Helichrysum: Why We Call it Immortelle Liquid Gold
If you have shopped with us for a while, you may have noticed one oil on our shelf that costs quite a bit more than the rest. It is also one of the most requested oils we carry. Let's talk about Helichrysum, and why so many people call it liquid gold.
Meet the Everlasting Flower
Helichrysum italicum is a small, silvery shrub with clusters of bright golden flowers that grows wild across the sunny, rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean. Its common name, Immortelle or "everlasting," comes from the way its flowers hold their color long after they are picked.
The essential oil is steam distilled from those golden blossoms. It has a warm, honeyed, slightly herbal scent that is unlike anything else in the apothecary.
Why Is It So Precious?
It simply takes a lot of flowers to make a little oil. Helichrysum has a very low yield, so a large harvest of blossoms produces only a small amount of essential oil. Add in a short growing season and high demand, and you have one of the most treasured oils in the world.
The good news is that a little goes a very long way. Most rituals call for just a drop or two.
How We Love to Use It
In your skin care routine. Add one drop of Helichrysum to a few drops of Rosehip Seed Oil or Jojoba Oil and press it into clean skin at night. It is a favorite for skin that looks tired, uneven or a little red.
In a massage blend. Dilute a drop or two in a carrier oil for a slow, comforting massage on hands, feet and shoulders.
In your apothecary kit. Many of our longtime customers keep a bottle on hand for everyday skin care moments.
Where You Will Find Helichrysum at Camp Wander
Helichrysum is such an important ingredient that it shows up in some of our most-loved formulas:
Nerve Pain & Block Salve: our bestselling salve, made with Helichrysum, Black Pepper, Birch and Clove Bud.
Fascia Ease Salve: a richly layered blend for tight, tired bodies.
#1 Whipped Tallow Cream: our richest moisturizer, infused with Helichrysum, Rose Otto and Blue Cypress.
If you love any of these, you already know a little of what Helichrysum can bring to your routine.
Is It Worth the Investment?
We think so. Because you only need a drop at a time, one 10 ml bottle lasts a long time. For anyone building a thoughtful home apothecary, Helichrysum is one of those oils that earns its place.
A Gentle Reminder
Always dilute Helichrysum with a carrier oil before applying to skin, and patch test first. Keep away from eyes. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition, check with your healthcare provider before use.