Despite the image of Aromatherapy as lacking in scientific foundation in the United States, the use of pure, therapeutic grade essential oil for medical applications is common throughout much of Europe. The essential oil distilled from the flowers of Helichrysum Italicum is well-known for its broad range of actions, which can support healing of many common sports-related injuries. The essential oil's compounds are known to prevent and relieve blood clotting (helpful for bruising), stimulate tissue regeneration, act as a powerful anti-oxidant, and can reduce inflammation. This combination of effects many help with injuries such as twists and sprains, bruises, tendonitis and the like. Any dedicated athlete would greatly welcome such a non-toxic, effective alternative healing remedy!
Medical aromatherapists understand the efficacy of
essential oils for particular conditions; the oils are not considered a natural cure-all, but each plant offers chemical compounds with 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 speedier return to training and competition with
Helichrysum essential oil, which contains a synergy of compounds which can act to support healing of a great variety of common injuries.
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).
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 it's 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.
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 lead him to believe that 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, though 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.
In this instance, the application of Helichrysum reduced pain (and likely inflammation as well) in the area, and supported regeneration of the damaged tendon tissues. The essential oil should prove just as effective with acute injuries as well - it's noted ability to reduce the clotting of blood, along with it's anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative properties give it a seemingly complete natural arsenal to speed healing in most common sport-related injuries. In fact, this could extend to a very wide variety of trauma injuries, though great care should be taken to use as an adjunct to proper allopathic medical care in such cases.
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.
