The Amaranth, or Precious Everlasting or May, has an international scientific name of Helichrysum stoechas and a Greek scientific name of Leimonio the Kolvoto. It is a wildflower of the Greek countryside, belonging to the family of Compositeae (Compositae), Asteraceae (Asteraceae). It is an annual or perennial herb growing up to 60 cm tall, with linear or lanceolate, grayish-green leaves and small, spherical, yellow flowers in inflorescences. Flowering and harvesting occur in early spring.

It is mainly found in Preveza, Thesprotia, and the Ionian Islands. The aromatic semi-shrub grows in uncultivated places both in inland and coastal areas. Its flower heads are small and yellow, and its stem is thin. When dried, the plant retains its shape and the tips of the flowers keep their yellow color – hence they are also called "immortal" or "amaranthine".

Medicinal Use

• The everlasting flower has been traditionally used in Europe for tuberculosis of the lymph nodes, asthma, arthritis, headaches, and intestinal worms.
• The stems and flowers of the plant exhibit expectorant, diaphoretic, and purgative properties and are used to treat the common cold.
• The essential oil of the plant has healing, anti-aging, regenerative, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and lipolytic properties.
• It is recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions, such as burns, acne, herpes, wounds, bruises, and eczema.
• Antioxidant action has been proven due to the phenolic compounds present.
• In folk medicine, the essential oil appears to possess antispasmodic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, cholagogic, diuretic, and antidepressant properties.
• It is applied as a healing, soothing, and regenerative treatment locally on the skin in the form of essential oil (2-3 drops), often in a mixture with essential oils of other plants.
• The essential oil contains esters, terpenes, hydrocarbons, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and non-terpenoid β-ketones.

No toxic manifestations or other side effects have been reported.