Aromatherapy Oils - Picture of Ylang Ylang flower
Ylang Ylang
(Cananga odorata)
Family : Amonaceae
Description : The cananga tree is a tall evergreen with branches that bend down. All year round it produces quantities of large yellow and white flowers with a powerful, fragrant scent. The essential oil is steam- and water- distilled from the flowers. There are several different grades of ylang ylang that are produced, with ylang ylang extra generally considered the best for use in aromtherapy.
Countries of origin : Madagascar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Reunion.
Characteristics : Ylang ylang has intensely sweet, almond, floral, tropical top notes and slightly cloying, exotic, woody, balsamic undertones. It blends well with most other florals and citruses, and also with verbena, nutmeg, rosewood, patchouli, clove, vetiver and sandalwood.
Main therapeutic properties : Anti-depressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, sedative.
Ylang ylang means ‘flower of flowers’ in Malayan, and it is much used in the perfume industry for its voluptuous, exotic fragrance. One of its most important aromatherapy uses is in helping to reduce high blood pressure, especially if this is accompanied by heart papitations. Ylang ylang also treats anxiety, anger, shock and fear, helping to slow over-rapid breathing and reducing the ‘fight or flight’ syndrome. Overall, ylang ylang is soothing, erotic and euphoric.
In skin care, ylang ylang is valued for its pleasing fragrance and is especially suited to oily skin. Traditionally the flowers are macerated in coconut oil and used as a hair dressing, and it makes a good addition to base shampoo and conditioner. When used in a massage oil, ylang ylang can help to treat frigidity and impotance. In a mood perfume, its sweet voluptuous and erotic fragrance can help to release inhibitions and bring out fiery passion. Ylang ylang is particularly suited to women and helps them find their inner femininity, confidence and sensuality.
Use only small amounts of ylang ylang and not for long periods of time, otherwise the perfume can become sickly and heavy, and may cause headaches and nausea. Blending it with lemon, bergamot and other fresh-smelling essential oils lightens the fragrance, and this is strongly recommended. Ylang ylang is good in an evening bath to promote relaxation and aid sleep. It is also available in treating depression, especially when there is a lot of nervous tension. It is one of the best essential oils to use with meditation to counteract anger.
Psychologically, ylang ylang calms, uplifts, creates a sense of peace and aids self-expression of repressed inner feelings.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Aromatherapy - Ginger Essential Oil | Excellent Aromatherapy Guide // Feb 6, 2010 at 2:26 pm
[...] woody, sweet, spicy undertones. It blends well with the citruses and also with neroli, geranium, ylang ylang, rose, frankincense, sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli and [...]
2 Depression Relieved Technique | Excellent Aromatherapy Guide // Feb 7, 2010 at 12:35 am
[...] are both sedative and anti-depressant. They include roman and german chamomile, neroli, sandalwood, ylang ylang, frankincense and clary sage. Including no more than one drop of narcissus, jonquil, linden blosson [...]
3 Essential Oils and Skin Care | Excellent Aromatherapy Guide // Feb 21, 2010 at 11:36 pm
[...] judicious use of essential oils in skin care helps to rejuvenate and beatify the face and body. We can call this ‘cosmetic [...]
4 Essential Oils - Calming Scents | Excellent Aromatherapy Guide // Feb 23, 2010 at 12:49 pm
[...] down. Lavender is another classioc caling favorite, as well as roman chamomile, neroli, marjoram, ylang ylang, clary sage, sandalwood, rose otto, rose absolute, angelica and [...]
5 Essential oils for meditation | Excellent Aromatherapy Guide // Feb 28, 2010 at 11:30 am
[...] will need a blend of essential oils of your choice, cotton wool buds, a burner or electric vaporizer, and matches or a [...]
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