This strongly aromatic, bushy perennial herb grows mainly along the coastal regions of South Africa. It has small, hairy, silvery-green leaves with yellow cluster flowers, giving rise to its genus name - from the Greek helios ("sun") and chrysos ("gold"). Imphepho or Towane in Sesotho ,also known as African immortelle, is an important plant in local folklore, where the smoke is burned in ritual to invoke trance states and connect with the ancestors.
FRAGRANCE
The strongest-smelling of the Helichrysums, with notes of mint and cloves layered over a sweet, hay-like base. Slightly camphoraceous at the top, mellowing into a soft, honeyed, comforting dryness - evocative of wild grasslands and ritual smoke.
Latin Name: Helichrysum Odoratissimum
Family: Asteraceae
Common Indigenous Names: Imphepho (Xhosa, Zulu), Phefo, Towane (Sotho), Kooigoed (Khoisan, Afrikaans).
Uses: As cited in reputable literature, it is traditionally used for its sedative properties for insomnia, to relieve headaches and tension, as well as for coughs, colds, and fever. It is an effective fumigant that repels insects such as lice, mosquitoes, and other parasites.
This information is shared for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.
Quirky Indigenous Uses:
- Rituals to invoke ancestors
- Burnt inside houses to protect from evil spirits
- Clear spaces of negative energy
- Fumigate sick rooms
- Used as bedding to repel bed bugs
Extraction: Steam-distilled
What's in the box
1 x 5ml 100% Imphepho Essential Oil
Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: This product may be a complementary medicine and/or not have been evaluated and verified by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority for its quality, safety or intended use. Use of this product is therefore not intended to compensate for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or mitigation of medical conditions and must not substitute the obtaining of medical advice from a registered health professional for any health or health-related conditions.