What is perpetual or immortelle and what is it for?
The perpetual or yellow immortelle (Helichrysum stoechas)a perennial bush typical of the Mediterranean landscape, It is named for its ability to remain vibrant once harvested. With its beautiful floral chapters, ornaments, paintings and centerpieces are often created. that do not wither with the passage of time.
It grows in very diverse habitatsfrom beaches and maritime dunes to dry meadows and ditches heavily exposed to the sun.
The flowering tops are used for medicinal purposes.both of this species and other related ones. Its essential oil contains alpha-pinene and neryl acetate, flavonoids such as helychrysin, quercetol and kenferol, helipyrone and arenol.
It is considered antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, expectorant, febrifuge, antiseptic, diuretic, choleretic and vermifuge.
Medicinal properties of perpetual or immortelle
- Herbalists recommend perpetual as one of the best allies to fight spring allergiessuch as those caused by the pollen of certain plants (grasses, parietarias, poplars, cypresses, etc.).
- Perpetual stimulates the production of hydrocortisone in the adrenal glands, slowing the development of allergic processes. Facilitates the expulsion of phlegm and mucus, and prevents respiratory tract infection from thriving.
- It also appears very effective in relieving other allergic symptoms, such as tearing, inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye and eyelids, coughing attacks and frequent and explosive sneezing.
- It is also indicated in case of cold with cough, flu, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, hay fever and mild asthmatic processes.
- It is also used to combat infections of the digestive systemin case of gastritis and gastroenteritis.
- It is also an effective purifying and restorative remedy after liver disorderssuch as hepatitis or inflammation of the gallbladder.
- In external use perpetual is very useful to eliminate eczema, fungus and warts, as well as to eliminate sores and mouth ulcers.
How to use immortelle or perpetual
The perpetual is presented in dried plant for infusion or decoction, cough syrupliquid extract and tincture. The decoction is used to apply in compresses, local baths, eye drops, mouthwashes and mists.
To treat conjunctivitis
It is boiled a spoonful of flowers per glass of water for 1 minute, let it rest for 5 and filter. With a soaked gauze, ten pressures are applied to one eye and then, with another gauze, the same procedure is performed on the other.
For allergies with lung congestion and cough
Internally, an effective herbal tea for this problem is the one that results from the mixture of perpetual, thyme, chamomile and nettlein equal parts.
How to prepare it: Boil two tablespoons of the mixture per half a liter of water for 1 minute. Let it rest for 10 minutes, strain it and drink 2 or 3 cups hot a day.
To treat candidiasis and other fungal infections
Perpetual is combined with thyme and elderberry in quantities of 8 g per 750 ml of water.
How to prepare it: Boil the mixture for 1 minute and let it rest for another 10. It is enough to drink three cups a day as long as the infection persists.
Advisor: J.Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”