Helichrysum flower: photos and names, benefits and harms, application, reviews

The flowers of the perennial immortelle are capable of preserving their beauty for a long time, even when dried. Australia is considered the birthplace of the plant, where it probably acquired the ability to withstand the scorching rays of the sun without losing its natural appearance. Inflorescences are of particular value, since they retain the medicinal properties of the immortelle herb. The main area of ​​application is the treatment of problems of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas.

What does immortelle grass look like?

A low-growing inconspicuous plant with bright fiery inflorescences - this is what an immortelle looks like. Its name speaks of incredible resilience. Even after cutting the flowers, they will retain their natural appearance for a long time. The plant is popularly called the dried flower or the golden sun. Its medicinal properties have been known to people since ancient times, which is clearly evidenced by the legends of Ancient Russia, India and Greece. A detailed description and photo of immortelle flowers can be seen below.

In the legends of Ancient Greece, the daughter of a local king is mentioned, who washed the wounded body of Odysseus with the oil of an immortal plant.

What flowers and fruits of immortelle look like

The bright yellow inflorescences of the immortelle can be seen from afar. They are collected in baskets, the edges of which have dark yellow leaves of the envelope, and in the middle there are smaller and lighter flowers. Each inflorescence contains from 10 to 100 pieces. The fruits are achene with a tuft. The flowering period occurs in early June and late September.

Important! The plant is perennial, wild. Can be grown at home.

How to distinguish between immortelle and tansy

Tansy, like immortelle, is a perennial plant. Belongs to the Astrov family. The inflorescences are collected in a basket. The color is dominated by yellow, red, bronze. Tansy is a more toxic plant and tastes bitter like wormwood. Its main purpose in medicine is the treatment of lamblia and parasites. The immortelle has a more pronounced choleretic effect. Otherwise, they have many similarities and it is quite easy to confuse them.

Varieties of immortelle

In total, there are more than 500 species of immortelle in the world. The most common ones are:

  • drug;
  • sandy;
  • meadow;
  • field;
  • large;
  • cat's paw.

The medicinal immortelle deserves special attention. It is used for cosmetic purposes and folk medicine. Inflorescences are tubular, collected in a basket, propagated by seeds or vegetatively. The flower of the field immortelle is very similar to the sandy one, however, it does not like arid areas and tall vegetation.

Where does the immortelle grow in Russia

The perennial immortelle can be found all over Russia - from the Krasnodar Territory to the middle zone and the Caucasus. Unpretentiousness allowed him to spread even in Western Siberia. The plant prefers dry, sunny places - open forest glades, steppes, young pine forests and foothills.

The flowers of the garden perennial immortelle are easily propagated by seeds or vegetatively. To do this, you can collect seeds from flowers cut in advance, or dried inflorescences.

Advice! Spectacular flowers look beautiful in a composition against the background of a building or next to a wall. Its bright yellow inflorescences stand out from the rest.

The garden immortelle is distinguished by large flowers, a variety of colors and petals that are hard to the touch.

The value and chemical composition of the immortelle

The main value of the plant is represented by flavonoids and carotenoids - substances that activate the formation of bile and increase the content of bilirubin in it. In addition, the following valuable elements were found in the inflorescences:

  • polysaccharides;
  • coumarins;
  • phthalides;
  • tannins;
  • essential oil;
  • vitamin K;
  • vitamin C;
  • potassium, calcium and manganese salts.

The healing properties of the plant are due to an increase in the secretion of gastric juice, the tone of the gallbladder and the outflow of bile.

What is the immortelle useful for the body

A plant inconspicuous at first glance can provide invaluable benefits to the body, subject to dosages and recommendations of specialists. It has many medicinal properties:

  • choleretic;
  • diuretic;
  • calming;
  • antioxidant;
  • antispasmodic;
  • hemostatic;
  • healing.

Preparations, decoctions, infusions based on immortelle are used as a means of increasing the functional activity of liver cells, to get rid of infectious and viral toxins, metabolic products.

Important! The active substances flavonoids contribute to the additional flow of bile into the intestines, stimulating the work of the digestive system.

Healing properties and contraindications of immortelle for men

Prostate diseases are a common problem in men. A decoction based on immortelle acts as an anti-inflammatory, tonic. It helps in removing kidney stones, relieves pain by destroying harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. It is also prescribed as a supportive therapy for prostate cancer.

Healing properties of immortelle herb for women

In gynecology, herbal decoction is recommended for douching. It helps to restore the flora of the vagina, get rid of leucorrhoea that occurs as a result of inflammatory processes. Also, a decoction of the plant is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of benign formations or ovarian dysfunctions.

Is it possible to immortelle during pregnancy and with hepatitis B

Take herbal preparations during pregnancy and lactation with caution and only after consulting a specialist. Along with useful substances, the immortelle contains a small amount of toxins, which, with regular use, tend to accumulate. This can have a negative impact on the functioning of some organs, primarily the liver.

At what age can children

Pediatricians advise taking the drug collection as a specific maintenance therapy for giardiasis in children from 6 years of age. To do this, prepare a decoction of several types of herbs: 1 tbsp. l. immortelle, hypericum, tansy. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over them, insist for 5-8 hours, drain.Drink half a glass of broth in the morning and evening for 2 weeks.

The preparation "Flamin" for children contains flavonoids obtained from the flowers of the immortelle

What does immortelle herb help from?

Dried golden inflorescences help to improve metabolism, help the metabolic work of the liver. The plant will undoubtedly benefit losing weight and hypotonic people.

Does immortelle help you lose weight

Immortelle belongs to a group of medicinal plants that improve the digestive tract, remove toxins and toxins from the body. Its benefits will have a positive effect on weight loss as an integrated approach. You can take a decoction of inflorescences as tea.

Advice! Not everyone who is losing weight will master 1.5-2 liters of clean water per day. Therefore, nutritionists advise replacing it with a weak and unsweetened tea.

Immortelle lowers or increases blood pressure

The plant has long been known in herbal medicine as a means of increasing chronically low blood pressure. Decoctions and infusions based on it bring cholesterol levels back to normal, cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. Regular use can provoke hypertension, so it should only be taken in courses.

Healing recipes

Healing compositions in the form of decoctions, infusions, tinctures, teas will help the body to benefit. Even essential oils are used.

How to brew a decoction of immortelle for treatment

To prepare a decoction in the classic version, you need to take:

  • 1 tbsp. l. pharmacy or self-dried plants;
  • 1 glass of pure distilled water
  • enameled container.

Next, the flowers should be poured into a container, filled with distilled water, put in a water bath, heated and turned off. Cool the resulting broth, let it brew in a dark place for several hours and then strain.

How to brew immortelle infusion

Instructions for the preparation and use of immortelle herb are simple. There are 2 ways to obtain infusion: hot and cold.

  1. Hot. Take 20 g of dried flowers, pour 200 ml of boiling water over them, let it brew for an hour, then strain.
  2. Cold. This is the most useful way to prepare the infusion, since there is no heating, oils do not volatilize. For a cold infusion, take 20 g of dried flowers, pour them with boiled water at room temperature, leave overnight or for 12 hours.

Tincture

Required: 50 g of immortelle flowers, 400 ml of vodka.

Cooking recipe: pour vodka over the flowers, leave to infuse in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. Strain the tincture and store in the refrigerator.

How to take: to improve digestion and awaken appetite, 1-2 tsp. before eating.

Hand-picked inflorescences can be placed in a vase as a beautiful composition, and eventually used for medicinal purposes

Tea

Herbal tea contains a large amount of macro and microelements necessary for the full functioning of the body. Combining the immortelle with other herbaceous plants, you can get not only a healthy, but also a delicious drink.

  1. 1 tsp chamomile and 1 tsp. pour boiling water over the immortelle, insist under the lid and strain. Drink warm.
  2. 2 tsp mix birch leaves and buds with 1 tsp. chopped flowers, cover with water and put in a water bath. After 1 minute of boiling, turn off and drain. Drink 1 cup 2-3 times a day.

Butter

Helichrysum essential oil can be purchased at a pharmacy. It has a pronounced honey aroma, has a golden color with a reddish tint. It can be used as a wound-healing, bactericidal agent. Recommended for people with skin problems: eczema, psoriasis, acne.

The use of immortelle in folk medicine

The main area of ​​application of the immortelle in folk medicine is the treatment of liver and gastrointestinal problems. Helps with pathologies of the gallbladder and pancreas.

Immortelle for the liver

A decoction of dried flowers helps with pain in the liver, as well as after eating fatty and heavy foods. The immortelle is also good because it normalizes the level of bilirubin.

To prepare the broth, you need to take 1.5 tbsp. l. dried flowers, pour 1.5 tbsp. boiling water and let it brew for about 2 hours. Strain the broth and drink warm 3 times daily for a course of 20 days.

Important! The broth should not be abused, since the substances contained in the plant are toxic and can cause congestion in the liver.

Immortelle with pancreatitis

The active substances of immortelle flowers stimulate the production of liver and pancreatic juice. Its actions are aimed at eliminating muscle contractions, which is necessary for painful attacks of pancreatitis.

For the treatment and prevention of the disease, an infusion of dried flowers is suitable. Unlike a decoction for infusion, you should pour 1.5 tbsp with cold distilled water. l. dried flowers and let it brew for at least 8 hours (you can leave it overnight). It is recommended to drink the infusion in small sips three times a day, half an hour before meals. The course of treatment or prevention is 2 weeks.

Resin acids, which are part of the immortelle, have an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect

Immortelle with stones in the gallbladder

Drinking a decoction or infusion of the dried flowers of this plant has been shown to reduce the risk of gallstones. Regular use helps the resorption of formations up to 10 mm in diameter. It is worth remembering that this useful plant is just an additional remedy in the main treatment of formed gallstones.

There are 2 ways to take dried inflorescences for gallstones:

  1. 3 tbsp. l. place the inflorescences in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml of boiled water and heat in a water bath over low heat, stir occasionally. Remove and let it brew for about half an hour. Drink one spoonful of this broth before meals for 3 weeks.
  2. There is a "dry" method: grind the pharmacy flowers in a coffee grinder or blender. Take half a teaspoon of the powder 3 times a day before meals with plenty of water. The course of admission is 3 weeks.

With diabetes

Treatment for type II diabetes mellitus in combination with diet gives a positive result. But with a severe and medium course of the disease, taking a medicinal plant is only an auxiliary effect.

If diabetes is accompanied by diseases such as pancreatitis, cholecystitis or gallstones, then a complex decoction of the following plants will help: St. John's wort, immortelle and knotweed. It is necessary to take 1 tbsp. l. each plant, pour 1 liter of boiling water and let it brew in a dark place for 8 hours or overnight. Take 1/3 tbsp. 3 times a day, warm, before meals. The course of admission is 14 days.

With cholecystitis

The main task of the immortelle fruit with cholecystitis is to provide an anti-inflammatory effect on the diseased gallbladder and pancreas. As a rule, patients are advised to take a decoction or infusion from the flowers of this medicinal plant. Also in pharmacies you can buy a concentrate - Flamin tablets. They should be taken in 1-2 pieces. 3 times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is from 14 to 20 days.

With gastritis

For the treatment of chronic gastritis, you can prepare a decoction of the following medicinal plants: corn silk, yarrow, immortelle, St. John's wort and chamomile. All components must be taken dry, 1 tbsp. l., mix and brew 1 liter of boiled water. Let it brew for 8 hours. Such a concentrated broth should be taken in this way: 1 tbsp. l. dilute in a glass of warm water and drink before meals. Repeat 3 times throughout the day. The course is 14 days long.

A decoction of immortelle, St. John's wort, chamomile and corn silk will help cope with chronic gastritis

For constipation

Laxative decoction can be made from licorice, immortelle, fennel, calendula, St. John's wort, and chamomile. Take 1 tsp. each medicinal plant and pour 2 tbsp. distilled water. Boil, let it brew for 8 hours. Take on an empty stomach every morning.

With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

The immortelle contains unique elements - stearic compounds. They regulate the functional work of the gastrointestinal tract, improve digestion, and are effective against poisoning. They also help with poor appetite by increasing the production of bile and digestive enzymes.

To improve the digestive tract, especially during diets, you can drink a decoction from the collection of the following plants: immortelle, chamomile, St. John's wort, birch buds. It removes toxins and toxins, cleanses the body in a comprehensive manner. It is enough to take the course once a year, drinking the broth for 2 weeks.

For the kidneys

Pyelonephritis and cystitis are common kidney diseases. For their treatment, experts often recommend taking medications based on useful herbs, or preparing decoctions yourself. With frequent urination, pain in the urinary tract, it is recommended to drink a decoction of chamomile, sage, immortelle, currant leaves and eucalyptus.

With inflammation, you can take medicinal baths. To do this, strain the decoction of the above herbs into a bath of water. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week for a month.

From parasites

One of the main signs of the presence of parasites is the regular disruption of the digestive tract. Among them are frequent bouts of nausea, since microorganisms in the process of their vital activity leave toxins.

Important! The immortelle is rich in essential oils that are harmful to parasites.

An effective remedy for such a problem is the collection of immortelle flowers, wormwood, calamus root, burdock, hawthorn flowers. All components should be taken in equal proportions - 1 tbsp. l. Pour them with a liter of distilled water and bring to a boil in a water bath. Let the broth brew for 5-6 hours. Take half a glass on an empty stomach for 2 weeks.

The immortelle contains active substances that are a powerful weapon in the fight against parasites in the human body.

With atherosclerosis

Cholesterol deposits negatively affect the condition of blood vessels, often causing blockage. The immortelle helps to reduce the rate, which means it reduces the risk of such an unpleasant disease as atherosclerosis.

For the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic plaques, it is necessary to take a decoction of immortelle flowers. 1 tbsp. l. three times a day half an hour before meals will help improve the condition of the body, even in the elderly. The course of admission is 14-21 days. You can repeat it no earlier than a month later.

The use of immortelle in oncology

Cancer treatment does not pass without leaving a trace for the body. All organs are stressed after chemotherapy. Folk remedies help to restore strength and improve the work of already weakened organs. Immortelle is often recommended for improving liver, gallbladder and pancreas function.

Phytotherapy with immortelle stimulates the protective properties of the body, improves sleep and appetite, relieves inflammation. To take decoctions or infusions based on immortelle should be in between the main drug treatment. Consult a specialist before use.

The use of immortelle in cosmetology

Helichrysum essential oil is actively used in cosmetology. On its basis, anti-aging creams, ointments for allergies and acne rashes are made. It is also actively used as an antiseptic agent - for the treatment of wounds and burns. In massage, essential oil is added to the anti-cellulite course, combining it with olive, grapefruit, pink and aloe.

Side effects when taking immortelle

Like many other medicinal plants, the immortelle is not particularly dangerous when used wisely. The main thing in its use is adherence to the course of admission and dosage when preparing decoctions and infusions. Sometimes the following side effects can be observed:

  • the occurrence of congestion in the liver;
  • allergic reactions in the form of itching, redness;
  • increased blood pressure (in people with hypertension).

Limitations and contraindications for taking immortelle

Despite the many medicinal properties of immortelle flowers, it also has contraindications:

  • exacerbation of gastric ulcer;
  • acute phase of inflammatory diseases of the liver and biliary tract;
  • obstruction of the bile ducts;
  • allergic reactions to herbal preparations;
  • liver failure;
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • children under 5 years of age.

Collection and procurement of raw materials

Although the immortelle can be cultivated, in some countries it is listed in the Red Book. Therefore, it should be collected only by cutting off the flower baskets, which are of the greatest value in the plant. The collection of flowers should be carried out in dry weather, when the side baskets have not yet had time to open. This will keep the main inflorescences from shedding.

After harvesting fresh flowers, dry them in a cool, ventilated area. Spread on fabric in a thin layer to provide ventilation.

Important! When properly dried, the plant retains its natural appearance, color and aroma.

Broths and infusions can be prepared independently from dried inflorescences, which are sold in pharmacies

Conclusion

The healing properties of the immortelle herb have been known to folk medicine for a long time. Even in Russia, dried flowers were kept in a secluded place. Powdered flowers were believed to heal wounds and stop bleeding. Now the beneficial properties of the immortelle are used in cosmetology, in the treatment of diseases - cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gastritis and many others.

Reviews about the herb immortelle

Elena, 42 years old, Industrialny settlement
Not for the first year I have been growing several varieties of immortelle on my site. It not only looks beautiful in a composition of fresh flowers, but is also stored for a long time in a vase as a dried flower. Sometimes I add dried flowers to tea and drink to improve stomach function.
Tatiana, 50 years old, Sevastopol
A gastroenterologist prescribed me to drink a decoction of immortelle - as a choleretic agent as an additional therapy. I drink a decoction of flowers every day for 1 tbsp. l. before eating. The benefits of this amazing plant are invaluable. My puffiness disappeared, the yellowness from my face disappeared. I began to feel much better, and this is only after one course.
Olga, 32 years old, Moscow
I heard in one program that immortelle essential oil can be used as a remedy for wrinkles. Every day now I wipe my face dipped in oil with a cotton swab. I don't use any other creams yet. The result is not yet visible, the wrinkles have not diminished, but the skin has become lighter, the puffiness is gone.
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