Helichrysum italicum is a small perennial shrubby herb with narrow, silver-hairy leaves and small, yellow dry (straw -like) flowers. The flowers are a cluster of golden yellow ball shaped blossoms, the leaves are delicate and oblong, which when crushed release a distinct aroma. It is a wonderful plant to grow in the garden, for both its curry aroma and simple beauty. The aroma of the essential oil has been exquisitely described by Holmes, as being: A deeply-saturated sweet, green floral scent. This essential oil is not the same healing helichrysum oil that is steam distilled and used for healing and anti-inflammatory purposes. It is, however, a marvelous fit to the perfumer and essential oil blender. Although this oil is thick and slow-moving, the golden brown absolute oil contains one of the most complex aromas available. Helichrysum are well known and very popular as traditional medicine in South Africa, their uses are often linked to their distribution. Helichrysum splendid has been used to treat rheumatism and that it is a good fuel plant in the mountains. It is also used in potpourri and lasts well in a vase as a cut flower. Helichrysum is now cultivated mainly in Italy, France and Spain; the essential oil of helichrysum is obtained by steam distillation of the fresh flowers. Helichrysum absolute oil has a honey-like, sweet fragrance with green undertones; it is usually colored pale yellow, with some red tints. It is also possible to obtain an absolute from helichrysum by solvent extraction. Helichrysum absolute is produced from the yellow flowers of the plant. It is used for its deep-sweet, honey-like note and is a great fixative to essential oil blends containing other oils. It is added to provide a fruity, spicy, warm base note. The oil is useful in skincare preparations, particularly for dry or mature skin.