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![Immortelle Hydrolat]() | Immortelle Hydrolat | This hydrolat is traditionally called 'Immortelle', but it is in fact, commonly known as Helichrysum. The helicrysum plant is a strongly aromatic herb, which grows up to 60cms high with a branched stem that is woody at the base. The brightly coloured daisy-like flowers become dry as the plant matures yet retain their colour. The flowers are used extensively in dried flower arrangements and they last a very long time - hence the synonyms Immortelle, or Everlasting.
Traditionally, helichrysum water was used in poultices for respiratory complaints such as asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough. It was also drunk as a tea for the treatment of headaches, migraines, liver ailments and skin disease.
The main components of the analysed hydrolat suggest that there are between 38-41% ketones. This is very different to the essential oil, which is mainly alcohols and esters. The ketone presence gives analgesic, anticoagulant, cicatrisant and lipolytic properties to the water, showing that it is very useful for the healing for painful wounds, and helping to reduce cellulite.
The water also contains up to 20% alcohols (anti-infectious, antiviral, bactericidal) and 15% eucalyptol (expectorant, mucolytic). It has also been suggested (Price 2004) that helichrysm hydrolat is anti-diabetic and it is recommended as a daily drink to help to regulate the condition and to also help nervous depression.
Skin conditions
Use undiluted in a gauze compress for wounds, bruises and small cuts. The hydrolat will help to heal the skin, reduce swelling and help to minimise scarring of the area treated. It can be used straight after an invasive operation, either in a compress, or in a light aqueous cream to encourage healing and to prevent scarring.
Liver tonic
Internally, take 30mls per day in warm spring water as a liver and gall bladder tonic. This is especially effective if the client is also depressed and listless. The hydrolat tastes rather sweet and herby and is not at all unpleasant. Remember that all hydrolats taken internally should be of the finest quality and without preservatives. The usual preservative is ethanol, which is not good for the liver!
Mouthwash
Use 10mls of helichrysum hydrolat with 20mls of warm water as a mouthwash and gargle to help with oral abscesses, gingivitis, receding gums, bad breath and sore throat. The final gargle can be swallowed to alleviate discomfort in the oesophagus. | | |
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