Practical Aromatherapy: Helichrysum Oil for Healing Bangs, Bruises and More

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.

At it's basis, aromatherapy deals with the use of volatile aromatic compounds naturally produced by the majority of plant species on earth. The difference in the chemical makeup of these essential oils varies tremendously, and so does the biological effect of each class of natural aromatic compound. Many are known as strongly anti-bacterial or anti-viral, others stimulate tissue regeneration, others will reduce inflammation, some are analgesic (pain relieving), while still others enhance circulation (and the list goes on!). The individual chemical makeup of the essential oil from each plant give that oil it's healing characteristics. The makeup of one particular essential oil, that distilled from the flowers of Helichrysum Italicum, includes a very synergistic combination of compounds that are known to be anti-hematomatic (active against blood clots), tissue regenerative, free-radical scavenging (anti-oxidant), and anti-inflammatory.

What is happening on a physiological level with many sports injuries that could make Helichrysum such an effective means of treatment? Many sports-related injuries have a few common factors. First, there is the 'primary' damaged tissue. In chronic, over-use injuries, this is the major concern - cells of muscle or connective tissue have been structurally damaged and are not given enough rest time to repair. In acute injuries, such as a twisted ankle or impact related damage, beyond the primary injury - the immediately damaged cellular tissues, there is often secondary cellular damage as a result of swelling and bruising (leaking and clotting of blood in the injured area). This swelling prevents more cells from proper nutrient/waste exchange, an increase in damaging free-radical production, and can lead to further cell damage and death. (This is why immediate application of ice to an acute injury can have a substantial effect on the total damage and the speed of healing - the 'secondary' cellular damage can be significantly lessened by the prevention of swelling and the lowering of the metabolic rate and demands of the surrounding tissues).

Enter the activity of Helichrysum essential oil. It has a high percentage of anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene hydrocarbons - this compound acts by dissipating free radicals. The oil's other major components include neryl acetate, a monoterpenoid ester with distinct, relaxing effects that can reduce tension of the tissues in the area of the injury. The third major component are the regenerative di-ketones, found in significant quantities only in Helichrysum oil. "The pain- reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect of everlasting (Helichrysum) is unique: If applied in time, it prevents hemorrhaging. It is also very effective for joint pain..." - Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, Advanced Aromatherapy.

In 'Medical Aromatherapy', Dr. Schnaubelt indicates that the effects of many essential oils cannot be explained completely by the actions of their individual components - many oils' effects are greater than the sum of their parts. The synergy of the components in Helichrysum produces a particularly sensational healing result. A recent user of the oil, who had been a professional triathlete, then cyclist, then 'casual' marathon runner, was having chronic pain in an achilles tendon. Overuse - and perhaps a stiff clutch on an old car - lead him to believe that despite excellent fitness, he wound not be able to take part in an upcoming major marathon. The injury hurt every time he ran; he had been a proponent of alternative therapies for many years, with some success using DMSO for tendon-related inflammation. He had not found DMSO (often used on racehorses for similar injuries) to be as effective on chronic injuries as acute ones, and this achilles issue was no different - nothing was helping fast enough where he knew he could make the race. For the first time, he gave Helichrysum essential oil a try, applying undiluted (Helichrysum is very well tolerated this way) to the area twice daily. Within two days, he was running without pain, and ran a personal best at the marathon event.

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 treat. 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 treatments. Used for bruises, sprains, and twisted ankles - usually accompanied by swelling and subsequent hemorrhages - this oil proves practically to be a wonder cure." He goes on to mention that the earlier the application of the oil following an acute injury, the more pronounced the healing effect.

Helichrysum Italicum is a somewhat rare and costly oil - know and trust your source of this and other essential oils. There are other varieties of Helichrysum available, but they do not have this synergy of compounds and effects. As with any injury, seek proper medical attention where appropriate, and discuss the use of Helichrysum with any therapist or doctor you might see. If you do choose to use this oil, simply apply a small amount to the injured area directly a few times a day. Helichrysum can be blended to a 5% dilution with a base made of equal amounts of Rosehipseed and Hazelnut oils to help heal broken skin with limited scarring. Finally, mixing Helichrysum oil with a cream or salve of Comfrey for sports-injury treatment may safely increase the analgesic effects for some people. The oil is well-tolerated, and no sensitivity should occur, though one should always be aware of their own body's reactions, and discontinue use if necessary. Otherwise, while it is hoped you are never in need of this oil's benefits in the first place, it may be worth a try - you could be surprised by the effectiveness of this aromatherapeutic treatment.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticles.net

More information is available on aromatherapy essential oils at The Ananda Apothecary.

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