Scents & Sensibility Newsletter - Volume II - Issue 7- February 12, 2001

Scents of Amour - Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang, also known as the 'perfume tree' was used in the Victorian times to make macassar hair oil. The liberal application of this scented hair oil, by randy young men, gave rise to the 'anti-macassar' to protect chair and sofa backs. Ylang Ylang trees are a tropical evergreen, with pink, mauve and pale yellow flowers. Yellow flowers produce the best essential oil by steam distillation. There are several grades of oil, usually entitled Ylang I, Ylang II, Ylang III and Ylang Extra, with Ylang Extra being the finest and most costly. The name Ylang Ylang comes from the Malaysian term for 'flowers fluttering in the breeze'.

Ylang Ylang the Aphrodisiac

Ylang Ylang's reputation as an aphrodisiac may stem from its beneficial use as an emotional stabilizer for difficulties brought by lack of confidence. Ylang Ylang calms excitement and hysteria by regulating adrenaline and allays anxiety and encourages a relaxed approach to problems. It is also, euphoric, narcotic, soothing and can lower high blood pressure due to stress.

Ylang Ylang petals have traditionally been spread on the bed's of newlyweds in Indonesia and balances the hormones by having a special affinity with the reproductive system. Ylang Ylang relaxes the central nervous system allowing sensory organs to better transmit nerve impulses to the brain via the spinal column.

Ylang Ylang has a floral and exotic scent and is used primarily as a base note in perfumes. Ylang Ylang blends with bergamot, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, rose and sandalwood.

Ylang Ylang the Healer

Early in the 20th century it was discovered by researchers that Ylang Ylang was effective against malaria, typhus and intestinal infections, and is used mixed with a base oil to prevent fevers and infections by Pacific island women. It is also used as an uterine tonic and helps reduce postpartum depression.