Impepho
Helichrysum odoratissimum
About Impepho
Impepho (Helichrysum odoratissimum) is a herb used in the African Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Anxiety, Wound Healing, and Respiratory Issues. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Impepho in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Impepho into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Impepho into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Topical / Poultice
- Mash fresh Impepho or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
- Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
Infused Oil
- Fill a jar with dried Impepho.
- Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
- Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
- Use topically or as a salve base.
Steam Inhalation
- Add 2–3 tbsp of Impepho to a bowl of just-boiled water.
- Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.
Herbal Bath
- Brew 4–6 tbsp of Impepho in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
- CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
Warnings
⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.
⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants
May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Climate
Tropical savannah
Habitat
Savannahs, tropical forests, and traditional healing gardens across Africa
🌿 To see Impepho growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- African herbal markets and medicine practitioners
- West African grocery stores (in diaspora communities)
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Impepho, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.