Ylang-ylang oil has calming properties.
Flowers of the ylang-ylang tree, native to the Philippines but now flourishing as far away as Madagascar, have a heavy, sweet fragrance sought for perfumes and cosmetics. Known as the poor man's jasmine, the tropical blooms yield a relatively inexpensive oil valued for its healing properties, according to the Everything Shea website. Used in aromatherapy as an antidote to stress, the oil can also be applied to the skin and hair as a conditioner. Ylang-ylang oil is available in a range of grades.
Fractionation and the Resulting Grades
Although the flowers grow in tropical conditions and can be harvested all year, April to June, right after the rainy season, is the peak period for collection. Since the oil content is highest during the night, the flowers will be gathered very early in the morning. Distillation should begin as soon as possible after harvest, advises the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy. The essential oil is extracted from the ylang-ylang petals through a steam process. Various grades will be removed at different stages, or fractions, of the distillation. Called extra, the top grade is taken off only one hour into the process. Extra goes into high-grade perfumes. After another three hours, the first fraction is removed. Second and third fractions follow; each spaced five to 10 hours after the previous fraction. Total distillation takes about 20 hours. First and second grade oils are added to cosmetics. Third is generally only suited for scenting soaps.
Uses in Aromatherapy
Aromatherapists purchase the higher-grade oils, since their higher ester count provides for maximum healing. The primary psychological benefits attributed to ylang-ylang are as an anti-depressant, aphrodisiac and sedative. Users say it calms their nerves, helps them sleep and lowers their blood pressure, according to the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy. One or two drops in a bathtub of warm water should have the desired relaxing effect. For its aphrodisiac properties, spreading ylang-ylang petals on the bed of a newlywed couple is customary in parts of Indonesia.
Medical and Cosmetic Applications
Inflammations of the skin, such as from seborrhea or eczema, may improve when ylang-ylang oil is applied to the affected area, reports the Organic Facts website. The same article attributes use of the essential oil with protecting cuts, abrasions and burns from infection. As ylang-ylang is reputed to have a balancing effect on the sebum produced by the sweat glands of the skin, it can be beneficial in the general care of both oily and dry skin. Adding a drop or two of the oil to your hairbrush before brushing your hair not only gives it a pleasant scent, but also conditions it naturally and may stimulate hair growth, according to the website Everything Shea.
Contraindications
While ylang-ylang oil is considered non-toxic and non-irritating with normal use, some people find the very sweet scent annoying. Excessive use of the oil should be avoided, because headaches and nausea may result. The essential oil is for external application or inhaling; it is not intended to be taken internally. For those who can tolerate it, ylang-ylang oil can bring a hint of the tropics, even in the harshest winter.
