The Helichrysum, also known as the curry plant, is a great spice - but not only that: it also has a number of valuable he alth and cosmetic properties. What does the Helichrysum look like, what can you - and why should you use - use its leaves, flowers and twigs for?

For the uninitiated, the Helichrysum italicumlooks just like another plant that pleases the eye in its flowering phase, but otherwise has little use.

Nothing could be further from the truth: if used skillfully, this plant can be very useful both in the kitchen and in beauty care.

Interestingly, it can also be used as a valuable support in alleviating some ailments - for several hundred years it has been used in folk medicine.

What does the Italian Helichrysum look like and where does it grow?

The blanket is not tall, but it is spread. This plant grows up to approx. 60 cm in height. It is grouped into tufts characterized by thin, silvered and highly branched shoots with dense leaves, approx. 7 cm long, covered with thick, white hairs, the so-called cutter. Yellow inflorescences with small flowers appear on their tops in summer.
Helichrysum leaves have a strong herbal aroma that closely resembles the aromatic curry spice - which is why it is sometimes called "curry plant".

This plant comes from southern Europe and the easiest way to meet it is there. But they can also be grown under our conditions in the garden (then it is best to plant it where it is sunny most of the day) or on the windowsill.

Grown in a garden in our climate, it is a typical annual plant, as its shrubs are usually not able to survive the winter. The one planted in pots will survive the winter if it is spent in a room with plenty of sun and gently but systematically watered.

What is the use of the Italian Helichrysum?

Italian blanket is most often used in the kitchen - due to its specific taste and unusual aroma, it is an excellent addition to soups, rice and pasta, fish and meat dishes (add its twigs to the dish shortly before the end of cooking - to smell he was not too strong - athen take it out before serving).

It can also be added to salads: in this case, its freshly plucked leaves must be carefully chopped and a small amount mixed with vegetables or a sauce.
Helichrysum leaves - dried in the sun or in a vegetable and fruit dryer - are also a great remedy for moths: they can be mixed with lavender (but not necessary) and put in a cloth bag and then hang in the closet.

The flowers of Helichrysum can be used as an element of the pot-pourri mixture or make a herbal bath mixture, and the whole plant (with dried flowers) can decorate dry bouquets.

You can also prepare a hydrosol for skin care, as well as a fragrance oil from the flowers of Helichrysum.

Healing properties of the Italian Helichrysum

The little blanket has a number of healing properties, which is why it has been used for centuries in traditional methods of alleviating throat infections, coughs and fever, with the help of infusion or compresses from the flowers of this plant, urinary tract infections, muscle and joint pain (including those not associated with a cold or flu), and even liver disease, asthma and allergic reactions.
To this day, supporters of grandma's methods of treatment recommend drinking an infusion of Helichrysum as a remedy for infections, support for the immune system or stomach pains. In asthmatic conditions or during infections, inhalations from the infusion of Helichrysum help.

Helichrysum wraps can also help with swelling and bruises, because, as the supporters of natural therapies claim, the substances contained in this plant accelerate tissue healing and the absorption of hematomas.

Italian blanket in care and aromatherapy

The blanket is also used in care. For cosmetic purposes - apart from the infusion and macerate - also the hydrosol from the flowers of Helichrysum, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties, is recommended for use as a support for proper therapy, e.g. in acne and fungal infections of the skin.

Helichrysum hydrate also soothes skin inflammations, stimulates the regeneration of the epidermis, soothes ailments related to erythema and "spider veins" (eg burning sensation and hot skin), and also has a shrinking effect on dilated blood vessels. It also reduces dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.

Italian Helichrysum oil has similar properties and is considered to be one of the most valuable aromatherapeutic oils. Additionally, neryl acetate and diketones contained in it accelerate wound healing and stimulateAlso tissues for regeneration, thanks to which this oil works, for example, in reducing stretch marks and acne scars.

This oil also has relaxing properties, helps with insomnia and tones. It can be used alone or combined with other oils - e.g. lavender or jojoba oil. It is safe even for sensitive skin, but sometimes requires dilution - which depends on its starting concentration - and then the appropriate information is placed on the packaging. You can also mix it with your favorite cream, body lotion or hair conditioner.

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