Helichrysum gymnocephalum

The oil obtained from this African species is typically pale yellow with a fresh, herbaceous aroma. Helichrysum gymnocephalum is another powerful tool in treating respiratory infections, as well as other attacks on the immune system. This effect is attributed to the fact that Helichrysum gymnocephalum has the highest concentration of 1,8-cineole among the helichrysum species used to produce essential oil. This, along with high levels of para-cymene, provide a strong analgesic effect and provide congestion relief. The effects are similar to eucalyptus, which both the fragrance and chemical composition of Helichrysum gymnocephalum oil bears a striking resemblance to. In this manner, a syrup or tea created from the leaves of Helichrysum gymnocephalum is ingested. 

Typical oil composition (leaves):

1,8-cineole - 47.4%

Bi-cyclosesquiphellandrene - 5.6%

γ-curcumeme - 5.6%

α-amorphene - 5.1%

Bi-cyclogermacrene - 5.0%

p-cymene - 4.3%

δ-cadinene - 3.6%

β-selinene - 3.3%

Terpinen-4-ol - 2.7%

(E)-β-ocimene - 2.4%

2,3-dihydro-1,8-cineole - 2.1%

Aromadendrene - 2.0%

Calamenene - 1.8%

α-terpineol - 1.8%

α-terpinene - 1.3%

α-terpinolene - 1.3%

β-pinene - 1.1%

α-thujene - 1.0%