BENEFITS
- Cultivated for the perfume trade like Jasmine and Rose oil
- High Sesquiterpene content
- Potent soothing and relaxing properties
- Skin nourishing and rejuvenating
- Useful for beauty and skin care
Botanical/Latin Name: Cananga odorata
Distillation: Steam Distilled Flowers
How Grown: Ethically wild crafted organic
Location: Madagascar
Aromas: Sweet, floral, balsamic, exotic, sensual and earthy
Chemical Family: High sesquiterpene, ester
GC/MS Tested: 100% Pure & Natural
FDA: Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) Status
Ylang Ylang has an unforgettable exotic, sensual and intoxicating aroma with balsamic and woody notes.
In the Malayan language Ylang Ylang means “flower of the flowers.” Softly sweet and warm the scent of Ylang Ylang III (pronounced “eelang”) is less sweet and floral, and more earthy than the other “fractions” of this aromatic plant.
Ylang Ylang has been referred as the "poor man's Jasmine."
Ylang Ylang oil is incomparable with any other aroma. Though a truly great oil to use on its own, Ylang Ylang oil is highly versatile in a blend and can be used as a middle or base note.
A native flower of the Philippines, Ylang Ylang essential oil’s fragrant pale yellow blossoms were developed for the aromatherapy trade and have no traditional use.
Eighty percent of Ylang Ylang oil now comes from the Comoro Islands.
In Indonesia it is customary for newly weds to find the fragrant ylang ylang blossoms scattered atop the marriage bed as a blessing of lasting love and happiness.
As with other flowers cultivated for the aromatherapy trade, like Jasmine and Rose, the Ylang Ylang blossoms must be harvested early in the morning and immediately prepared for steam distillation.
Ylang Ylang is often distilled in what is called “fractions,” or parts, meaning the distillation process is halted during different stages of distillation. The oils are gathered, in fractions, and then the distillation is continued.
As with all oils the quality of distillation varies among distillers, as well as crop conditions for that season. The moment chosen for harvesting and distillation is part of the distiller's art.
The distiller’s art for the production of exquisite oils is rare and reflected in the price of an oil.
At least three fractions of Ylang Ylang are collected during distillation. The first distillation is the lightest and considered the most ethereal fragrance and most often prized by perfumers. The stages of distillation are determined according to principles not easily defined, but generally they are broken down by the production time it takes to distill each fraction.
DISTILLATION CATEGORIES
Ylang Ylang Extra (most expensive), Ylang Ylang I, II and III and Ylang Ylang Complete. Ylang Ylang Complete is the full distillation of the oil, without interruption into fractions, or parts.
Ylang Ylang oil is generally high in sesquiterpenes.
Ylang Ylang III is the last fraction of the oil collected during the last hours of distillation. It is a slightly thicker, more earthy and less sweet oil, and comprised almost entirely of sesquiterpenes.
Sesquiterpenes give Ylang Ylang its powerfully relaxing and soothing properties.
For more information about sesquiterpenes, and other organic chemicals found in essential oils, visit the PurePlant Essential Bog.
Inhalation of Ylang Ylang may be useful for calming anxiety. It is one the first essential oils to consider for relief of tension and stress.
Often used in men’s fragrances, Ylang Ylang supports a man’s connection and expression of the feminine and intuitive side of his nature.
Because of its skin nourishing properties, ylang Ylang is often used in beauty and skin care formulations.
Its hydrating and balancing effect on the skin and hair's natural sebum production, makes Ylang Ylang oil suitable for sensitive, oily, dry and mature skin types. It may be a helpful as a hair and scalp re-conditioner.
BLEND WITH: Vetiver, Sweet Orange and other citrus oils and blue oils. Ylang Ylang III blends well with most essential oils, or may be enjoyed as a single oil. Use Ylang Ylang III whenever you need to anchor a blend, or as a base note!
SUGGESTED USE ON LABEL: Adult: Dispense 1-3 drops on a cotton ball or smell strip and inhale, or as directed.
CAUTIONS: Skin sensitization (moderate risk). Avoid use with diseased or damaged skin, and children under 2 years of age. Maximum dermal use level 0.8%.