Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
The Flower of Flowers
Ylang Ylang means “Flower of Flowers”. Its essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of fresh flowers of the ylang-ylang tree (Cananga odorata) which is commonly found in the rainforests of certain Asian and South Pacific Islands like Indonesia, Philippines, Java, Sumatra, Comoro, and Polynesia. The best quality and the most oil quantity comes when the flowers are picked early in the morning.
It is used very often in perfumes and aromatherapy treatments due to its very nice and delicate fragrance. Its sweet, floral aroma is considered uplifting, romantic and aphrodiciac so many people enjoy to diffuse it even if they are not trying to treat someting in particular. Nevertheless, it is also used for a variety of medicinal purposes.
Indonesians cover the beds of newly married couples with Ylang Ylang flowers. They refer to it as the “Poor Mans Jasmine” for its sweet aroma and because they share some of the same properties and uses.
There are at least five different oil qualities named according to the distillation process. The first hour of distillation produces the best quality oil which is referred to as Ylang Ylang Complete. The poorest quality is taken last and is called Cananga.
Furthermore the composition of Ylang Ylang essential oil may vary depending on the origin of the plant. So one brand could be significantly different from another.
Genus: Cananga odorata
Part of the Plant Used
Flower
Properties of Ylang Ylang essential oil and Use
The chief components of the essential oil of Ylang Ylang are benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, linalool, caryophyllene, geranyl acetate, methyl benzoate, p-cresyl methyl ether, and other components known as sesquiterpenes, all of which contribute to its aroma and medicinal properties.
Basic therapeutic properties
Antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, nervine, and sedative.
Aromatic Affect on the Mind
Its sweet and floral aroma is very calming and relaxing.
Psychological influence
In a deeper state it works with fear and as a result it assists to release negative emotions such as anger, possessiveness or low self-esteem while nourishing the positive ones such as confidence and self-love.
Spiritual Influence
It has been used to balance male and female energies to achieve a state of harmony and spiritual awareness.
Ylang Ylang Essential oil also helps those who are feeling lack of energy both physically and spiritually. It brings the body, mind and spirit back into alignment.
Chakra Affected
Expands the heart chakra and opens the Sacral (second) Chakra
Volatility index
Low
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Specific benefits and uses
Skin
Ylang Ylang Essential oil is appreciated for maintaining skin moisture and oil balance. It is especially good for oily skins. Generally it keeps the skin hydrated, smooth, and young.
Libido
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is cosindered one of the best essential oils to create a romantic atmosphere and improve sexual life. It can be very beneficial for people who have lost interest in sex due to tremendous workload, professional stress and depression. The loss of libido or frigidity is a growing problem in our society. Essentials oils like Ylang Ylang can activate sex drive.
Antidepressant
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is one of the oldest known antidepressant. It relaxes the body and relieves anxiety, sadness and chronic stress. It uplifts the mood and brings feelings of joy and hope. It could be effective for nervous breakdowns and acute depression after a shock or an accident.
Nervine
In general it strengthens the nervous system and repairs any damage it may have suffered. As it reduces stress Ylang Ylang protects the nerves from developing a number of nervous disorders. It is a health booster for the nervous system.
Hypotensive
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is considered effective for lowering blood pressure especially if high blood pressure is accompanied by increased heart palpitations. It’s an easy and natural solution.
Antiseptic
It can also beeen used as anticeptic for small woulds caused by cuts and burns. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil can be used to avoid bacterial infections and to speed up the healing process of the wound.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil can also help for infections in the stomach, intestines, colon and utinary track. It is said that it can also be used for seborrheic eczema.
Ways to Use Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
It may be used in the following ways:
- Undiluted:
- Inhale directly as an easy rescue remedy to use it as nervine, antidepressant and to lower blood pressure
- Put three to four drops into a diffuser. It can be used alone or as a blend to creatic a romantic atmosphere
- Diluted:
- For Massage you can add a few drops to a base oil like Coconut, Grape Seed and Jojoba Oil. You can massage your temples or other tense points.
- For a romantic, sensual massage you can use a blend of 1 drop Ylang Ylang Complete, 2 drops of Sandalwood, and 2 drops Bergamot with 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of base oil.
- To use it as an anti-aging skin toner you can add five drops into chamomile tea, allow it to cool and apply to your skin.
- For small wounds you can add a few drops in St. John’s wort for topical use. You can also create your own bee wax ointment and add a few drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
- For Hair treatment add 2 to 3 drops to your regular shampoo or two to three drops into coconut oil. Massage it onto your hair and scalp. Leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with water and mild shampoo.
- Put a few drops in your mist to spray your bed linens befor you go to bed. It will assist especially used as a blend with Lavender and Neroli to relax and sleep well
Safety Precautions:
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is generally consindered as safe to use. However, it is highly recommended not o use it internally without expert supervision and advise. Pregnant women and children under the age of six are advised not to use this oil as well.
In general, there are there are no cases that show severe side effects of Ylang Ylang Esential Oil. However, when taken in excessive amounts, it can potentially cause sensitivity, nausea, headache and skin irritation in some individuals. So it is advised to dillute it with carrier oils and do a skin test before using it topically for the first time.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
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