Ylang Ylang Oil

It’s a tree that is highly valued for its perfume. It's a small tree that grows quite fast and comes from the custard apple family. The flowers are droopy and have greenish-yellow petals. Is widely used in Madagascar, Sumatra and Java.

The ylang ylang oil is extracted by steam distillation from freshly picked flowers. The first distillation also known as ylang ylang extra which is the top grade. It has a sweet, floral, fruity smell and its color is slightly yellow.

Uses

1. On the body

v  It can be used as an antidepressant due to its ability to fight depression. It relaxes the mind and soul thereby driving away depression, anxiety and stress. It promotes a feeling of joy and tranquility.

v  It promotes healing from wounds caused by cuts, burns, scratches and even cuts from iron objects. It kills microorganisms to prevent the wound from being septic.

v  It can be used to reduce hypertension with no side effect.

v  It lowers stress on nerves thus strengthening them. Due to its ability to restore the nervous system which have been damaged. It also calms the nervous afflictions caused by depression, anxiety, anger and gives a relaxing feeling.

v  The scent helps to decrease blood pressure, adrenaline and regulates breathing patterns and it also stabilizes mood swings.

v  You can help to relieve rapid heartbeat, tension, anxiety and fatigue when you put a few drops in a burner.

v  Add to a carrier oil and massage into your temples to help with headaches.

v  Place 1-2 drops on the pillow in the case of insomnia.

v  A few drops in a hot bath with help with nervous tension.

v  It's also used as an aphrodisiac. It can also help to restore passion.

2. On the hair

v  It’s blended with coconut oil to applied to the hair to protect it from the salt water damage.

v  For a hair tonic mix your hair conditioner with 6 drops of the oil. It will balance the oil production.

v  3 drops to 1 teaspoon coconut oil for scalp massage and conditioner. It promotes hair growth

3. On the skin
4. It maintains the skin’s oil balance and moisture and ensures that it's well moisturized. To maintain this balance you can mix 2 drops ylang ylang, four drops Australian sandalwood and 4 drops grapefruit. Add them to a tub full of warm water or you can add it to your lotions.

v  It can also be added to the lotion that you apply to your body to help even the skin tone.

v  It can be used for a facial when it's combined with one cup apricot oil and a half teaspoon of this oil. Shake gently and apply to the face upwards with a cotton wool.

It blends well with lavender, rose, orange and grapefruit.

Precautions

It's a non toxic, non irritant and non sensitizing oil. When used in excess it's been known to lead to nausea and headaches.