Everlasting (Immortelle)

Everlasting (Immortelle) – Helichrysum italicum

The everlasting has a characteristic, strong scent. Air permeated with the plant essential oils enables patients with lung diseases, asthma and bronchitis to breathe more smoothly. It has antibiotic ingredients. It has effect on the bile ducts and inflammation of the gallbladder, as well as on other glands, especially the pancreas. In the folk medicine of the Mediterranean countries, it is used for skin problems, rhinitis, asthma, and often for the excretion of fluids. It is sensitive to frost, so it is planted in protected areas. It has a strong scent, and a bitter and aromatic taste. The everlasting is popularly called the “Queen of the Mediterranean”. It grows in the dry karst deserted soils, and in the coastal areas. Its dried flowers look similar to the sandy everlasting.