Description

Nature’s Gift is excited to bring you this very special and rare ylang-ylang oil. The diversity in its chemistry and scent profile is, we think, unmatched.

To give a bit of background, ylang-ylang is traditionally distilled in “fractions.” In other words, steam distillation is halted at various intervals to obtain the oil “fraction” collected during that time frame. (Read more about ylang-ylang distillation  here.)

The chemical composition of fractionated ylang-ylang oil is different depending on which time frame is used for distillation. For example, the first fraction of ylang-ylang distillation (ylang-ylang “extra”) is higher in calming esters as compared to later fractions which are higher in sesquiterpenes.

This ylang-ylang is obtained by VOP (“very old process”), whereby ylang-ylang flowers are distilled over a much longer time frame, up to 18 hours (sometimes longer.) The distiller will not discuss his process further, but the chemist who analyzed it said in his opinion, this specimen was produced early in the distillation process.

The scent profile is like a chameleon. We experience initial top notes of fruity “birch beer” and an initially lighter floral aroma than you would expect from a typical ylang-ylang oil. Over time, the scent dries down deeply, yielding a spicy, smooth, resonant floral finish. Michelle, our chief pourer, who is very familiar with both Ylang-ylang Complete and Ylang-ylang Extra, did not recognize this on a scent strip, but she said as she was smelling it she could feel her tension headache easing.

Ylang-ylang is known in Asia as an antidepressant, relaxing to body, mind and spirit, as well as an aphrodisiac. It is said to calm anger, release tension, lift depression and generally stabilize mood swings.

Ylang-ylang mixed with Jasmine or Rose has been used to treat sexual difficulties, especially those stemming from lack of confidence.

Physically, it has been used to lower blood pressure, ease muscle spasms and tense muscles, and treat PMS and menopausal symptoms.

In a facial oil or cream, it can help balance sebum production and is most helpful to oily skin. It also can fight the bacteria that often contribute to acne. Ylang-ylang is said to stimulate hair growth and might be a useful addition to a shampoo or conditioner.

Several of us who normally get a headache when smelling ylang-ylang oil were delighted to have no headache at all after experiencing this unusual oil! We have privately named it “The Ylang-ylang for people who don’t like Ylang-ylang.”

Shelf Life: Approximately 2 to 3 years after you open the bottle. Storing in the dark, refrigerated, and decanting half-full bottles into smaller, full bottles will extend shelf life.

Blends with:  Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Ginger, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Litsea, Mandarine, Neroli, Orange, Palma Rosa, Rose, Sandalwood and Vetiver.

Safety Considerations: Tisserand and Young state that Ylang-ylang oil carries a moderate risk of skin sensitization. Should not be applied to hypersensitive, damaged, or diseased skin, and should not be used with children under two years of age.

GC/MS:
Batch #MA-58998
Batch #MA-59117