Plant descriptionA tall tropical tree which grows up to 20m in height. The leaves are large and dark green in colour. Long slender flowers are produced which are highly scented. Flowers can be pink, mauve or yellow although the yellow flowers are considered the best for the extraction of essential oils.
History
Ylang Ylang flowers have been used for cosmetic and hair care products for many hundreds of years in the Molucca Islands, Indonesia and were traditionally spread onto the beds of newly married couples. Ylang Ylang was also used to fight infections, prevent fever and treat insect bites.
The Victorian's used Ylang Ylang oil in the hair treatment, Macassar Oil, and was the cause of introducing 'Antimacassars' used on the back of chairs and sofas.
The Victorian's used Ylang Ylang oil in the hair treatment, Macassar Oil, and was the cause of introducing 'Antimacassars' used on the back of chairs and sofas.
Botanical Family
Annonaceae
Key constituents
Methyl benzoate, methyl salicylate, methyl paracretol, benzyl acetate, eugenol, geraniol, linalool , terpenes, pinene, cadinene amongst others.
Main therapeutic properties
Aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antiseborrheic, antiseptic, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative.
Main therapeutic uses
Acne, hair growth, oily skin, depression, impotence & frigidity, high blood pressure, hypernea (fast breathing), palpitations, depression, insomnia, nervous tension & stress related conditions.
Blends well with
Rosewood, Vetivert, Jasmine, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Patchouli & Sandalwood.
Safety data
Non toxic, non irritant, non sensitising though a few cases have been reported.
Additional information
Ylang Ylang has a deep, heady scent so should be used in moderation as overuse could cause headaches and nausea.
It is an excellent oil to use in blends that are for calming and soothing to the nervous system, for those feeling agitated or frustrated, all too common in these stressful times.
Placing a few drops into a diffuser will create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere and the oil can be enjoyed by adding to a warm bath to help relax before retiring for the night. Useful for insomnia especially when worry and stress are causing restless nights.
The name Ylang Ylang means 'flower of flowers'.
DistillatesYlang Ylang Extra is the oil produced from the first distillation of the freshly picked flowers which produces about 40% of the total oil. The scent of 'Extra' has a depth that is absent from the further distillations.
Personally I find the 'Extra' oil a delight to use and love the strong heady scent though always dilute the oil well as I do find it can be overpowering and quite sickly if too much is used. I cannot say I like the scent of the other grades at all, although they have a Ylang Ylang scent there is definitely something missing and are really quite different.
When I first began my journey with aromatherapy I disliked Ylang Ylang and rarely used it as I found the scent quite overpowering and unpleasant. At the time being new to aromatherapy I didn't know that there were other grades and had been 'put off' the oil. Only after some time did I discover there were varying grades and bought some of each to compare. Once I smelt the Extra there was no turning back for me and this is the reason we only supply Extra not only because I like the scent but I feel that the Extra is the 'cream of the crop'.
After the first distillation for Ylang Ylang Extra a further three distillations take place and the oils produced are called Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3. The lower grade 3 being mainly used for scenting products like soaps & detergents and not really suitable for aromatherapy use.
A 'complete' oil is also produced that represents a 'total' or 'unfractionated' oil and is generally constructed by blending Grade 1 & 2 together.
It is an excellent oil to use in blends that are for calming and soothing to the nervous system, for those feeling agitated or frustrated, all too common in these stressful times.
Placing a few drops into a diffuser will create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere and the oil can be enjoyed by adding to a warm bath to help relax before retiring for the night. Useful for insomnia especially when worry and stress are causing restless nights.
The name Ylang Ylang means 'flower of flowers'.
DistillatesYlang Ylang Extra is the oil produced from the first distillation of the freshly picked flowers which produces about 40% of the total oil. The scent of 'Extra' has a depth that is absent from the further distillations.
Personally I find the 'Extra' oil a delight to use and love the strong heady scent though always dilute the oil well as I do find it can be overpowering and quite sickly if too much is used. I cannot say I like the scent of the other grades at all, although they have a Ylang Ylang scent there is definitely something missing and are really quite different.
When I first began my journey with aromatherapy I disliked Ylang Ylang and rarely used it as I found the scent quite overpowering and unpleasant. At the time being new to aromatherapy I didn't know that there were other grades and had been 'put off' the oil. Only after some time did I discover there were varying grades and bought some of each to compare. Once I smelt the Extra there was no turning back for me and this is the reason we only supply Extra not only because I like the scent but I feel that the Extra is the 'cream of the crop'.
After the first distillation for Ylang Ylang Extra a further three distillations take place and the oils produced are called Grade 1, Grade 2 & Grade 3. The lower grade 3 being mainly used for scenting products like soaps & detergents and not really suitable for aromatherapy use.
A 'complete' oil is also produced that represents a 'total' or 'unfractionated' oil and is generally constructed by blending Grade 1 & 2 together.
