Ylang Ylang is an exotic flower that has made its way through history as a base for many soaps, shampoos, lotions, hair creams and other products. Indigo Herbs carries this beautiful smelling plant in the natural form of a wonderfully sensual and practical essential oil. Thought to be good for the skin, this oil is popular in many South East Asian countries and can be a part of your healthy natural oils range.

The name of this Ylang Ylang originates from the Malayan saying, ‘flower of flowers’. This stems from its long use in South East Asia where it is collected in the early morning to conserve freshness and to catch the flower as it opens from the warmth of sun. Regarded for its heady sensual scent that invites the senses to become slightly intoxicated from its amazing aroma, these flowers have been strewn on beds of newlywed’s for centuries in Indonesia. In the neighbouring Philippines it has been traditionally used as a salve for many skin problems. It was from here that this flower oil then became a hair treatment oil called Macassar Pomade in 19th century England. The oil was so popular that it spurned the invention of a protective cover for upholstery called the ‘antimacassar’. This would stop mens hair coming in contact with the sofa or arm chair and ruining the material directly where the head would rest. The medicinal properties of Ylang Ylang were first recognized at the beginning of the 20th century by Garnier and Rechler, French chemists conducting research on the island of Reunion. It has been from this research that the oil has become more popular around the world.

Ylang Ylang or Cananga odorata is a fast growing evergreen tree of the Annonaceae family or Custard apple. The tree takes 5 years from germination to yield any fruit when growing in optimum conditions in a subtropical/rainforest climate. After this period then it will produce flowers for up to 50 years. It can reach a height of up to 5 meters unless it is the dwarf variety which only grows to a large sized shrub. Leaves are oval and smooth, pointed with wavy margins. Flowers are usually yellow, with long spider like petals that hang down and are extremely fragrant. The tree blooms in abundance and can yield up to 40 pounds of flowers.