BLOG - Page 42

Cinnamon is a tropical evergreen growing up to 15m high, with strong branches and thick scabrous bark with young shoots speckled green-orange. It has shiny green, leathery leaves, small white flowers and oval bluish-white berries. The leaves have a spicy smell when bruised. Botanical Name: Cinnamomum verum
Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled Part Typically Used: Leaf or Bark (The bark oil should be avoided in topical applications.) Color: Golden Yellow/Brown It has a yellow tinge which is different from the red-brown Consistency: Slightly oily feeling Perfumery Note: MiddleStrength of Initial Aroma: Strong. Flat, warm, earthy spice.
The Cinnamon Leaf oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs. The leaves left after trimming the cut stems, as well as those obtained from pruning operations, provide the raw material for production of cinnamon leaf oil. They are usually allowed to dry for a few days before distillation.

Cinnamon Leaf Oil (Cinnamomum verum) has a warm, spicy aroma.

Cinnamon has been a highly prized commodity since antiquity and is one of the most recognizable scents in the world. The chemical breakdown of Cinnamon leaf oil is similar to that of Clove bud.

Extraction cinnamon oil:

The leaves and twigs or inner dried bark are subjected to steam distillation. The leaves yield 1.6 - 1.8 % and the bark 0.5 - 1.00 % oil. Usually this essential oil is extracted from the leaves, as it yields a more delicate oil.

Chemical composition:

The main chemical components of the essential oil, obtained from the leaves, are eugenol, eugenol acetate, cinnamic aldehyde and benzyl benzoate.

Cinnamon oil's benefit lies in its toning and calming effect on the respiratory tract, the nervous system, and in the easing of colds and influenza, as well as period pains.

Helichrysum splendidum is indeed a splendid shrub with shining, silver-grey foliage and a mass of golden everlasting flowers in midsummer. Helichrysum splendidum occurs naturally in the summer rainfall areas of South Africa, from the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains in the southern Cape through Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal, Free State, Swaziland, Lesotho to Tropical Africa. Along this wide distribution this evergreen and frost hardy shrub can be found on rocky slopes, forest margins, stream gullies and mountain tops.

Eriocephalus punctulatus (Asteraceae), ”Cape Chamomile“, is an endemic plant growing on the north-east slopes of the Drakensberge in the Province Freestate (South Africa). It is a white flowering small shrub with fleshy, gland dotted leaves.

Botanical Name: Eriocephalus punctulatus

Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Part Typically Used:  Flowers

Color: Blue to blue / green

Consistency: Thin, clear, a medium viscosity

Perfumery Note: Middle to Top

Strength of Initial Aroma: Fruity, Floral. Diffusive, powerful, boozy, honeyed, floral/fruity (apple-pear) aroma with soft spice and herbaceous, earthy undertones; the fruitiness carries through in the long drydown.

Cape Chamomile Essential Oil has the most apealing aroma of all Chamomile varieties, and is  used in high class perfumes. Cape Chamomile Oil is stunning clear blue color is due to the presence of nourishing Chamazulene, a chemical compound that gives the oil its anti-inflammatory and skin rejuvenation benefits.

Common Method of Extraction: Cold Pressed / Expressed/steam distillation

Part Typically Used:  Citrus Rind (Peel)

Color: Greenish Orange. Yellow to orange in color

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Shelf life: 6 months

Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium - Strong. Citrusy, sweet, reminiscent of orange peels, but more concentrated.

Sweet Orange oil has a sweet, fresh and tangy smell, is yellow to orange in color and watery in viscosity.

Orange trees have been the most cultivated tree fruit in the world since 1987. Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit. The fruit of the Orange tree can be eaten fresh, or processed for its juice or fragrant peel. Sweet Oranges currently account for approximately 70% of Citrus production.

Botanical Name: Citrus limonum

Common Method of Extraction: Lemon oil is extracted from the fresh fruit peel by cold expression.

Part Typically Used: Fresh fruit peel

Color: Pale Yellow to Deep Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Perfumery Note: Top

Self life: 8 - 10 months

Strength of Initial Aroma: Clean smelling citrus. Sharp and sweet scent is undeniable, and one of the easier oils to discriminate quality by aroma. Strong smell.

This well-known Citrus fruit is a very common and helpful essential oil. The oil is extracted from the rind of fruit, not made from the juices. Lemon trees can grow from 10 - 20 feet tall. The fruit start off as fragrant white flowers.

Lemon trees are very common in Brazil, Israel, The United States, and Argentina. Lemon trees were not well known until the 17th century.

The name is derived from the Arabic "Laimun" or the Persian "Limun". The tree was brought to Europe by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages and the fruit has a good content of Vitamins A, B and C - an ounce a day was given to sailors in the Royal Navy to alleviate scurvy and other Vitamin deficiencies.

They entered Europe near southern Italy no later than the 1st century AD, during the time of Ancient Rome. However, they were not widely cultivated.

They were later introduced to Persia and then to Iraq and Egypt around 700 AD. The Lemon was first recorded in literature in a 10th-century Arabic treatise on farming, and was also used as an ornamental plant in early Islamic gardens. It was distributed widely throughout the Arab world and the Mediterranean region between 1000 and 1150.

The shelf life of Lemon oil is only 8 - 10 months, if it is to be used in aromatherapy, but can still be used in fragrance therapies after this time, such as vapor therapy.

Dilution is recommended for topical and internal use. Dilute for use on sensitive areas such as face, mucus membranes, or genital area.

Eucalyptus Staigeriana, Lemon Ironbark or Lemon-Scented Ironbark, is a small rough barked Sclerophyll tree that grows naturally in pure stands on hills in the Palmer River region of Cape York, North Queensland, Australia.

Botanical Name: Citrus autarium ssp Bergamia

Botanical Origin: South East Asia

Common Method of Extraction: Ripe and unripe fruit peel

Part Typically Used: Cold expression (cold pressed)

Color: From green to greenish-yellow

Consistency: Watery viscosity
 
Perfumery Note: Top

Shelf Life: 2 - 3 years

Strength of Initial Aroma: Basically citrus,  fruity and sweet, with a warm spicy floral quality and is reminiscent of neroli as well as lavender oil.

Blends Well With: Black pepper, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, mandarin, nutmeg, orange, rosemary, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang-ylang, lavender, neroli essential oils.

Common name: Bergamot orange

Chemical structure: A-pinene, myrcene, limonene, a-bergaptene, b-bisabolene, linalool, linalyl acetate, nerol, neryl acetate, geraniol, geraniol acetate and a-terpineol.

Note: Bergamot oil must be protected from sunlight, because bergaptene, one of its components, becomes poisonous if exposed to sunlight. That is why the oil should always be stored in dark bottles in dark places.

The scientific name of bergamot is Citrus aurantium var. or Citrus Bergamia. It is a tropical plant, but thrives in Europe as well. Its powerful aroma makes it a popular component in many perfumes, and it is often used as the all-important “top note”.

Bergamot essential oil is amongst the more expensive of the cold pressed citrus oils, but is well worth the cost. Its aroma is reminiscent to that of orange, but it is more complex and almost has an underlying floral characteristic to it.

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the fruit of a small tree. This tree is native to South East Asia, but was introduced to Europe, and particularly Italy and is also found in the Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.

The word bergamot is etymologically derived from the Italian word "bergamotto". It is related to French bergamote, from Italian bergamotto, of Turkish origin: beg-armudi or beg armut ("prince's pear" or "prince of pears"). The most plausible theory regarding its source claims that Christopher Columbus brought the bergamot tree back on a voyage from the Canary Islands to Barcelona, Spain.

From Spain it was introduced into the Italian city of Bergamo, Lombardy, where the oil is reported to have been first produced.

Citrus bergamia is a small tree that blossoms during the winter. The juice tastes less sour than lemon, but more bitter than grapefruit. Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the fruit of a small tree.

A citrus tree (Citrus aurantium) is grow up to four meters high, with star-shaped flowers and smooth leaves, bearing citrus fruit resembling a cross between an orange and a grapefruit, but in a pear-shape. The fruit ripens from green to yellow.

The bergamot orange is unrelated to the herbs known as bergamot or wild bergamot, Monarda didyma and Monarda fistulosa, which are in the mint family, and are named for their similar aroma.

Citrus bergamia has also been classified as Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia (subspecies of bitter orange). Citrus bergamia is sometimes confused but is not the same as Citrus medica (citron, the yellow fruit of which is also known as etrog) or Citrus limetta ("sweet lemon" or "sweet lime").

Trees do not bear any fruit until 3 years after grafting, by which time the tree will be 6 or 7 years old. Initially, a tree will bear 20 to 30 fruits, and at full maturity 12 years later it can produce up 300 fruits. After 15 years each tree can produce around 1 kilo of essential oil and will remain productive until the age of 70 or 80 when it reaches the end of its industrious life.

The essential oil is obtained by cold expression of the peel which produces a beautiful dark green oil with a delightful fresh, citrusy top note and sweet, herbal-peppery heart notes.

Bergamot essential oil drops are using in black tea. The inclusion of bergamot essential oil in regular black tea is then given a different name - Earl Grey.

Therapeutic Properties:

Analgesic
Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Antibiotic
Anti-spasmodic
Stomachic
Calmative
Cicatrisant
Deodorant
Digestive
Febrifuge
Vermifuge
Vulnerary

Fields of application: Bergamot oil can be used in the treatment of depression, stress, tension, fear, hysteria, infection (all types including skin), anorexia, psoriasis, eczema, general convalescence, for relaxed and happy feeling, relieving urinary tract infections, boosting the liver, spleen and stomach, while fighting oily skin, acne, cold sores.

Contraindications: Bergamot oil can cause burns when used on a sensitive skin which is then exposed to sunlight, as the high content of bergaptene can cause photo-toxicity. It is advisable to keep out of the sun if this oil is used on the skin. Even when the ingredient Bergaptene (Furocoumarin) is removed from the oil and photo toxicity is therefore minimized, it is still advisable to keep treated skin out of the sun, and to use it in concentrations of less than 1 %. Bergapten is that material, which causing skin photosensibility (increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, which affects the pigmentation spots in contact with essential oils in that particular site).

Pregnancy / Lactation: Avoid during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Children: Bergamot essential oil is a phototoxic.  Do not use on children younger than 5 years of age. In older years children like very much bergamot essential oil smell. We find that children especially find Bergamot enjoyable.

Guidelines:  Do not expose skin to sunlight for 12 hours after application.

The fruit and essential oil have been used in folk medicine since the 16th century, initially in Italy and then later throughout Europe as its popularity began to spread. At first it was employed for its antiseptic properties and its ability to reduce a fever, and later during Napoleonic times it became popular as a fragrance. It is still used today in high class perfumes.

The use of bergamot essential oil with bergaptenu is increased sensitivity of the skin to UV rays on the weight of the coumarin: bergamotino and bergapteno. For that reason, in massage and cosmetic formulas is better to use bergamot essential oil without bergapteno, of course, smell is not as rich as pure bergamot oil.

The components of bergamot oil, like alpha pinene and limonene, are antidepressant and stimulating in nature. They create a feeling of freshness, joy and energy in cases of sadness and depression by improving the circulation of the blood. They also stimulate hormonal secretions, thereby helping to maintain proper metabolic rates.

Certain components of the essential oil of Bergamot are antibiotic and disinfectant in nature. They inhibit the growth of germs, virus and fungi. They also effectively prohibit infections, including those of the skin.

Bergamot essential oil reduces the feeling of pain in the body. It stimulates secretion of certain hormones which lessen sensitivity of nerves to pain. Therefore, it is very helpful in case of headaches, sprains, muscle aches or any other symptoms or ailments which require a heavy dosage of analgesic pills.

The flavonoids present in bergamot oil are very good relaxants as well. They soothe nerves and reduce nervous tension, anxiety, and stress, all of which can help cure or treat ailments associated with stress such as sleeplessness, high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression.

As discussed above, bergamot essential oil activates and increases secretions of the digestive acids, enzymes and bile and facilitates digestion. It also synchronizes and regulates the peristaltic motion of the intestines and in this way, it quickens the digestive process and reduces strain to the intestinal tract. In this way, bergamot essential oil can reduce constipation, make bowel movements more regular, and prevent gastrointestinal complications like colorectal cancer and other uncomfortable or dangerous conditions.

Bergamot is an antibiotic, it fights infections that arise from viruses, bacteria and protozoa that cause fever, including influenza (virus), malaria (protozoa) and typhoid (typhus bacteria). It stimulates the metabolic system and gland secretions, thereby providing a feeling of warmth and resulting in additional secretion (perspiration or sweat) from the Eccrine glands (sweat glands) and sebaceous (sebum) glands, thus reducing body temperature.

It relaxes nerves and muscles, thereby giving quick relief for cramps, convulsions, and painful muscle contractions. This can also be important for people with chronic coughing or respiratory conditions, as well as asthma, which is similar to a spasmodic reaction.

Bergamot essential oil is also a tonic, meaning that it tones up the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory, and nervous system, as well as skin and muscles. It is also anticongestive and is used in vaporizers to relieve congestion and respiratory problems, particularly during coughs and colds.

Many aromatherapy books recommend using 1 drop of undiluted bergamot essential oil on insect bites and cold sores because of its excellent antiseptic and healing properties.

This essentia oil is helpful when dealing with dependency or compulsiveness that may be associated with smoking, drugs or alcohol.

According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, bergamot essential oil decreases problems caused by Vata and Kapha (the biological forces of wind and phlegm). By balancing "phlegm", bergamot oil helps to reduce sluggishness, complacency and melancholy. Its mood-uplifting qualities support heightened and brightened energy.

Bergamot essential oil has antibacterial, deodorising, refreshing, soothing, and uplifting properties which make it excellent for body skincare preparations, for ensuring healthy and vital skin. Bergamot essential oil has a fresh, citrus and slightly spicy aroma and is powerfully refreshing, uplifting and invigorating and helps maintain a balanced mood.

This property of bergamot oil is the reason behind its extensive use in cosmetics and skin care products such as beauty soaps, creams, and lotions. Cicatrisant means a property or an agent which helps scars and other marks on the skin to disappear. It also makes the distribution of pigments and melanin even and uniform, resulting in the fading away of marks and an even, attractive skin tone. This essential oil is commonly used to eliminate the unsightly effects of acne, which can leave noticeable scars and marks on the affected areas for many years.

Bergamot essential oil supports healthy skin.

The benefits of bergamot include the spiritual and emotional as well. Bergamot releases the need to be in complete control so that we can flow with life more easily. Because this oil opens the heart chakra and is uplifting to the mind, which eases stress and tension in mind, body and soul. Place on the heart to release this patterning and embrace relationships (self and others).

It promotes opening solar plexus and heart chakras:

Third Chakra: solar plexus - Bergamot essential oil helps support the digestive tract, which helps instill confidence in one’s being. Bergamot also relieves pressure from the adrenal glands by relieving tension from the nerves.

Seventh chakra: the crown chakra -  Bergamot essential oil assists with the release of negative thoughts and emotions, such as fear, guilt, and unworthiness. This release is important for one to achieve ultimate crown chakra opening through meditation or other spiritual connection.

Botanical Name: Cananga Odorata

Botanical Origin: Philippines

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled.

Distillation Type: Complete (after 15 hours), Extra (after 15 hours), I (after 4 hours), , II (after 7hours) , III (after 10 hours) ;

Part Typically Used: Fresh flowers

Color: Clear with a yellow tinge

Consistency: Liquid, clear
 
Perfumery Note: Middle/base

Shelf Life: 2-3 years

Strength of Initial Aroma: Floral, heady, exotic, intensely sweet, fresh, slightly fruity, fragrant yet delicate.

Blends Well With: Clary sage, geranium, lavender, lemon, bergamot, rose, orange, patchouli, grapefruits, rosewood, sandalwood, tuberose, vetiver, peru balsam, petitgrain, frankincense, jasmine essential oils.

Common name: Ylang-Ylang is sometimes called the other tree - Anona Odorantissima (Cananga), but there are suggestions that it is one and the same plant, which varies depending on growing conditions and soil type. Both Ylang-Ylang and Cananga are members of the Annonaceae plant family; they also both belong to the same genus - Cananga. Even their species is confusing; both are Odorata species. The small distinguishing feature that separates these two very similar plants is in the addition of the words var. genuina to Ylang-Ylang’s botanical name and the addition of var. Macrophylla to Cananga’s botanical name. This is simply a “lower” rank than that of a species in the botanical ranking system, and it helps to separate out the subtle differences between each plant. In fact, the two plants are so similar, and produce such similar essential oils, that you will notice some suppliers (mistakenly) selling Cananga essential oil as Ylang-Ylang essential oil.

Ylang-ylang essential oil is a more floral oil than Cananga essential oil. Therefore, those that find the heady aroma of Ylang-Ylang essential oil too much may prefer the aroma of Cananga essential oil. Note that the chemical components of each oil also vary.

Chemical structure: The chief components of the essential oil of Ylang-Ylang are benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate linalool, caryophyllene, geranyl acetate, methyl benzoate, p-cresyl methyl ether and other components known as sesquiterpenes, which all contribute to its aroma and medicinal properties.

Note: Depending on your condition and what you want to use it for, it can double as both a relaxant and a stimulant.


Ylang-Ylang comes from a Tagalog word “Ilang” meaning “Wilderness” or the word “Ilang-Ilan” meaning “Rare”.

The trees (Cananga Odorata) from which the essential oil is distilled - known as perfume trees - originated in the Philippines and have now spread throughout tropical Asia. They were introduced to the island of Reunion in 1884, then to Madagascar, nearby Mayotte and Tahiti: they can be found in the wild in Malaysia, India and Indochina.

The trees are generally small, but can reach a height of about 30 m (100 ft). The bark is smooth, with shallow cracks, and the branches "weep" like willow. The leaves are large, oval and shiny, as much as 20 cm (8 in) long, with a slightly hairy underside. The flowers form in axillary clusters, greenish to start with, then, about 20 days later, they become yellow and very highly perfumed. These flowers appear constantly, but are more abundant in the rainy season. A many-seeded, greenish fruit succeeds the flowers.

Many varieties of the tree are cultivated for their essential oil, the ones bearing the smallest flowers producing the most subtle perfume. Strangely, the flowers of the wild trees have little perfume. A young tree of about 5 years old yields about 5 kg flowers: when it reaches the age of 10 years, it can give as much as 10-15 kg.

Primary distillation stage (about an hour) are of the highest quality, known as Ylang-Ylang Extra, has super floral flavor, special complex chemical composition, and used in perfumery. Subsequent parts of distillate are much poorer, lighter and less floral - I st Fraction (after 4 hours), II nd Group (after 7hours) III rd Group (after 10 hours) And Complete -  Full distillate is 15 hours. The best oil is obtained from the early summer and early in the morning collected flower rings:

The quality of Ylang-Ylang oil depends a lot on the cultivation of the flowers that are used - specifically the time of day that the flowers were picked. It’s believed that flowers picked early in the morning yield the most beneficial oil, since the flowers are pollinated by night moths. The drop in temperature and dewiness that can occur overnight might also have positive effects on the oil’s chemical structure. The most intensive smell is released from dusk until dawn so when sunrise comes, the flowers natural aroma fills the air.

The 15-hour-long distillation process used to Extract Ylang-Ylang oil also impacts its potency and abilities. Steam distillation is the preferred method since this preserves the oil’s volatile compounds best. And during the long distillation process, the proportion of oil that is extracted first is believed to be the highest quality of the whole batch - often called “Ylang-Ylang Complete” or “Ylang-Ylang Extra”.

The oil is very liquid, clear and has an extraordinary fragrance, with high notes of Hyacinth and Narcissus.

According to a 2014 report published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, the floral scents of Ylang-Ylang are a key factor in plant-insect interactions and are vital for successful pollination since they repel pests and bugs.

Therapeutic Properties :

Antidepressant
Antiseborrhoeic
Antiseptic
Aphrodisiac
Hypotensive
Nervine
Sedative

Fields of application: Increases libido, aphrodisiac and social enhancerfights, depression, induces relaxed feeling, strengthens nervous system, cures seborrhoea, lowers blood pressure, prevents septic infections, cures infections in internal organs, fighting parasites, regulating heartbeat, healing cardiac problems, promoting healthy intestinal function, preservering skin health, reducing PMS symptoms, natural hair care product, diabetes fighter, classified as a pulmonary and urinary system antiseptic,helps to deal with nervous tic.

Contraindications: It is classed as a non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing oil. Some cases of sensitivity, nausea and headache have been observed when taken in excessive amounts. Otherwise, when taken in recommended doses, it is non-toxic and is not reported to cause any irritation.

Use Ylang-Ylang sparingly whether internally or topically. High levels might cause reactions and sensitives, so be sure to do a skin patch check first before using on your face, skin or ingesting. You also want to use caution when dealing with low blood pressure. If you take blood pressure medications or have an existing heart condition, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment.

Pregnancy / Lactation : It should be avoided by pregnant women as it is a uterine stimulant and could cause miscarriages. Ylang-ylang oil seems safe for children, women who are breastfeeding women in small amounts when a high-quality oil is used.

Children: Uder 2 years.

Guidelines: Diluted : for topical use : recommend dermal maximum of 0.8%


Ylang-Ylang is exotic, intense and exciting. it’s believed that its healing properties can help in cases of impotence and frigidity. It can help dispel feelings of anger, jealousy and envy. With its sensual and soothing aroma, helps restore self-confidence and allows you to express and appreciate your inner beauty. Ylang-Ylang flowers are strewn on the beds of newly married South-Asian couples on their wedding night.

The essential oil derived from Ylang-Ylang can really activate the romance within couples and can improve sexual life. This can be very beneficial for those people who have lost interest in sex due to tremendous work load, professional stress, depression, or the effects of pollution. The loss of libido or frigidity is a growing problem in modern life, but relying on natural essential oils like Ylang-Ylang can really help to find your sex drive.

Ylang-Ylang essential oil is a health booster for the nervous system. It strengthens the nervous system and repairs any damage it may have suffered: Ylang-Ylang essential oil (Cananga Odorata) fights depression and relaxes both the body and soul, thereby driving away anxiety, sadness, and chronic stress. It also has an uplifting effect on mood and induces feelings of joy and hope. It may be an effective treatment for those undergoing nervous breakdowns and acute depression after a shock or an accident.

Studies show that high-quality Ylang-Ylang oil holds a high percentage of active constituents called terpenoids. Isolated terpenoid derivatives (including canangaterpenes IV-VI) show promising results as natural therapeutic agents for the treatment of several skin disorders. When tested on cancerous melanoma skin cells, terpenoid compounds exhibit a potent inhibitory effect on cell melanogenesis and immune-system cytotoxicity. In other words, antioxidants in ylang ylang oil help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage that can lead to cancer cell formation.

Researchers from the Phytochemistry Research Department at the University of Rajshahi in Bangladesh found that these phytochemicals also possess antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities when used topically or internally by humans. They can help improve immune function and lower inflammation, which is a leading contributor to most diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, autoimmune and cognitive-related disorders.

This oil is a very effective agent for lowering blood pressure. In recent times, since high blood pressure is a major health epidemic among both the young and the old, Ylang-Ylang essential oil can be an easy and natural solution. It has no adverse side effects on health, if taken in prescribed quantities.

Studies have also shown that Ylang-Ylang essential oil can inhibit the fungi, Candida albicans, at concentrations of just 1%. That makes it a potent antifungal oil.

Health wise, Ylang-Ylang helps ease the nervous system lessening tension, anxiety and promoting a peaceful, and calming ambiance.

Thanks to its calming and sedative qualities, Ylang-Ylang oil can assist with problems such as high blood pressure, rapid breathing and heartbeat. Helps with anxiety, tension, shock, fear and panic. In fact all nervous conditions.

Its calming properties are great for insomniacs down to a point where they may actually desire sleep.

Topically, Ylang-Ylang essential oil has been praised for helping combat acne and oily skin. It may help with alopecia (hair loss).

Ylang-Ylang can do wonders for your skin’s health and appearance. It can help preserve the youthful look of your face and body and help to rejuvenate areas of the skin that are looking tired and old.

This essential oil has a balancing and stimulating effect on skin. It's a great oil because it can help with over-dry and over-oily skin - it balances the secretion of sebum. It also has a stimulating effect on the scalp, and is often used to help hair growth.

Ylang-Ylang has skin balancing properties and blend into a cream or lotion to help with both over-dry and over-oily skin.

Add a drop of Ylang-Ylang oil to your palms and rub together until you feel a slight warmth building, pause and take a few deep breaths to calm and relax. You can keep a bottle of Ylang-Ylang by your entry hall to inhale as you come home to transform the busy energy of the day into a calm, uplifted state.

Ylang-Ylang oil can be an effective massage oil, when used in combination with a base oil, such as Jojoba or Wheat Germ. Because the oil s so strong, it’s important to dilute it to avoid the risk of irritation. Thanks to its aphrodisiac properties and pleasant aroma, Ylang-Ylang oil is pefect for sensual couples massages.

The initial pressing of Ylang-Ylang is so sweet and fragrant, it’s oten used in high-end perfumes.

This oil may cause skin sensitivity to persons allergic to the compounds in Ylang-Ylang. In addition, such persons have also experienced dark spots and pigmented contact dermatitis.

On the skin, Ylang-Ylang oil has a soothing effect for skin by balancing the secretion of sebum, and has a stimulating effect on the scalp which promotes more luxurious hair growth.

Ylang-ylang oil is said to work with the cardiovascular, endocrine and hormonal system as well as supporting emotional and spiritual balance. Many of these properties and the potential uses for Ylang-Ylang are those that closely link the body to the emotions or the mind, showing very clearly the mind-body connection and how nature can help our body find balance as a whole.

Ylang-Ylang essential oil is a health booster for the nervous system. It strengthens the nervous system and repairs any damage it may have suffered. Furthermore, it also reduces stress on the nerves and protects them from developing a number of nervous disorders.

In Chinese medicine, Ylang-Ylang is seen as energetically cool and moist, making it a Yin oil. It is associated with the Earth and Fire Elements.

Ylang-Ylang essential oil is said to help balance the Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakras.

Ylang-Ylang is an excellent Yang pacifying essential oil for Solar Plexus imbalances. It's cooling and clearing. It clears anger, frustration and other emotionally charged or agitated states. Ylang-Ylang makes one feel lovable, joyful and peaceful. Consequently, it promotes enthusiasm and confidence.