August Magazine 2014 Becoming Psychic Magazine February 2014 | Page 40

Essential Oil of the Month: Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang is a beautifully fragrant essential oil that is used extensively
in high class perfumes. Its heady aroma can cause headaches or nausea in
some, therefore it is best used in moderation. Ylang Ylang is considered to
have an aphrodisiac effect; in Indonesia the flowers are scattered over the
beds o f couples on their wedding night.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is produced from the yellow-green flowers of
the Cananga odorata tree, which is native to Indonesia and the Philippines.
Ylang Ylang has a soft, sweet, tropical floral scent. Although it does indeed
blend well with many other essential oils, Ylang Ylang is considered to be a
perfume in its own right.
The main chemical constituent of Ylang Ylang essential oil is linalool, which is an alcohol. Linalool has been shown
to have strong antibacterial and sedative properties. In clinical trials, Ylang Ylang was one of the most popular essential
oils used to control epileptic seizures. It has also demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of pre-menstrual
syndrome, particularly for mood swings. Traditionally, Ylang Ylang was used in skin and hair care, and as an ointment
to prevent fever and fight infections. The oil was also used as a regulator for the cardiac and respiratory rhythms. Today
this essential oil may be helpful for acne and oily skin; promoting hair growth; soothing skin irritations and insect bites;
regulating high blood pressure, fast breathing and heart palpitations; depression, stress, anxiety and insomnia; and
impotence and frigidity.
Ylang Ylang is generally associated with the colour orange and the Sacral Chakra. Orange is linked with feeling,
sensations, pleasurable experiences, ambition, enthusiasm and flamboyance. The Sacral Chakra represents creative energy and is associated with
sensual emotions, sexuality, nurture and change. Infidelity, sexual problems,
fear of emotional intimacy or feeling needy could all be signs of an imbalance of the Sacral Chakra, along with lower back, gynaecological or urinary
problems.
To balance the Sacral Chakra, mix a teaspoon of grapeseed or sweet almond
oil with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil. Massage the blend into the area just below the navel, whilst imagining a spinning wheel of orange healing light. Meditating whilst using Ylang Ylang in an oil burner may also
help to open the Sacral Chakra.
Crystals that can enhance the properties of Ylang Ylang essential oil include orange calcite, carnelian, amber, citrine, orange aventurine, leopard
skin jasper and moonstone. The chosen crystals should be added to an oil
blend before using it.