Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang oil is extracted from Cananga odorata var. genuina (Unona odorantissimum) from the Anonaceae family and also known as "flower of flowers".

Oil properties: Ylang ylang oil has an exotic, sweet smell and is slightly yellow in color.

Origin of ylang ylang oil: Ylang ylang is a tall tropical tree about 20meters (60 feet) high with large, tender, fragrant pink, mauve or yellow flowers.

The tree is cultivated in Java, Sumatra, Reunion, Madagascar and the Comores and the name means 'flower of flowers'.In Indonesia Ylang ylang flower petals are strewn upon the bed on wedding nights.

Once Ylang ylang was a popular ingredient of hair preparations in Europe and was known as Macassar oil. The word "anti-macassar" originated from this, since an anti-maccasar was used to keep hair oil from staining upholstered furniture.

Extraction: Ylang ylang oil is extracted from the freshly picked flowers by water or steam distillation. The first distillation is called Ylang ylang extra, which is the top grade. An absolute and concrete are also produced by solvent extraction.

Chemical composition: The main chemical components are: Benzoic, Geraniol, Lonalool, Eugenol, Safrole, Benzyl acetate, Farnesol and Pinene.

Precautions: Ylang ylang oil is non-toxic, non-irritant, yet could cause sensitivity on some people and excessive use of it may lead to headaches and nausea.

Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Ylang ylang oil are: aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antiseptic, hypotensive and sedative.

Uses: Ylang ylang oil has a euphoric and sedative effect on the nervous system; it can help with anxiety, tension, shock, fear and panic.

Its aphrodisiac qualities may be of use in impotence and frigidity. Ylang ylang oil can be particularly useful with rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat, it can also help with reducing high blood pressure.
It can be useful for intestinal infections. Ylang ylang oil could have a soothing effect on the skin and its stimulating effect on the scalp could promote more luxurious hair growth.

Summary: Ylang ylang oil can assist with problems such as high blood pressure, rapid breathing and heartbeat, nervous conditions, as well as impotence and frigidity.

Burners and vaporizers: In vapor therapy Ylang ylang oil can be helpful with: anxiety, tension, shock, fear, panic, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, aphrodisiac, physical exhaustion, frigidity, impotence, insomnia, depression, stress and as a relaxant and aphrodisiac.

Blended oil or in the bath: As a blended massage oil or diluted in the bath Ylang ylang oil can assist with: physical exhaustion, insomnia, frigidity, impotence, depression, anxiety, nervous tension and stress. It can also be calming and an aphrodisiac.

Aromatherapy Oils