* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
PLANT NAME (Botanical name): YLANG YLANG III (Cananga odorata)
Geographical source: Comorro Islands, Reunion, Madagascar, Indonesia (Wild)
Means "flower of flowers." Ylang Ylang is a richly fragrant oil, best used for body perfume and massage oil.
Aromatherapy: sensual, euphoric
Ylang Ylang means "flower of flowers." The tree is a member of the Annonaceae family of plants which grows in tropical Asia; primarily the Comoro Islands, Reunion and Madagascar. Some botanists recognize two varieties of the tree: Cananga odorata var. genuina (true ylang ylang) and Cananga odorata. The essential oil from Cananga odorata, called simply cananga oil, is less expensive with an inferior scent andis considered a separate oil from ylang ylang essential oil.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is distilled from the greenish-yellow, starfish-shaped flowers produced year-round. Unlike most essential oils, inconsistencies in the distillation process produce four grades of ylang ylang essential oil. The four commercial grades are: Extra (the finest, first distillation), One, Two and Three.
However, there is no uniform standard that defines where the distillation phase of one grade stops and the next distillation phase begins. The result is a notoriously inconsistent aroma among the various grades.
For example, if Ylang Extra distillation ends too soon, many of its outstanding aroma characteristics could show up in Ylang One, creating a weak Ylang Extra. Conversely, if distilled too long, some of the lower quality aroma characteristics of Ylang Three might show up in Ylang Two. Only an experienced nose can evaluate the quality of the various grades of ylang ylang essential oil accurately.
Aromatherapy Benefits of Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang essential oil has deeply relaxing effects, helping normalize extreme emotions like anxiety, fear and anger. It is used mostly in perfumes and predominately in men's fragrances because its floral sweetness is so unlike rose, which is a common ingredient in many feminine perfumes.
Restraint is the key to success with ylang ylang essential oil. It tends to dominate a fragrance, so use it in small amounts either alone or with other oils. High concentrations of ylang ylang essential oil may produce headaches in sensitive individuals. However, in low doses, ylang ylang evokes an exotic, sensual atmosphere.
When blending essential oils, use ylang ylang in amounts that seem too small. Let the blend age for several days before evaluating the aroma. Aging allows the power and radiance of the ylang ylang to expand throughout the essential oil blend and reach its ultimate presence. Surprisingly, an essential oil blend comprised of as little as five to 10 percent of ylang ylang smells like a 20 to 30 percent concentration of other essential oils.
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Directions
The exotic aroma of ylang ylang soothes and emotionally relaxes. Here are a few recipes to help melt away anxiety, tension and stress.
Mental Fatigue Diffusion
Add a few drops of this blend to aromatherapy lamp or diffuser to ease mental fatigue.
8 drops ylang ylang 8 drops lemon 4 drops basil
Lovers' Massage
Mix two to three drops of the following blend per teaspoon of a vegetable oil base such as sweet almond, avocado or grapeseed.
5 drops sandalwood 4 drops rose 1 drop ylang ylang 1 drop patchouli or vetiver
Exotic Fragrance
Add the blend of essential oils listed below to 10 milliliters of 100 proof vodka for perfumes and colognes. Oils can also be diluted in vegetable oil.
12 drops patchouli 3 drops geranium 2 drops ylang ylang 1 drop cinnamon leaf or cinnamon bark (cassia)
Before Bed Bath
A warm, relaxing soak in a fragrant bath can ease the cares of the day and soothe tense muscles. Dilute four to eight drops of the following blend in two teaspoons of vegetable oil or liquid bath soap. Add to bath water and mix well.
A fun way to use ylang ylang is as a scent for potpourri. Mix the following ingredients in a covered glass jar:
20 drops ylang ylang 20 drops mandarin orange 15 drops cinnamon leaf or cinnamon bark (cacia) 4 drops vetiver 1 cup dried orange or lemon peel 1 cup bay leaves 1 cup whole allspice 1 cup cinnamon sticks
Keep covered for three weeks, shaking the contents periodically to distribute the aroma. Display the potpourri in a decorative container. Sprinkle on more essential oils to renew the fragrance as needed.
Refreshing and Relaxing Diffusion
The addition of mandarin and bergamot adds freshness to the heavy floral aroma of ylang ylang. Mix six drops of this relaxing blend with one ounce of distilled water and diffuse the mixture in an aromatherapy lamp.
Herbs, trees and flowers are at their peak during the warm summer months, filling the air with their light, fresh aromas. However, warm weather also presents hazards caused by the sun, insects, heat and humidity. Essential oils and their aromatherapy benefits can help provide relief and enhance our environment, making it easier to survive those hazards.
Essential oils that can invigorate and inspire after a long hot summer day are basil, cypress, eucalyptus, fir needle, ginger, grapefruit, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, orange, peppermint, petitgrain, rosemary and thyme. Odor-fighting oils that can wash away sweat as well as refresh the spirit include all the citrus oils plus coriander, fir needle, juniper berry and lavender. Soothing and relaxing oils that will help combat fatigue from the heat include cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, neroli, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
A natural bug repellent is the lemony-fresh, woody-herbaceous aroma of citronella essential oil. Added to the warm glow of flickering candles, it can create a perfect summertime ambiance. In addition to staving off nasty mosquitoes, the lemony fragrance is refreshing and uplifting. It mixes well with other uplifting oils such as most citrus oils, rose and lavender.
Regardless of which essential oils you use to enhance your summer fun, remember to dilute essential oils in distilled water or a carrier oil. Mix them so the essential oil makes up two to three percent of the blend. Remember, oil and water separate, so before applying a blend that includes distilled water, shake the mixture thoroughly.
To help avoid sunburn, remember that citrus oils can make skin sensitive to ultraviolet light. As a precaution, avoid the use of citrus oils when exposed to direct sunlight.
Try some of the following summertime remedies to make those lazy days of summer more pleasant and carefree.
Outdoor Spray
Try this evocative blend of sweet flowers, fresh herbs and lemon to set a fresh and cheery mood for a barbecue on the back patio. Add the following blend of oils to two fluid ounces of distilled water and liberally mist the air surrounding your outdoor activity.
3 drops citronella 2 drops lemon 2 drops rose otto 2 drops lavender 2 drops basil
Bug Repellent
For those who don't care for the smell of citronella, add the following blend of oils to two ounces of carrier oil and apply liberally to the skin. However, avoid contact with eyes.
8 drops cedar 5 drops eucalyptus 4 drops lavender 2 drops orange 2 drops lemon 1 drop peppermint 1 drop cinnamon 1 drop clove
Poison Ivy/Bug Bite Remedy
Some of you may be more annoyed with poison ivy and insect bites. Try this blend to relieve skin irritation and itching:
5 drops lavender 3 drops Roman chamomile 1 drop geranium 3 drops rose
Combine three drops of this blend with one teaspoon of a carrier oil and apply externally as needed.
Cautions
Avoid if pregnant. Dilute well. Skin irritant.
Additional Information
Founded in 1984 in the Trinity Mountains of north central California, Aura Cacia is a leading manufacturer of 100% pure and natural essential oils and quality aromatherapy products.
Aura Cacia offers more than 80 essential oils that create moods such as relaxation, rejuvenation and sensuality.
Essential oils from Aura Cacia are 100% pure botanical oils without any added water, alcohol or other diluting agents. These aromatic oils are generally steam-distilled from herbs, fruits and flowers. Citrus fruit essential oils are cold-expressed.
No animals are used to test Aura Cacia products. The products are biodegradable.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
