Ylang Ylang is the native of Philippines, Southern Asia, Malaysia, Australia and is cultivated in Neo-tropics. It is known to be persistent species in Puerto Rico. It is vigorous pioneering and fast growing tree. It is capable of growing more than 2 meters per year in its early years.

In Philippines, it is known as flower of flowers and traditionally valued for its perfume.

The Essential Oils are extracted through steam distillation and separated in three different grades as distillates are obtained. The earliest distillation has the lightest and most ethereal fragrance and the one collected during the last hours of the distillation, is the thicker and smokier than the earlier one.

About Ylang Ylang:

Botanical Name: Cananga odorata

Family: Annonaceae (Custard Apple)

Common Name: Ylang Ylang

Plant Part used for oil extraction: Flower

Fragrance: Sweety, heady, floral

Color: Pale Yellow

Taste: Sweet and Bitter

Aroma Strength: Medium

Energy: Cooling and Moisturizing

Doshas Effect: Pita, Vata(-), Kapha(+)

Chakra Works: Helps in balancing Solar Plex and Sacral

Chemical Constituents: Linalol, geraniol, eugenol, safral, ylangol, linalyl benzoate, linalyl acetate, Alpha penine, benzoic acid, cadinene, caryophylelene, creosol, isoeugenol

Physical Properties: Density 0.923 – 0.975

Ignition Temperature: 85 degree Celsius

Mixes Well with: Vetiver, Bergamot, Tuberose, Cedarwood

Used For:

Oily Skin and Hair: When used as hair tonic, it balances oil production.

High Blood Pressure: Studies show that simply sniffing the oil reduces the blood pressure by 15-20 points.

Stress: The study exhibits that the stress index goes down from high level of 77.33 ku/L to medium 49.5 ku/L .The stress level was also determined by the alpha brain wave.

Heart Rate: Study show that Ylang Ylang oil helps in controlling palpitation and higher heart rate.

Acne: It has been praised for combating Acne and oily skin.

Relaxes - Nervous tension and anxiety

Bibliography:

1.     Wanger WL, Lorence DH, 2014 Flora of the marquesas Island Website, Washington DC USA, Smith Sonian Institution

2.     Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils

3.     Essential Oil Safety, UK by Robert Tisserand and Rondey Young

4.     Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

5.     Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art – Kathi Kevillee and MindyGreen