There are about 240 species of Helichrysum that are indigenous to South Africa! The name Helichrysum is derived from the Greek words helios meaning sun, and chrysos meaning gold, referring to the many species with yellow flower heads.
Helichrysum odoratissimum, as its name implies, is a strongly aromatic herb, much branched, perennial, with small silvery leaves and small yellow flowerheads borne in groups at the tips of the branches. It can reach 1,75 m high.
The leaves vary, but are greyish-white, woolly on both surfaces, but sometimes without wool. The plant flowers throughout the year.
The ‘main attraction’ of this herb is that it is culturally, spiritually and medicinally very significant in African cultures.
Several species of Helichrysum are used in traditional medicines, but H. odoratissimum is widely used as a perfume. The southern Sotho women make a perfumed ointment from this plant. Essential oils are extracted from this plant. The leaves and stems are widely used as incense to connect with the ancestors, appease them and invoke the goodwill of them, and to clear stagnant energy. The smoke is also used as a sedative and helpful for insomnia. In the Eastern Cape people inhale it as a protective cleanser and it is also used medicinally for coughs and colds. Xhosa healers, burn imphepho to induce and clarify dreams while Zulu diviners smoke or chew the stems and leaves of the plant to remove pollutants from their minds. Some people boil the plant and use it as a facial ointment for pimples. In Lesotho the plant is burnt to fumigate sick rooms. It is also effective in repelling parasites and insects thus ensuring a good night’s sleep. The Khoisan anoint their bodies with this herb for its antimicrobial benefit. The herb can also be used as an aromatic and insect repellent stuffing for mattresses – giving rise to the Afrikaans name of ‘kooigoed’. Various parts of the plant are prepared into decoctions, poultices, balms and ointments. It is used in cases of acne, arthritis, boils, burns, asthma, backache, colds and flu, cough, fever, headache, menstrual cramps, scars, and sprains, as well as for wounds and burns. It is widely used in several more African countries, including Kenya and Zimbabwe where it is common.
When you come across this little herb, take a minute to look at it and ponder, that this relatively small indigenous plant is so revered, and used in so many ways by traditional healers, and communities for its medicinal properties. It is widely celebrated for its spiritual significance in cleansing rituals and for its calming effects on the mind. What a wonderous plant!
