Ylangedy Ylang! (Ylang Ylang)

Member Name: TigerTiger

Product:	Ylang Ylang
Date:	12/02/02 (116 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good for treating many different condions from depression to skin problems, Good all over skin oil, Sensual and very good for massages

Disadvantages: Smell may not appeal to all, Not cheap to buy

I am getting into this essential oils and aromatherapy malarkey I have to admit. It started last year and gradually my collection of oils and my abilities it has to be said are growing. My latest favourite oil is one called Ylang Ylang, which is quite widely used and one which you may have heard of as it features in a lot of bath, shower and body products.

~~~The History bit~~~

Ylang Ylang is also known as Cananga Odorata and it originates from a tropical tree native to the Phillipines and Indonesia. The tree itself is around 60 feet tall with bright yellow flowers. The flowers have a very strong floral jasmine-esque style scent, making them very distinctive. In my opinion the oil is one of the more distinctive fragrances and I can quite easily tell when it is mixed in with something.

The flowers of the Ylang Ylang tree need to be picked very first thing in the morning in order for the oil to be extracted. This whole process is quite tricky and this is one of the reasons that Ylang Ylang is one of the more expensive essential oils to buy.

~~~It’s properties and uses~~~

Ylang Ylang is very widely used as I mentioned and has many different uses.

Traditionally it was used medicinally to treat malaria and to sooth insect bites and to fight off other infections. Although people raved about its antiseptic qualities other more appealing uses have been found.

The oil has been recognised as an aphrodisiac and tonic to the nervous system and if used in the right quantities is a great relaxer. This is the main reason for my using Ylang Ylang right now as I am trying to decrease my stress levels and make myself calmer. I would recommend this to anyone who is suffering from anxiety, depression or insomnia. I also believe that it is good for people with high blood pressure.

In addition Ylang Ylang features in many body creams as it is good for treating skin conditions.

~~~How to use~~~


Essential oils are all used in very similar ways. However, I have been using Ylang ylang mixed with a carrier oil in place of an all over body moisturiser. The oil can soothe away all the stresses and strains when used in a body massage oil. If you look at a lot of the premixed massage oils Ylang Ylang is often an ingredient.

The oil is also excellent if used in a hot steamy bath before going to sleep as it can help promote deeper more peaceful sleep. If you really are having problems sleeping then I recommend soothing it into your temples after mixing it with a little carrier oil, or even dropping some on your pillow so you inhale it whilst lying there.

The oil blends especially well with bergamot, Melissa, sandalwood and jasmine. However, this past week I have been using it with Neroli (see previous opinion) and that seems to blend well also.

~~~Conclusions~~~

Ylang Ylang is a very popular essential oil and is fairly easy to find. The Boots Botanics version cost me about £6, which I thought was reasonable as it needs to be used sparingly.

I have been using this as a moisturiser for the past week and my skin has had no adverse reactions to it. However, I think the scent is one of those that you will either love or hate. I am not sure where I stand on the this, I don’t mind it all over me before I go to bed, however, I don’t think it is something that I would want to be smelling of all day either.

Definitely and oil worth keeping in your drawer for those stressful days :O)

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