YLANG-YLANG is a tree that emits perfume. This is the reason why I planted it in one of the corners of our home garden until I read the Healing Remedies Encyclopedia by Dr. C. Norman Shealy lent to me by Bing Cordero. Now I know better.
My own book at home for natural healing has none of the subject on the healing properties of Ylang-ylang. I am glad to share with you what must have been taken for granted by many of us. Mostly, what we have for natural healing are the common edible plants in our gardens. I share the seedlings of my Ylang-ylang which I domesticate from the wildlings because I want others to plant it in their backyards for its sweet perfume.
The base of the first one I planted now measures more than 32 inches, and the second generation is already more than 18 inches. The one whose crown I show here is full of flowers. The tree grows like coconut since the old branches fall as the plant matures. So you have no way of getting its flowers the easy way.
Scientifically known as Cananga odorata var.genuina, this tropical tree grows in the Philippines, Indonesia, Comoros, and Madagascar. The name Ylang-ylang means “flower of flowers.” The name suits the heady floral fragrance of its oil, which is distilled from the freshly picked flowers.
Ylang-ylang is a traditional remedy for infections and skin diseases, but it is also well known for its use in the Victorian hair preparation, Macassar oil. It is also a sedative – meaning it can lull you to sleep. Some of my friends in school before placed the flowers under their pillows. I thought it was only because of its sweet smell. They too might have not known the deeper value of the flower.
It is an anti-depressant, and a tonic for the nervous system. Depression, anxiety, tension, irritability and stressed-related insomnia can all benefit from its soothing properties. It helps rebalance sebum production in oily skin, fights acne, and both dry and greasy scalps. It can also be used to calm irritated skins as well as bites and stings.
Ylang-ylang is reputed to be an aphrodisiac. In Indonesia, it is spread all over the bed of marriage. It can be used to treat sexual problems. It acts as a circulatory tonic and generally rebalances body functions. It can help reduce blood pressure, and slow down breathing and heart rate in cases of shock, panic, or rage.
Here’s a recipe for “bath blend” for nervous tension: Add three drops of Ylang-ylang oil, two drops rosewood, three drops lavender to 1.5 teaspoons (8 ml) of a dispersible bath oil such as red turkey oil and add to a warm bath; or drip the oils directly into the bath water and disperse with your hand. Relax in the bath for 10 minutes.