Latin Name: Cananga odorata
Description
Produced from the flowers of the Annonaceae family, ylang ylang is called the "Flower of Flowers" and is native to tropical Asia. It is reminiscent of Jasmine in aroma and is a deeply relaxing oil with an exotically floral, rich, sweet, sensual aroma.
The oil is commercially grown in Madagascar, the Philippines, and Reunion islands. Good quality ylang ylang will have a smooth aroma that is not overly strong and lacks the thick, dominant, sweetness of some distillations.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Ylang ylang is well known in Asia for its anti-depressant and aphrodisiac properties. It is relaxing to body, mind, and spirit and is said to calm anger, release tension, lift depression, and generally stabilize mood swings. When mixed with jasmine or rose, ylang ylang is used as an aphrodisiac and to treat sexual difficulties, especially those stemming from lack of confidence.
Ylang ylang may lower blood pressure, ease muscle spasms and tense muscles, and treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopausal symptoms.
In a facial oil or cream, ylang ylang can help balance sebum production and is most helpful to oily skin. It can also fight the bacteria that often contribute to acne.
Source
The essential oil is steam distilled from the yellow, star-shaped, flowers. There are four grades / distillations of oil, reflecting the distillation process, with "extra" being the finest.
Preparations
Atomizer / Spritzer: Add 6 drops to every 30mL of spring water. Shake well before each use. It is best to add the essential oil to a teaspoon of vodka to help it disperse in the water.
Cream/Lotion: For skin problems, add 12 drops to every 30mL.
Perfume: Add 12 drops oil to 5mL/1 tsp. jojoba oil.
Sensual Massage: Mix ylang ylang with jasmine or rose to help treat sexual difficulties. For a sensual massage, blend 15 drops jasmine with 6 drops ylang ylang in 30mL/2 tbsp. unscented massage oil.
Uplifting Bath: If dealing with anger, anxiety, depression, mood swings, or tension, add 6 drops directly to the bath or blend with 15mL/1 tbsp. unscented bath oil.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
At high concentrations, ylang ylang can cause headaches in some people.
Ailment / Situation Listing
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