ELIXYRUS: LEARN WHY IT IS CALLED THE PLANT OF ETERNAL YOUTH

Nature has given us the elixir as a gift of "eternal youth." The plant maintains its beauty and vitality long after it has been cut. When Paris was traveling with Helen from Sparta to Troy, they stopped at Cythera to make sacrifices to Aphrodite, hoping to win her favor.

Helen, envious of Aphrodite, who lived on the island, asked Paris to tell her that she was the most beautiful. Paris, diplomatically, showed Helen the elixir and said: "Do you see this flower? You have the same golden hair, the same slender body, and the same velvety skin as its petals. Your beauty will last forever."

In a way, the legend of Helen's beauty endures to this day... Theophrastus called it "chrysanthemum" and "elixirus," recommending it as a mood lifter. Themistegoros from Ephesus attributed the name to the nymph Elixir, who first planted it after being gifted with eternal youth.

The ancient Greeks decorated their temples with wreaths of elixir, a custom that still survives today in Amorgos, Crete, and Cythera. By the end of spring, bouquets begin to decorate homes and shops.

The plant is mentioned by Theocritus, Dioscorides, and Pliny, who considered it the most fitting decoration for statues of the gods. When mixed with wine, it was believed to be therapeutic for bites and burns.

It is also known as "stathouri" in Amorgos, "kalomoitheia" in Santorini, "anthonoidi" in Crete, "amaranth" in the Peloponnese, and "immortal" and "sembreviwa" in Cythera.

In Greece, there are about ten species of elixir. In Amorgos, besides Helichrysum italicum and Helichrysum stoechas, there is also a very rare local species, Helichrysum amorginum, with white flowers, which is protected as an endangered species, and its collection and sale are legally prohibited.

• It has excellent anti-inflammatory and calming properties due to the presence of esters (40%), with antispasmodic and soothing effects, and it rejuvenates cellular function due to diketones.
• The rejuvenating action on cells is a valuable ally in combating skin aging. It also helps with eczema, acne, skin irritations, burns, and scars. It can dissolve old bruises and assists with conditions like phlebitis.
• It contains hydrocarbons, flavonoids, camphorol, quercetin, sesquiterpenes, luteolin, and neroli ethyl ester.
• The elixir has excellent therapeutic properties, aiding in skin health restoration and delaying aging thanks to its strong regenerative action on skin cells.
• It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, healing, and soothing for the stomach.
• It accelerates the healing of dermatitis, burns, acne, herpes, wounds, eczema, and bruises.
• It is non-toxic and does not cause sensitivities.
• Traditionally, elixir was used for treating infections, asthma, arthritis, and headaches.
• It produces one of the most precious and expensive essential oils, highly valued by aromatherapists, with 40-50% ester content, 30% sesquiterpenes, and over 10% diketones. It is considered the arnica of aromatherapy.
• Herbalists use elixir to regulate energy flow, enhance bile flow, absorb heat, and reduce inflammation.
• It is considered by aromatherapists to be one of the best oils.
• It relaxes and reduces tension caused by overstimulation and stress.