Uses for Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang ylang is the common term used to refer to the flowers of the cananga tree, Cananga odorata, a medium sized tree of the rain forest. The flowers of the cananga tree have long been gathered and used in the production of ylang ylang essential oil. Here's the full story on ylang ylang in culture, history, aromatherapy and traditional medicine.

Culture and History

Ylang ylang, also known as the perfume tree, is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. However, ylang ylang is fairly hearty in warm, humid locations that do not have an annual freeze, and the cherished plant has become naturalized in Vietnam, Thailand and parts of Australia. The attractive flowers of this fifty to seventy foot tall tree are easily recognized for their long streams of yellow petals and the heavy, sweet fragrance of the trees flowers. It is this attractive fragrance that has caused ylang ylang to be used by man, initially as an ingredient in cosmetic fragrances and perfumes, later being added to lotions and other products. The essential oil is particularly important to the gross domestic product of the country Comoros, having comprised nearly 30 percent of that nations exports during the late Twentieth century.

Aromatherapy

The heavy scent of ylang ylang had long been recognized as having a notable soothing effect on its users. With the growing popularity of aromatherapy in the West, there has been an increase in the use of ylang ylang for non cosmetic uses.

Ylang ylang has been described as possess a fresh, sweet fragrance with notes of fruit, jasmine and other spices. It is most commonly used by aromatherapists in the treatment of a wide range of stress related illnesses, including palpitations, anxiety, hypertension and seizures. It is also used in treatment of skin conditions and is regarded to be an aphrodisiac.

Motion Sickness

Ylang ylang has a place in more traditional medicine as a possible route of treating the nauseating symptoms of motion sickness. It is one of the primary ingredients in MotionEaze, an all natural product that uses a variety of essential oils in the treatment of motion sickness without the use of any pharmaceuticals. According to MotionEaze's claims, a dab of this mixture behind the ear will travel to and calm the troubled region of the inner ear that is at the heart of motion sickness symptoms. The mixture is also promoted as an effective treatment for vertigo and dizziness in general.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ylang-ylang
http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/ylang_ylang.htm
http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoilspz/ylangylang.asp
http://www.motioneazeworks.com/