Creative Helichrysum Recipes for Wellness

If you’ve ever walked through a garden or a local herb market, you might have come across the charming golden blooms of helichrysum. This little herb packs a punch far beyond its sunny appearance. I’ve been fascinated by the legends surrounding this herb, which is used for skin care and in cooking. Today, I want to share some delightful ways to incorporate helichrysum into your daily routine, focusing on its culinary uses and holistic benefits.

Golden helichrysum flowers in full bloom

Discovering Helichrysum Uses in Cooking

When I first heard about helichrysum uses in cooking, I was curious. How could this herb, often seen in essential oils and skincare, find a place in the kitchen? It turns out, helichrysum’s subtle floral and slightly fruity notes make it a unique ingredient for enhancing dishes and drinks.

Here are some practical ways to use helichrysum in your cooking:

• Herbal Teas and Infusions: Steep dried helichrysum flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes. The tea has a gentle, soothing flavor that’s perfect for winding down after a busy day.

• Flavored Honey: Add a few dried helichrysum flowers to a jar of raw honey. Let it infuse for a week or two. This floral honey is fantastic drizzled over yogurt, toast, or even in cocktails.

• Salad Dressings: Create a light vinaigrette by blending olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of dried helichrysum, salt, and pepper. The herb adds a subtle complexity that elevates simple greens.

• Baking: Incorporate finely ground helichrysum into cookie or cake batters for a delicate floral hint. It pairs beautifully with citrus flavors like lemon or orange.

  
  

I love experimenting with these ideas, especially when I want to add a wellness boost to my meals without overpowering the natural flavors. Plus, cooking with herbs like helichrysum feels like a little act of self-love.

Herbal tea brewed with dried helichrysum flowers

What is the Mystical Use of Helichrysum?

Now, let’s talk about the more mystical side of helichrysum. Beyond its physical benefits, this herb has been cherished for centuries for its "magical" properties. It’s often called the "immortelle" or "everlasting" flower because its blooms retain their color and shape long after being picked.

In traditional herbalism and spiritual practices, helichrysum is believed to:

• Promote Emotional Healing: It’s used in rituals and aromatherapy to help release emotional wounds and foster forgiveness.

• Enhance Meditation: The calming scent supports deeper meditation and mental clarity.

• Protect Against Negative Energy: Some cultures use helichrysum in smudging or as a protective charm to ward off negativity.

  
  

Helichrysum essential oil bottle with dried flowers

Simple DIY Helichrysum Recipes for Wellness

If you're curious about herbalism and would like to explore herbs as a hobby, here are some easy recipes to try at home. These are designed to be accessible and effective, perfect for anyone looking to explore and nurture their mind and body naturally.

1. Helichrysum Infused Oil for Skin Care

Herbalism is an absorbing hobby, inexpensive and endlessly fascinating. Forest bathing and keeping in contact with nature has been proven over and over to be good for your emotional well being.

A creative, fun and simple DIY hobby project is to infuse a carrier oil with herbal material. You can mix and match safe herbal plants that you find appealing. First you choose a safe carrier oil that you know your skin agrees with! Do a small patch test on yourself beforehand! Some carrier oils are jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil..there are many! A more detailed explanation about steeping herbs into carrier oils can be found here.

Warming the oil transfers the natural compounds, fatty acids and essential oils from the herbal plant matter and into the carrier oil. When you strain the pant material from the carrier oil, you will notice these properties as scent and color. Infusion is an ancient method of healing.

Here's a recipe for creating your own helichrysum infused herbal oil:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond oil)

• 1/4 cup dried helichrysum flowers

  
  

Instructions:

1. Place the dried flowers in a clean glass jar.

2. Pour the carrier oil over the flowers until fully submerged.

3. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny window for 2-3 weeks, shaking gently every few days.

4. Strain the oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a clean bottle.

   
   

Use this oil as a gentle moisturizer or to soothe minor skin irritations. The anti-inflammatory properties of helichrysum make it a wonderful natural remedy.

2. Calming Helichrysum Bath Soak

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salts

• 1/4 cup dried helichrysum flowers

• 3 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. For the safety of your skin, you must mix essential oils with espom salts before putting them in a bath.

2. Add to warm bath water and soak for 20 minutes.

   
   

This soak helps relax muscles and calm the mind, perfect after a stressful day.

3. Refreshing Helichrysum Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice

• 4 cups water

• 1/4 cup honey infused with dried helichrysum flowers (see above)

• Ice cubes

  
  

Instructions:

1. Combine lemon juice, water, and helichrysum honey in a pitcher.

2. Stir well and add ice cubes.

3. Serve chilled with a sprig of fresh mint.

   
   

This drink is both refreshing and uplifting, a great way to hydrate with a wellness twist.

For more inspiration and detailed guidance, you can explore helichrysum recipes that blend aromatherapy and herbalism beautifully.

Embracing Helichrysum for Holistic Mental Health

Incorporating helichrysum into your wellness routine is about creating moments of calm, nurturing your emotional health, and connecting with the natural world. I’ve found that small rituals, like sipping a cup of herbal tea or applying infused oil, can make a difference in managing stress and enhancing mental clarity.

Well being requires attention. Studying herbs is a fascinating hobby and hobbies are supportive tools for your well being.

Pick up some dried helichrysum, try what interests you and see how this golden flower can brighten your wellness routine.

Wellness setup featuring helichrysum tea and honey

The helichrysum monograph can be found here.

I hope what I shared inspires you to explore the wonderful world of herbs and helichrysum. It’s a beautiful way to blend creativity, cooking, and holistic health into your everyday life. Here’s to your wellness journey - may it be as bright and enduring as the everlasting flower itself!