As you might already know, essential oils have been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes for thousands of years. Some essential oils are of ancient origin while others have entered the fray more recently. Nowadays, you will come across all sorts of essential oil products, including combinations of precious oils suspended in essential oils. The whole essential oil thing might be a bit confusing to you at first – what to use, when to use it, how to use it, etc. so take your time when choosing essential oil for your particular needs. 

When it comes to essential and precious oils, it seems there are a few favorites that always steal the show and get the most attention. This article however aims to shed some light on a lesser known essential oil, namely Helichrysum italicum, or immortelle as you may have heard it called.

Pulling the curtain on immortelle

Immortelle or Helichrysum italicum (its taxonomic name) is a flowering plant from the daisy family. It is sometimes referred to as curry plant because of the pungent smell of its leaves. Native to the Mediterranean region, immortelle tends to grow well in rocky and dry environments. Immortelle’s essential oil has never seen too much exposure and popularity. Having said that, it is one of the best examples of the essential oil family, so make it part of your daily routine.

How do you know you got the right stuff? The advice coming from the experts at Bodymune in Seattle is to always purchase your essential oils from a trusted and reputable source. These days you will come across thousands of suppliers and sellers, so find one whose quality and product range matches your budget and requirements. If you are turning towards essential oils as a means of natural stress relief, you will quickly realize that some of them are quite expensive. Therefore, cheaper but just as effective alternatives such as stress relief supplements might be the answer. It is quite easy to recognize Helichrysum italicum essential oil. It has a sweet, multilayered scent that closely resembles perfume. Good Helichrysum italicum oil is also characterized by its clear, golden hue. 

What is immortelle oil used for?

As each essential oil has its own purpose, you might be wondering what immortelle oil is used for. This particular essential oil is best used for facial skin anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing treatments. Immortelle oil is known to help reduce the wrinkles on mature and stressed facial skin. 

Distillation of immortelle oil 

If you are wondering what distillation is in regard to essential oils, it is the process by which oils are extracted and concentrated. Before distillation was discovered and perfected, essential oils, immortelle included, were derived in more complex ways which required lacing with other oils like almond or olive. This made essential oils more effective but also more expensive.

You might be thinking of purchasing immortelle oil suspended in other essential oils, just as it was done centuries ago. Others have tried that too, but chances are you will not find such products anymore unless you go a traditional supplier in one of the historical cultivation regions of the Mediterranean. 

The French know best

As always, the French seem to know best when it comes to beauty and cosmetics. Below you will find a traditional facial skin tonic recipe, developed by the French classical school of aromatherapy:

 

• 15ml of argan essential oil, cold pressed and unrefined

• 15 ml of wild rose essential oil, cold pressed and unrefined

• 2-4 drops of immortelle essential oil

 

Place the mixture in a small 30ml container and shake well before use. Apply it in thin layers before bed. Voila!