Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) Essential Oil

The word Ylang Ylang comes from the Philippine word “alangilang” which refers to the ‘flowers that flutter in the breeze’.  This tall tropical tree is native to tropical Asia, especially Indonesia and the Philippines grows about 60 feet high, grows wonderfully fragrant flowers that are pink, yellow and mauve in color and  hang merrily from the branches. 

The essential oil is produced by steam or water distilled from the flower petals of the Cananga tree and has a very deep passionate middle note aroma.  This floral scent envelopes you in peace and tranquility, encouraging warmth, sensuality, enthusiasm and self confidence,  balancing out the right and left side of the brain, soothes nerves, balances sebum production and enhances intimate desires. In fact, in Indonesia, the flowers are spread on the bed of newly married couples on the wedding night-hmmmm.  Spiritually the engulfing aroma may soften a hardened  heart and releases anger in turn creating serenity.

Historically in the Victorian age, the oil was used to encourage hair growth by applying it to the scalp. Like many essential oils there are different grades of Ylang Ylang.  The first distillation is called Ylang-ylang extra, which is the top grade that is often used in high class perfumery, whereas the lower grades (Ylang Ylang III) are used in soap, candles and detergents. 

Cananga odorata  is also  known for its antibacterial, sedative, nervine, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, circulatory stimulant properties.   Essential oils that blend well with Ylang Ylang are patchouli, sandalwood, rosewood, vetiver,  clove, chamomile, ginger, jasmine and citrus oils such as lemon, mandarin and bergamot.

 

For a pleasant spritzer try this recipe: 

1oz purified water or alcohol

6 drops Bergamot
3 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Sandalwood

Namaste, Cris A. C.

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Disclaimer: Information provided is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is general in nature, based on variety of research, study, personal experience, interpretation and opinion. It is not intended to counsel, treat, cure, diagnose or prescribe. Please visit our website for resource information. Readers are encouraged to seek professional help for emotional, mental or physical issues. Essential oils are not to be ingested and kept out of reach of children. Some essential oils have contraindications so be sure to use caution if pregnancy, serious illness or disease exists.

Zen Age | copyright | 2012