Our bodies are amazing works of creation, without a doubt.The body is both a work of art and a destroyer, and our minds and hearts choose how it operates. We can be our own best friend or worst enemy when it comes to our health and happiness. I have seen alcohol destroy a family, not because the person was addicted, but because the alcohol released demons the person did not know they carried. I myself have a Native American heritage in my line, and I can tell you that alcohol releases sorrows and fears I thought long gone (think generational wounds) when I overdo it. I was fortunate to learn very quickly to leave that particular set of spirits alone.
These last few years I have been drawn again to a plant called Helichrysum Italicum, also known as Everlast, Immortelle, as well as ancient names, like Amarantos and Rods of Gold (more on this later). It is quite the intriguing plant. Well known for its ability to support the body in addiction, particularly alcohol, as well as heavy metal detoxification, it has held my interest long enough to come across some highly interesting information. It is a neurotonic, neuroprotective, hemostatic, nervine and analgesic among others areas. One of my favorite examples is drawing a smiley face on a bruise and having a happy face the next day. Helichrysum is known to help tremendously with feelings of lethargy, when the world seems too heavy to push forward.
Science is still attempting to figure out its exact chemical makeup, though they have the majority figured out. I find the particular shape and color of the flower itself to be quite instructive of its many uses.
Rather than focus on the compounds in it though, I want to focus on some of the historical research I found. Elizabeth Ashley has studied its history a great deal in her book “Helichrysum for the Wound that willnot Heal”. I highly recommend picking a copy up and reading it. She compares Helichrysum to Chiron, the wounded healer. And while she does a fantastic job of explaining it from her research, I wanted to add a bit from my own. I have heard a great deal about Helichrysum not being offered early in a health routine because it was better held back for when they were much further down their healing journey path. I am not so sure. One area that is not covered often, and this will intrigue those of you who have studied the lost texts from the Bible, is the description of what Adam carried out of the cave with Eve after they were sent from Eden. He carried 15 pounds of Frankincense, 15 pounds of Myrrh, and 70 “Rods of Gold”. Interesting description, right? He carried not only Eve, but also carried Inspiration (Frankincense), Forgiveness (Myrrh), and Immortality (Helichrysum?) on his back as he left the cave to begin their earthly journey.
Now I will say that Helichrysum has as many names as you are willing to take the time to research over the millennia. But this particular one stood out as well as the Immortelle. They lost their immortality, but carried with them, not gold, but “Rods of Gold”, immortal flowers, also called Everlast because their flowers are known to stay intact for seven years? Are you curious now? Me too! Could it be possible? Indeed, but it could also just be coincidence. Either way, it is quite the little plant and one I recommend you get to know.
So Chiron is now positioned in Aries, just in time for the April Eclipse with Rahu. New beginnings, wounded healers, and a world in desperate need of balance. An interesting coincidence, or a time to heal?
I have been using Frankincense, Myrrh and Helichrysum together for several years and I can definitively say they are a trio unlike any other blends I utilize. When you combine the inspiration of Frankincense (Free to Inspire), Myrrh (was Bitter, note that it is WAS, not IS), and Helichrysum (Sun-gold) or its other names, “Immortelle” (speaks for itself), “Amaranth” (unfading, un-decaying)… Inspired, free from bitterness, eternally. Doesn’t that sound just Heavenly?
I have listed several areas that Helichrysum is useful for but thought with an eye on the coming astrological events, it might be more helpful to focus on its more uplifting energy. Its ability to help us live with our wounds and turn their pain into something good and lasting. Helping us to understand that we all must deal with wounds, but that they can make us better and stronger and more forgiving. That we can use them to improve upon ourselves, grow, and begin anew with hope and passion for living. I hope you are as inspired reading this as I have been in my study of Helichrysum. And I hope that it can give you the courage to face your pain and let it mold you into the best that you can be. Much Love from the farm. See you next month!