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Aromatherapy Spotlight on Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
By: Lisa Maliga
Ylang ylang, pronounced ee-lung ee-lung, is as exotic sounding
as the tropical regions from where these fragrant flowers
originate. The name means, “flower of flowers” and the
abundantly sweet flowers are prettily colored pink, mauve or
yellow, colors frequently seen during sunrise and sunset. These
trees flourish in the tropics; the islands of the South Pacific
[Philippines, Guam, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook and the Marquesas].
Additionally, ylang ylang trees have been planted in Hawaii and
New Caledonia. Near the coast of southeast Africa, some of the
finest ylang ylang producing trees flourish in the Comoro
Islands and Madagascar.
As this distinctively named flower hails from the warmer parts
of the world, the [botanical name Cananga Odorata var. genuina]
can also warm up your love life. Indonesian newlyweds discover
their bed covered in the highly scented blossoms as according to
“The Essential Oils Book” by Colleen K. Dodt, ylang ylang: “….
is believed to be antidepressant, aphrodisiac, sedative,
calming, euphoric…It has been found effective in reducing sexual
difficulties resulting from anxiety, stress, and depression.”
Before you run out and purchase some ylang ylang, you should be
aware of the fact that this is an aromatic plant that needs to
be used sparingly. Too much ylang ylang and you’ll get a
headache. The aroma is annoying to some, but to many it’s very
soothing and calming.
Ylang ylang is reminiscent of another tropical floral star in
aromatherapy, namely jasmine. It has been dubbed the “poor man’s
jasmine” as the lower grades of ylang ylang are priced in the
single or double digits. The botanical name is derived from the
Malaysian word, “kenanga” which is the vernacular for the genus.
“Odorata” simply means fragrant.
Grades of Ylang Ylang: As with any essential oil, the higher the
price the higher the quality. And Ylang ylang, unlike many other
essential oils, has several different grades [or fractions]
ranging from the costly Ylang Ylang Superior Extra down to the
least expensive, Ylang Ylang III. Ylang Ylang Superior Extra –
This is an extraordinary form of ylang ylang which is considered
by experts to represent the finest notes of this lovely floral.
Found on Mayotte Island off the coast of Madagascar, this grade
of oil is from certified organically grown flowers. Ylang Ylang
Complete – This grade is comprised of all fractions of the ylang
ylang essential oil from the Extra to Grades I, II, and III.
Ylang Ylang Extra – The most floral smelling of the grades. This
grade is recommended for perfumers as it is the most full-bodied
and has spicy background notes. It is taken from the initial
distillation where the petals are only distilled for one hour.
Ylang Ylang I – A very nice floral and the perfect introduction
to this flower essential oil. This is the first distillation,
obtained during the second to third hour of distillation. Ylang
Ylang II - This is the second distillation, obtained during the
third to fourth hour of distillation Ylang Ylang III – Having
been distilled for at least a day, the resulting grade of ylang
ylang is the heaviest in scent. This grade is best used for
aromatherapy beginners on a budget or to scent soap, candles and
other bath and body products. Ylang Ylang CO2 – Distilled by CO2
[carbon dioxide], when a certain amount of pressure is applied
the gas changes to liquid; thus, this is one of the safest ways
to extract oils. Most ylang ylang extracted in this manner is
quite expensive. Ylang Ylang Absolute – This method of
extraction is done by alcohol washing of the concrete obtained
from the ylang ylang petals. Done primarily in France from the
Comoro Islands flowers, the pale yellow oil has a balsamic
undertone. Absolutes are outstanding for perfumery due to their
long-lasting aroma.
Benefits of Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang is a calming, soothing
essential oil that helps alleviate stress. It also helps high
blood pressure and decreases nervous tension. Is an excellent
balancing oil for oily or dry skin. Ylang ylang has been reputed
to stimulate hair growth and is a natural conditioner. Julia
Lawless, author of “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential
Oils,” writes: “In the Victorian age, the oil was used in the
hair treatment Macassar oil.”
Safety/Precautions: Aromatherapy author Colleen K. Dodt wrote:
“My sister found ylang ylang helpful during her pregnancy when
high blood pressure threatened. The scent calmed and relaxed
her, which naturally lowered her blood pressure.” As with any
natural product, common sense is the first defense. If you or
someone you know has a strong dislike for a certain scent, then
don’t use it. If concerned about safety, always check with your
healthcare practitioner.
Uses for Ylang Ylang: Bath soak ~ All you need is one or two
drops in your bathtub of warm to hot water and you should find
yourself relaxing. Candle ~ Add a few drops to a candle, next to
the wick, not on it as essential oils are flammable. Ylang ylang
will fill the room with its exotic floral aroma and relaxation
should follow. Hair ~ Add one or two drops to your hairbrush and
brush your hair. Not only will it smell great, doing this helps
to condition it naturally. Also, Ylang ylang is believed to
stimulate hair growth.
Blending with Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang can greatly enhance
sandalwood, rosewood, or any citrus oil such as: grapefruit,
bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, petitgrain, and other florals
like lavender, jasmine, tuberose and rose. To offer a marvelous
contrast, use black pepper, Peru balsam, patchouli or vetivert.
Ylang ylang is a fragrant year round reminder for those of us
living in colder regions. Slip away on a tropical vacation as
you inhale the heady floral bouquet. While not all of us can
board a plane and benefit from a tropical vacation, for only a
few dollars we can buy a ylang ylang scented product and
transport ourselves there via the imagination.
About the Author:
Lisa Maliga is the bath & body products designer for Everything
Shea Aromatic Creations http://www.everythingshea.comEverything
Shea offers a variety of glycerin soaps, lip balms,
scented/unscented shea butter, Whipped Shea Butter, and custom
SoapCakes and Mini SoapCakes. Discover 250+ fragrances, designer
duplicates and essential oils.
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Ylang Ylang is a calming, soothing
essential oil that helps alleviate stress.
Disclaimer:
We are not physicians, although many of the articles on the website are authored by physicians. We do not claim that any of the articles or suggestions on this website will cure all ailments or problems. Many problems can be only treated with a doctor's care.
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