Softly sweet, warm and earthy Ylang Ylang has an intoxicating aroma (pronounced "eelang") with sensual overtones. Ylang Ylang in the Malayan language means "flower of the flowers." A native flower of Madagascar and the Reunion Islands Ylang Ylang essential oil's fragrant pale yellow blossoms are used to grace a new marriage bed with a blessing of love and lasting happiness.

The Ylang Ylang tree requires care from human hands for its warm, sweet fragrance to develop. Left wild in nature the blossoms of the Ylang Ylang tree have little or no scent. Ylang Ylang trees must be given constant attention and require trimming every two months. The Ylang Ylang blossoms must be picked each fall. As with Jasmine and Rose the blossoms must be harvested early in the morning and immediately prepared for steam distillation.

Ylang Ylang is often distilled in what is called "fractions," or parts, meaning the distillation process is halted during different stages of distillation and the oils gathered are taken off. Then the distillation is continued.

As with all oils the quality of distillation varies among distillers, as well as crop conditions for that season, as well as the moment chosen for harvesting and distillation. The distiller's art for the production of exquisite oils is rare and reflected in the price of an oil.

At least three fractions of Ylang Ylang are collected during distillation. The first distillation is the lightest and considered the most ethereal fragrance and most often prized by perfumers. The stages of distillation are determined according to principles not easily defined, but generally they are broken down by the production time it takes to distill each fraction.

DISTILLATION CATEGORIES: Ylang Ylang Extra (most expensive), Ylang Ylang I, II & III and Ylang Ylang Complete which is the full distillation of the oil without interruption into fractions, or parts.

Ylang Ylang is high in sesquiterpenes. Ylang Ylang III, the last fraction collected during the last hours of distillation, is a slightly thicker, more earthy and less sweet oil, and is composed almost entirely of sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes are a class of chemicals common in higher plants that are naturally occurring alcohols. Sesquiterpenes rarely exist in volatile aromatic oils. When distilled from plant matter sesquiterpene compounds are known to stimulate the liver and endocrine glands. Sesquiterpenes give Ylang Ylang its powerfully antispasmodic and sedative properties.

Inhalation of Ylang Ylang is useful for dispelling fear and anxiety, and the first essential oil to consider when needing help for regulating and balancing the nervous system. Ylang Ylang helps to deepen your respiration for slower more rhythmic breathing and is helpful for treating panic attacks. Research studies show that Ylang Ylang oil stimulates the Central Nervous Systems and helps alleviate depression.

Often used in men's fragrances Ylang Ylang is a healing oil for men. Ylang Ylang supports a man's connection and expression of the feminine and intuitive side of his nature. Consider blending Ylang Ylang with Petitgrain, Bergamot or a spice or wood oil to soften Ylang's intoxicating floral essence.

Ylang Ylang oil may help neutralize defensive coping strategies that can lead to violent forms of communication. Ylang Ylang synchronizes the Mind and Emotions and softens fixed opinions, mental attitudes and judgments and promotes easy communications with others. Use Ylang Ylang to smooth tense situations.

Ylang Ylang essential oil supports kidney and adrenal function and is good for weak knees and loss of bladder control.

Ylang Ylang has been traditionally used in beauty and skin care as its plant hormones promote cellular regeneration. Its moisture balancing effect on the skin's natural sebum production, makes Ylang Ylang oil suitable for sensitive, oily, dry and mature skin types. Ylang Ylang stimulates hair growth. May be a helpful treatment for split ends. Add a few drops to your favorite shampoo or conditioner.

BEAUTY OIL RECIPE: To half an ounce of pure jojoba oil (in a dispensing bottle) add 2 drops Frankincense, 4 drops Ylang Ylang and 1 drop Carrot Seed. Shake to blend ingredients together and allow them to synergize for a minimum of 1-3 hours.

FACIAL MASSAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Give yourself a relaxing facial massage with this exquisite Beauty Oil. Dispense a small amount of oil on your finger tips and, starting at your décolletage, make gentle circles with your finger tips, moving upwards and covering your entire face, ending at your forehead and temples. Finish your relaxing facial massage with long, slow, even upward strokes beginning at your décolletage and moving upward to your forehead and temples. Allow the oils to saturate and nourish your facial skin cell tissue for up to one hour before rinsing thoroughly with a gentle cleanser. Or you may circle-drape a wet, hot hand towel over your face after your facial massage and relax for 10-15 minutes or until your towel cools.

CHAKRA CARE: Use Ylang Ylang essential oil to balance and heal the 2nd (Svadisthana - Sexual, Sacral, or Spleen) and 4th (Anahata - Heart), 8th (Ma - Universal Heart) Chakras.

You receive six FREE aromatherapy publications about using pure essential oils as a gift when you purchase PurePlant Essentials Organic Aromatherapy Products.