| Cananga odorata or ylang
ylang, is a member of the annonaceae family of plants growing in tropical Asia. Some
botanists recognize two varieties of the tree; Cananga odorata var. genuina
(true ylang ylang) and Cananga odorata which produces an essential oil labeled
simply as cananga. There are several grades
of ylang ylang essential oil which are extracted at different times during the flower's
lengthy distillation. The superior ylang extra is drawn off during the initial phase.
Next, ylang II is extracted and finally ylang III. Products known as "ylang
complete" are available which can be either a blend of the three grades of ylang or
the complete oil that results from the full, uninterrupted distillation of the flowers.
No uniform standard exists as to when the
distillation is suspended and each grade of ylang drawn off. This results in a notorious
inconsistency of aroma across the three grades; an experienced nose is required for
accurate evaluation. If ylang extra is taken too soon, for instance, many of its
outstanding aroma characteristics could show up in the secondary ylang II oil -- thereby
creating an outstanding ylang II but a weak ylang ylang extra. If the secondary ylang
II distillation is allowed to go too long, some of the less fine aroma characteristics of
ylang III might show up in the ylang II. The standard bearer of all ylang grades is ylang
extra, which has a creamy, delicate aroma, never overpowering or too densely sweet.
Aroma-sensitive individuals sometimes experience headaches when inhaling the potent ylang
III, but usually don't when inhaling the subtle sweetness of ylang extra.
Ylang ylang oil is distilled from the
cananga tree's greenish-yellow, starfish-shaped flowers, produced year-round. The fresh
blossoms have traditionally been used to infuse coconut oil with their heavy fragrance.
This scented coconut oil, known as Macassar oil, is used as a hair dressing in the South
Pacific.
Personal fragrance manufacturers are the primary
users of ylang oil today. Ylang ylang is a component of many men's fragrances,
probably because its floral sweetness is so unlike rose, which is often used as a modifier
in feminine perfumes. In aromatherapy, ylang evokes feelings of deep, languid calm that
melt away anxiety, tension and stress. Ylang tends to predominate, so it should be used in
small amounts on its own or when blending with other oils. Too much of a good thing might
evoke negative effects; restraint is the key to working successfully with ylang. When
creating blends, start with amounts that seem too small. Let the blend age for several
days before evaluating the aroma, so the power and radiance of the ylang can expand
through the blend and reach its ultimate presence. You may find that a blend comprised of
as little as 5 to 10% ylang smells like 20 to 30%. |
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Product
Recommendations |
- Monoi Tiare
- Ylang Ylang
- Coconut
- Oil
- 4 oz.
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Monoi Tiare Tahiti with Ylang Ylang
flower in the bottle. A blend of pure coconut oil, delicately scented with the essence of
Pitate, Tahitian Ylang Ylang. Use as dark tanning oil, skin moisturizer, before &
after shampoo to add sheen and prevent dry hair, as a bath oil, and as subtle natural
perfume. |
- Aura Cacia
- Ylang
- Ylang
- 1/2 oz.
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1/2 oz of pure Ylang Ylang oil extract. Anti-depressant, brings joy, eases
feelings of anger, anxiety, and fear. |
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- Floral Relaxation Mineral Bath. Transport
yourself to a place of peace and serenity with this blend of calming oils of Lavender,
Ylang Ylang and Rose combined with uplifting Lemon, cheering Bergamot and centering Perli
Balam. Safe for whirlpools & spas.
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- Maximum Strength TurnTreats and
Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells. Designed especially for sensitive and aging skin. Contains:15
Buffer Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Sage, Comfrey, Chamomile, Vitamin A, E and Witch hazel.
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