The mother tincture of helichrysum, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antibacterial, is useful as an antihistamine in all cases of allergy. Let’s find out better.
Properties of Eleutherococcus mother tincture
The flowering tops of helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) contain essential oils (neroli, nerile acetate, alpha and beta pinene, geraniol, sesquiterpenes, furfural, eugenol), flavonoids (narigenin, apigenin, campferol, helichrysin, quercitrin), triterpenes (alpha amirin), ursolic acid, boswellic acid), elipirone, sitosterol and caffeic acid.
These active ingredients in their synergistic action give the plant antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antibacterial properties, which justify its use in the treatment of allergies, which affect the respiratory tract.
For internal use, the mother tincture of helichrysum is used in the presence of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and blepharitis, cough, acute and chronic bronchitis, because it promotes the elimination of excessive secretions, reduces asthma spasms and allergic inflammations of the mucous membrane nasal.
Description of the plant
Helichrysum is a characteristic plant of the low Mediterranean scrub, widespread in uncultivated and stony, sunny and arid places. In Italy it is found mainly in the center-south and in the islands, from the coasts up to over a thousand meters above sea level.
Perennial herbaceous plant 30-40 cm high, it has the particularity of being completely covered by a thick whitish down that gives off a characteristic aroma. It can be confused with the related species Helichrysum stoechas which however has the same properties.
It has a modest spindle root and numerous radicles from which various branchy stems start. The gray / ashy leaves are oblong-lanceolate, flat and pubescent on both sides. The flowers, gathered in corymbs, are round yellow flower heads with thin petals. The fruit is an achene.
How to prepare the mother tincture of helichrysum
The “drug” (part used) of Helichrysum italicum corresponds to the flowering tops, harvested from May to September, according to the altitude.
The fresh plant is used, as it loses most of its properties when dried. The mother tincture of helichrysum is prepared with a drug: solvent weight ratio of 1:10 and an alcohol content of 55%.
Usage
The mother tinctures have no contraindications other than those of the plant itself, diluted in a little water they can be administered to everyone, the alcohol contained in them is thus diluted, so it is harmless.
Internal use: 35 drops in a little water three times a day before meals, to take advantage of the antihistamine action in case of allergies.
