chemical makeup. Individual chemicals within essential oils are well-known antivirals, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, expectorants, mucolytics, anti-tumorials…and the list goes on. Some essential oils will contain synergies of these compounds; oils suggested for colds will contain components that are antibacterial, antiviral, and mucolytic (cleanses breathing passages) all in one essential oil. And what does this offer for the injured athlete? The possibility of a speedier return to training and competition with Helichrysum italicum essential oil, which contains a synergy of compounds which can act to support healing of a great variety of common injuries.
The physiological basis of many sports injuries, both chronic – from overuse – and acute, from impacts, twists, and strains, have many similarities. There is usually some cells that have suffered structural damage – some enough that the cells will die and need to be re-grown. There is typically inflammation, which can be a means of the cells protecting themselves or a result of fluid leakage into the intracellular space. This fluid can be blood from damaged capillaries, and appear as bruising; either way, the swelling will block proper perfusion – or nutrient and waste exchange – at the damaged site. This can lead to secondary damage – where cells around the originally damaged tendon, ligament or muscle cells are also becoming damaged by lack of oxygenation or nutrient supply. Further damage can occur through the over-production of free-radicals under such conditions. One can imagine the phenomenon of ice being applied immediately after an injury leading to a significantly shorter (and less painful) recovery – a long wait increases the possibility of secondary damage. The ice eliminates the secondary damage associated with swelling and oxidation from occurring.
Now for a look at the synergistic actions of Helichrysum Italicum essential oil (there are several types of Helichrysum essential oil available – it is the Italicum, also known as Everlasting or Immortele, that has these particular properties. It is more rare and more costly than other types of Helichrysum, but worth the extra cost). Helichrysum has a high percentage of anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenes – nearly 50% of its makeup. Another 40% is made up of Esters with marked relaxing effects on tissues – relieving tension in injured areas and allowing natural perfusion to take place. The third major component is a di-ketone, which signals tissues to regenerate. These di-ketones are rare, and Helichrysum Italicum contains the highest known percentage.
It is the synergistic activity of these components working together on an injured area that can have a pronounced effect on healing common sports-related injuries. One professional athlete recently relayed an account of his use of the oil – after lack of success in reducing Achilles tendonitis, he was sure he was going to have to drop out of an important upcoming event. He had been taking MSM, using topical Dimethylsulfoxide, consuming oral anti-infamies, and attempting to address the imbalance which had caused the injury in the first place – all to no avail. After learning about Helichrysum, he decided it was worth a try, and after three days of regular application to the tendon, the pain was gone and he was able to continue his training at maximum capacity!
While this is only one case, it is interesting that relief was found so quickly, and to a chronic injury that was otherwise difficult to tackle. The scientific medical aromatherapy literature describes usage for acute injuries (such as recently twisted ankles, wrists, or areas bruised from impact) more frequently. According to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in Advanced Aromatherapy, “Everlasting oil is certainly one of the most astounding essential oils. Its very unique chemical composition along with (all) essential oil’s ability to penetrate into tissue and the circulatory system permit some spectacular methods. Used for bruises, sprains, and twisted ankles – usually accompanied by swelling and subsequent hemorrhages – this oil proves practically to be a wonder.” He goes on to mention that the earlier the application of the oil following an acute injury, the more pronounced the healing effect.
If you decide to try the oil for yourself, be sure of your source, and that the variety is correct one discussed here. The oil is appropriate for a range of injuries – minor to major – though of course, it is not a substitute for proper medical attention in any way. Using the oil in conduction with a prescribed therapy should be discussed with your doctor. The literature does state that the oil is very well tolerated, and can be applied directly to the skin undiluted. An application of a thin film a few times a day, as soon as chronic pain is noted, or an acute injury occurs, is best. The oil can be used on the broken or damaged skin – in fact, it is included in formulas to reduce scar formation along with Rosehipseed and Hazelnut oils (a 5% dilution of Helichrysum in a 50/50 blend of these two base oils can be used to support wound healing). As with any therapy, be aware of how you’re the body is responding to the application, and consult a medical professional with any questions or concerns about its use. In summary, Helichrysum italicum essential oil is a gentle, topical exposure which may speed healing for many common sport-related injuries. It is regarded as a very safe oil and is worth a try if you are in need of such support.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual weight loss results will vary. By using this site you agree to follow the Privacy Policy and all Terms & Conditions printed on this site. Void Where Prohibited By Law.Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications. A Doctor’s advice should be sought before using this and any supplemental dietary product.
ANANDA CONTINUES JUST DIFFERENTLY You will soon see a slight change to our website. We have decided to transition the online store to a resource and information site.So while you can not purchase products, you can still have access to the incredible depth of information!We have 16 years of research, and useful tidbits about Essentials oils, CO2 extracts, Carrier Oils and […]
In Eternal Memory of Eric Cech, Ananda’s Founder “The best business model I can hope for is one that will run out of business.” – Eric Cech Eric’s business mindset was otherworldly. He admitted in casual conversation to his wife Anita one day: “The best business model I can hope for is one that […]
We Want You To Know – We Have Heard You. Your sentiments are important to us. We are considering our next steps with YOU in mind. Dearest Ananda Customers~ Many of you have asked us if this closure is permanent, or if there is any way we may be able to remain open, or make […]
It Comes with the Greatest Pleasure To let You Know… that…Because of YOU Ananda has Managed to Survive one of the Most Uncertain Times of its Tenure ~ We can not thank you enough for your enormous patience, understanding and support. From your incoming calls, comments on social media, direct messages across various channels, emails […]
Here are a small fraction of the heartfelt responses we have received following the notice of our business closure and liquidation sale. We offer all of you a deserved shout out for being the improbable, most essential, significant, factor in creating the Dream you are voicing to us: Hope for a Sustainable Future and Provider […]
Thank You For your Support Since 2004 The Ananda Apothecary is Closing Business SAD BUT TRUE As previously disclosed, The Ananda Apothecary has been greatly affected by to the global health situation. Bottom line is, we were increasing growing slim on product with no resupply any time soon. We are unable to get goods […]
* SPRING CLEANING SPECIAL * *OFFERS VALID APRIL 24 – MAY 2, OR UNTIL SUPPLIES LAST. SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. WE’RE GIVING OILS AWAY Get Yours Today! WITH ANY PURCHASE THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET GET UP TO THREE OF YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE OILS FREE *We have limited supplies due to overseas shipping restrictions. Order now while supplies last. ALSO […]
100% pure and genuine
×
What aspect of your life are you looking to improve?
window.cfields = {"1":"quiz_score"};
window._show_thank_you = function(id, message, trackcmp_url) {
var form = document.getElementById('_form_' + id + '_'), thank_you = form.querySelector('._form-thank-you');
form.querySelector('._form-content').style.display = 'none';
thank_you.innerHTML = message;
thank_you.style.display = 'block';
if (typeof(trackcmp_url) != 'undefined' && trackcmp_url) {
// Site tracking URL to use after inline form submission.
_load_script(trackcmp_url);
}
if (typeof window._form_callback !== 'undefined') window._form_callback(id);
};
window._show_error = function(id, message, html) {
var form = document.getElementById('_form_' + id + '_'), err = document.createElement('div'), button = form.querySelector('button'), old_error = form.querySelector('._form_error');
if (old_error) old_error.parentNode.removeChild(old_error);
err.innerHTML = message;
err.className = '_error-inner _form_error _no_arrow';
var wrapper = document.createElement('div');
wrapper.className = '_form-inner';
wrapper.appendChild(err);
button.parentNode.insertBefore(wrapper, button);
document.querySelector('[id^="_form"][id$="_submit"]').disabled = false;
if (html) {
var div = document.createElement('div');
div.className = '_error-html';
div.innerHTML = html;
err.appendChild(div);
}
};
window._load_script = function(url, callback) {
var head = document.querySelector('head'), script = document.createElement('script'), r = false;
script.type = 'text/javascript';
script.charset = 'utf-8';
script.src = url;
if (callback) {
script.onload = script.onreadystatechange = function() {
if (!r && (!this.readyState || this.readyState == 'complete')) {
r = true;
callback();
}
};
}
head.appendChild(script);
};
(function() {
if (window.location.search.search("excludeform") !== -1) return false;
var getCookie = function(name) {
var match = document.cookie.match(new RegExp('(^|; )' + name + '=([^;]+)'));
return match ? match[2] : null;
}
var setCookie = function(name, value) {
var now = new Date();
var time = now.getTime();
var expireTime = time + 1000 * 60 * 60 * 24 * 365;
now.setTime(expireTime);
document.cookie = name + '=' + value + '; expires=' + now + ';path=/';
}
var addEvent = function(element, event, func) {
if (element.addEventListener) {
element.addEventListener(event, func);
} else {
var oldFunc = element['on' + event];
element['on' + event] = function() {
oldFunc.apply(this, arguments);
func.apply(this, arguments);
};
}
}
var _removed = false;
var form_to_submit = document.getElementById('_form_3_');
var allInputs = form_to_submit.querySelectorAll('input, select, textarea'), tooltips = [], submitted = false; var getUrlParam = function(name) {
var regexStr = '[\?&]' + name + '=([^&#]*)';
var results = new RegExp(regexStr, 'i').exec(window.location.href);
return results != undefined ? decodeURIComponent(results[1]) : false;
}; for (var i = 0; i < allInputs.length; i++) {
var regexStr = "field\\[(\\d+)\\]";
var results = new RegExp(regexStr).exec(allInputs[i].name);
if (results != undefined) {
allInputs[i].dataset.name = window.cfields[results[1]];
} else {
allInputs[i].dataset.name = allInputs[i].name;
}
var fieldVal = getUrlParam(allInputs[i].dataset.name); if (fieldVal) {
if (allInputs[i].type == "radio" || allInputs[i].type == "checkbox") {
if (allInputs[i].value == fieldVal) {
allInputs[i].checked = true;
}
} else {
allInputs[i].value = fieldVal;
}
}
} var remove_tooltips = function() {
for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) {
tooltips[i].tip.parentNode.removeChild(tooltips[i].tip);
}
tooltips = [];
};
var remove_tooltip = function(elem) {
for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) {
if (tooltips[i].elem === elem) {
tooltips[i].tip.parentNode.removeChild(tooltips[i].tip);
tooltips.splice(i, 1);
return;
}
}
};
var create_tooltip = function(elem, text) {
var tooltip = document.createElement('div'), arrow = document.createElement('div'), inner = document.createElement('div'), new_tooltip = {};
if (elem.type != 'radio' && elem.type != 'checkbox') {
tooltip.className = '_error';
arrow.className = '_error-arrow';
inner.className = '_error-inner';
inner.innerHTML = text;
tooltip.appendChild(arrow);
tooltip.appendChild(inner);
elem.parentNode.appendChild(tooltip);
} else {
tooltip.className = '_error-inner _no_arrow';
tooltip.innerHTML = text;
elem.parentNode.insertBefore(tooltip, elem);
new_tooltip.no_arrow = true;
}
new_tooltip.tip = tooltip;
new_tooltip.elem = elem;
tooltips.push(new_tooltip);
return new_tooltip;
};
var resize_tooltip = function(tooltip) {
var rect = tooltip.elem.getBoundingClientRect();
var doc = document.documentElement, scrollPosition = rect.top - ((window.pageYOffset || doc.scrollTop) - (doc.clientTop || 0));
if (scrollPosition < 40) {
tooltip.tip.className = tooltip.tip.className.replace(/ ?(_above|_below) ?/g, '') + ' _below';
} else {
tooltip.tip.className = tooltip.tip.className.replace(/ ?(_above|_below) ?/g, '') + ' _above';
}
};
var resize_tooltips = function() {
if (_removed) return;
for (var i = 0; i < tooltips.length; i++) {
if (!tooltips[i].no_arrow) resize_tooltip(tooltips[i]);
}
};
var validate_field = function(elem, remove) {
var tooltip = null, value = elem.value, no_error = true;
remove ? remove_tooltip(elem) : false;
if (elem.type != 'checkbox') elem.className = elem.className.replace(/ ?_has_error ?/g, '');
if (elem.getAttribute('required') !== null) {
if (elem.type == 'radio' || (elem.type == 'checkbox' && /any/.test(elem.className))) {
var elems = form_to_submit.elements[elem.name];
if (!(elems instanceof NodeList || elems instanceof HTMLCollection) || elems.length <= 1) {
no_error = elem.checked;
}
else {
no_error = false;
for (var i = 0; i < elems.length; i++) {
if (elems[i].checked) no_error = true;
}
}
if (!no_error) {
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Please select an option.");
}
} else if (elem.type =='checkbox') {
var elems = form_to_submit.elements[elem.name], found = false, err = [];
no_error = true;
for (var i = 0; i < elems.length; i++) {
if (elems[i].getAttribute('required') === null) continue;
if (!found && elems[i] !== elem) return true;
found = true;
elems[i].className = elems[i].className.replace(/ ?_has_error ?/g, '');
if (!elems[i].checked) {
no_error = false;
elems[i].className = elems[i].className + ' _has_error';
err.push("Checking %s is required".replace("%s", elems[i].value));
}
}
if (!no_error) {
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, err.join(' '));
}
} else if (elem.tagName == 'SELECT') {
var selected = true;
if (elem.multiple) {
selected = false;
for (var i = 0; i < elem.options.length; i++) {
if (elem.options[i].selected) {
selected = true;
break;
}
}
} else {
for (var i = 0; i < elem.options.length; i++) {
if (elem.options[i].selected && !elem.options[i].value) {
selected = false;
}
}
}
if (!selected) {
elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error';
no_error = false;
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Please select an option.");
}
} else if (value === undefined || value === null || value === '') {
elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error';
no_error = false;
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "This field is required.");
}
}
if (no_error && elem.name == 'email') {
if (!value.match(/^[\+_a-z0-9-'&=]+(\.[\+_a-z0-9-']+)*@[a-z0-9-]+(\.[a-z0-9-]+)*(\.[a-z]{2,})$/i)) {
elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error';
no_error = false;
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Enter a valid email address.");
}
}
if (no_error && /date_field/.test(elem.className)) {
if (!value.match(/^\d\d\d\d-\d\d-\d\d$/)) {
elem.className = elem.className + ' _has_error';
no_error = false;
tooltip = create_tooltip(elem, "Enter a valid date.");
}
}
tooltip ? resize_tooltip(tooltip) : false;
return no_error;
};
var needs_validate = function(el) {
return el.name == 'email' || el.getAttribute('required') !== null;
};
var validate_form = function(e) {
var err = form_to_submit.querySelector('._form_error'), no_error = true;
if (!submitted) {
submitted = true;
for (var i = 0, len = allInputs.length; i < len; i++) {
var input = allInputs[i];
if (needs_validate(input)) {
if (input.type == 'text') {
addEvent(input, 'blur', function() {
this.value = this.value.trim();
validate_field(this, true);
});
addEvent(input, 'input', function() {
validate_field(this, true);
});
} else if (input.type == 'radio' || input.type == 'checkbox') {
(function(el) {
var radios = form_to_submit.elements[el.name];
for (var i = 0; i < radios.length; i++) {
addEvent(radios[i], 'click', function() {
validate_field(el, true);
});
}
})(input);
} else if (input.tagName == 'SELECT') {
addEvent(input, 'change', function() {
validate_field(this, true);
});
} else if (input.type == 'textarea'){
addEvent(input, 'input', function() {
validate_field(this, true);
});
}
}
}
}
remove_tooltips();
for (var i = 0, len = allInputs.length; i < len; i++) {
var elem = allInputs[i];
if (needs_validate(elem)) {
if (elem.tagName.toLowerCase() !== "select") {
elem.value = elem.value.trim();
}
validate_field(elem) ? true : no_error = false;
}
}
if (!no_error && e) {
e.preventDefault();
}
resize_tooltips();
return no_error;
};
addEvent(window, 'resize', resize_tooltips);
addEvent(window, 'scroll', resize_tooltips);
window._old_serialize = null;
if (typeof serialize !== 'undefined') window._old_serialize = window.serialize;
_load_script("//d3rxaij56vjege.cloudfront.net/form-serialize/0.3/serialize.min.js", function() {
window._form_serialize = window.serialize;
if (window._old_serialize) window.serialize = window._old_serialize;
});
var form_submit = function(e) {
e.preventDefault();
if (validate_form()) {
// use this trick to get the submit button & disable it using plain javascript
document.querySelector('#_form_3_submit').disabled = true;
var serialized = _form_serialize(document.getElementById('_form_3_'));
var err = form_to_submit.querySelector('._form_error');
err ? err.parentNode.removeChild(err) : false;
_load_script('https://anandaapothecary.activehosted.com/proc.php?' + serialized + '&jsonp=true');
}
return false;
};
addEvent(form_to_submit, 'submit', form_submit);
})();
You'll receive your quiz results along with occasional updates, news, and training from Ananda Apothecary. We promise to only send you things of real value!