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Immortelle

The Italian strawflower is a fragrant shrub that is usually found in Europe. There are over 300 related species. The parts of the plant that grow above ground, and in particular the dried flowers, are used to make medicine. The Italian immortelle is used for stomach upsets, liver disorders and diseases of the gallbladder. It is also used for chronic bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, burns, rheumatic joint pain, headaches, migraines, water retention, allergies and psoriasis. Extracts of Italian immortelle are used as flavorings in food, beverages and tobacco. In industrial production, Italian immortelle is used in perfumes, sun creams and after-sun products.

How does Italian immortelle work?

Italian immortelle contains chemicals that may help fight bacteria, reduce inflammatory swelling and increase the production of digestive juices. It may also increase the liver's ability to process harmful toxins. Of the over 300 species of Italian immortelle, many contain similar active ingredients, but in varying amounts.

How effective is Italian immortelle?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective Italian immortelle is for stomach upsets, liver disorders, gallbladder disorders, water retention, bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, psoriasis, burns, rheumatic joint pain, headaches, migraines and allergies. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Italian immortelle in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Italian immortelle is safe and harmless in food-grade quantities and appears to be safe and harmless for most people even when used in medicinal quantities when taken orally at the recommended clinical dosages.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Italian immortelle is safe and safe for pregnant and lactating women in normal dietary amounts. However, larger medicinal amounts should be avoided until more is known about its safety.

Gallstones: Italian immortelle should not be used if you suffer from gallstones as it may interfere with the treatment of gallstones.

Blockage of the bile ducts: Italian immortelle should not be used if you suffer from a blockage of the bile ducts. Italian immortelle stimulates the production of bile acid, which could aggravate such a blockage.

Allergies to broomrape and related plants: Italian immortelle could cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this plant family include broomweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and many others. If you suffer from allergies, you should consult your doctor before taking Italian immortelle.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of Italian immortelle with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of Italian immortelle depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for Italian immortelle. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Angioni A, Barra A, Arlorio, et al. Chemical composition, plant genetic differences, and antifungal activity of the essential oil of Helichrysum italicum G. Don ssp. microphyllum (Willd) Nym. J Agric Food Chem 2003;51:1030-4.
  2. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21
  3. Nostro A, Cannatelli MA, Musolino AD, et al. Helichrysum italicum extract interferes with the production of enterotoxins by Staphylococcus aureus. Lett Appl Microbiol 2002;35:181-4.
  4. Sala A, Recio M, Giner RM, et al. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Helichrysum italicum. J Pharm Pharmacol 2002;54:365-71.
  5. Sala A, Recio M, Schinella GR, et al. A new dual inhibitor of arachidonate metabolism isolated from Helichrysum italicum. Eur J Pharmacol 2003;460:219-26.