Benefits of Sweet Smelling Ylang Ylang

In tropical countries especially those in the South Pacific, a walk in the late afternoon or early evening could be a pleasantly fragrant experience. It is due to this powerfully sweet smelling ylang ylang flower which radiates intense fragrance at these times of the day which is abundant in these parts of the world. If you don’t live in these parts, you still could simulate the experience as ylang ylang essential oil is readily available anywhere else on earth.

Ylang ylang oil, pronounced ee-lung ee-lung is extracted from the flower of a tall sturdy ylang ylang tree which could grow up to 60 feet. These flowers in pink, cream, mauve or yellow got its name from a Malay term which refers to the flowers that flutter in the breeze and is commonly referred to as the flower of flowers.

Extracting the oil utilizes what they call fractional distillation. The process which is usually started in the morning is about 14 hours but is stopped in stages to separate the different grades of this essential oil. The first fraction with the highest quality is called extra and is made up of esters and ethers while the poorest quality is from the last fraction called cananga, derived from its scientific name, to differentiate from the quality of an ylang ylang oil.

Benefits

Among the numerous benefits of ylang ylang are the following

1. As an Anti Depressant

Ylang ylang has been accepted in Asia as a very good treatment for depression. It is believed to relax the body and the soul, drives away the feelings of sadness and anxiety and promotes joy and hope. It is used for the treatment of patients with acute depression after a trauma or shock and those who experienced nervous breakdown.

2. As an Aphrodisiac

In Indonesia, these had been a part of the newly wed’s honeymoon as their bed and their room are strewn with this flower. They believe that ylang ylang is also best for those who are losing their libido and interest in sex because of psychological and emotional factors.

3. As an Anti Septic
This oil has the ability to disinfect wounds and prevents bacterial growth especially for those threatened with tetanus infection. It also aids in the quick healing of the wound.

4. For control of Hypertension

Because of its natural relaxing and calming effect, it is good for hypertension. As the body relaxes, the blood pressure also goes down.

5. To soothe nerves

Its calming effect greatly reduces the stress on the nerves and therefore promotes the general health of the nervous system. Because of this capacity, it is also used in treatment of other nervous ailments.

6. As an Anti Seborrhoeic

Ylang ylang has the ability to regulate sebum production thereby being effective in the prevention of skin related diseases. It could also cure inflammation and prevent the ugly peeling of the skin.

7. Others

It is also used for other treatments including infections in internal organs such as urinary tract, colon and intestines. It greatly helps people suffering from insomnia, fatigue and stress related conditions because of its ability to calm and soothe the nerve.

Uses

Candle – To experience the relaxing, soothing and calming effect, add a few drops to the candle. Lighting up the candle will fill up the room with the exotic fragrance.

Bath Soak – Mix a drop or two of the essential oil with vinegar or honey in your warm hot bath to relax your tensed muscles as you enjoy your warm bath more.

Hair Care – Put a drop or two on your hairbrush and brush your hair. It will not only smell great, it will also be naturally conditioned and it could also stimulate hair growth.

Diffuser –Add a few drops to your diffuser or to a tissue and allow the air to carry the fragrance and the relaxing benefits for a more relaxed sleep.

Blends

Ylang ylang essential oil could be blended with other scents to either enhance or provide an interesting contrast. It is best with wood oils such as sandalwood or flower oils like rose geranium or vetiver. Blended with fruit peel oils such as orange, lemon or mandarin or seed oil like black pepper, carrot seed, nutmeg, anise or sweet fennel produces an interesting scent. It also blends well with grapefruit, lavender, tuberose, jasmine, bergamot, cedar wood, Peru balsam and patchouli among others.

Precaution

Remember though that because of its strong heady scent, ylang ylang oil has been believed to cause headache and nausea. It could also irritate sensitive skin even if in general, it is non-irritant and non-toxic.

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