Only the best essential oils come from plants and flowers through a careful distillation process. Often, these oils come with the fragrance of the plant they’re extracted from. The aroma from these oils have beneficial healing properties to soothe physical ailments, decrease mental distress, and awaken spirituality.
Essential oils are full of natural compounds. The oil can penetrate through the epidermal part of the skin, to enter the capillaries where they can provide maximum benefits to the body.
Essential oils come with different names – volatile oils, oil of plant sources, ethereal oils, and aetherolea.
Essential oils are usually extracted from the plant through distillation, often with steam, and occasionally by cold pressing. There are other methods of extracting oil from plants but these would not earn the title “essential oils”, as some of their natural properties would be lost during these processes. In fact, only the best essential oils come from a rigorous distillation process.
There are hundreds of essential oils but most people start with the aromatherapy essential oils. We narrowed down the list to the most common and effective ones.
Here’s a guide to the best essential oils to add to your aromatherapy kit.
List of of Essential Oils
– Chamomile
– Eucalyptus
– Frankincense
– Lavender
– Lemon
– Orange
– Patchouli
– Rose
– Rosemary
– Tea Tree
– Ylang Ylang
Conclusion
List of the Best Essential Oils
Chamomile – For Calming and Relaxation
Quick Facts
Name: Chamomile Essential Oil, Chamaemeleum nobile, Chamomilla recutita
Botanical Family: Compositae (Asteracae)
Harvested Parts: Flower Heads
Aromas: Roman
Energy: Cooling, Neutral, moisturizing
Main Element: Wood
Properties: Pain-killer, anti-allergenic, antiparasitic, calming, digestive, antispasmodic
Safety & Precautions: Non-toxic, non-irritating
Description
First on our best essential oils list is the widely used Chamomile. Chamomile is famous for its soothing and relaxing properties. Many people drink it as tea but a chamomile essential oil is also beneficial to the body. Chamomile is actually not one herb, but can be one of several different species. These species have minute, feather-like leaves with tiny daisy-like flowers.
Two of the most popular types of plants sourced for chamomile for essential oils are Chamaemeleum nobile, also called Anthemis nobibilis, or called Roman, common or noble chamomile. There is also Chamomilla recutita and Matricaria chamomilla, better known as German or wild chamomile.
Each of these oils provide similar, though not exact, therapeutic and psychological properties. These oils have been used for centuries, going back to ancient Egyptian and Roman times as a medicine and anti-fumigant.
In oriental medicine it’s said that this oil can smooth the flow of the body’s Qi-energy. This helps to relax the nerves, relieve pain and stop spasms.
Today, chamomile is used for similar purposes. It can relieve tension and help people who suffer with insomnia. It will help to relieve pain and discomfort. For those with digestive disturbances, it will help sooth indigestion caused by bad nerves. It will help to keep digestion moving by relieving constipation and irritable bowel.
Other uses for chamomile include relieving headaches, premenstrual tension, and menstrual pain. Generally, it’s an analgesic. Part of its ability to do this is due to its calmative effect. It can clear heat from the body and reduce inflammation.
Chamomile works well when combined with other essential oils, such as lavender and geranium, for the specific treatment of skin disorders.
It’s particularly beneficial for disorders in the abdomen. This is because tension builds up in this area due to our excessive emotional needs, causing frustration, vexation, and irritability. Chamomile essential oil can help to relieve the tension of this ego-desire, and the resulting feelings that come with it. The chamomile lets us let go of expectations, helping us to accept the help and support we gain from others.
Eucalyptus: For Freedom, Honesty, and Positivity
Quick Facts
Name: Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Eucalyptus globulus
Botanical Family: Myrtaceae
Harvested Parts: Leaves
Aromas: Strong, pungent, camphorus
Energy: Warming and drying
Main Element: Metal
Properties: Antibacterial, decongestant, insect repellant, expectorant, pain relief
Safety & Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritating, but avoid eyes
Description
Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree that can grow to extreme heights of 328 feet/100 metres. It’s actually one of the world’s tallest trees. It grows tiny white flowers, and has leather-like leaves of a pale blue-green color. Eucalyptus got its name from the membrane or cap that covers the flowers. In fact, Eucalyptus means well-covered in Greek.
Eucalyptus used to be called “Fever Tree” by the French naturalist De Labillardiere. It is famous for relieving people in Algiers of malaria. The aboriginal tribes of Australia were the first to discover the health benefits of the Eucalyptus. These people used it to treat infections and fever, and used it as a fumigant as well.
Eucalyptus mainly grows in Australia, Tasmania, and China. Not surprisingly, China is produces most of the world’s eucalyptus essential oil. Eucalyptus is not just one plant, it compromises over 700 different varieties. Of these, about 500 are suitable for producing one of the world’s most well-known essential oils.
Generally, eucalyptus is great for when you have cold or flu bugs as its powerful vapors penetrate through congestion, and its antibacterial and antiviral properties can kill the bugs that made you sick, giving you a faster recovery time. Overall, it’s a soothing tonic and will help in preventing further infections from occurring. It’s also a good antibacterial and anti-fungal, and good for pain relief for arthritis suffers, and can be applied generally as a balm for basic muscular discomfort and neuralgia.
Eucalyptus is a general tonic of the Lung-Qi, improving breathing function by enabling red blood cells to absorb more oxygen. It’s also good for allergy sufferers or asthmatics.
Eucalyptus also has some great psychological properties. Because of its energetic action on the lungs that generally improve breathing and open up the chest area, its fresh smell can also banish melancholiness, and revive the spirits. It is often prescribed to people who feel that they’re being restricted by their life. This oil will give them the determination to step outside their bounds, with a more positive perspective on life. It can also provide for acceptance.
Frankincense: For Serenity, Tranquility, and Spiritual Empowerment
Quick Facts
Name: Frankincense Essential Oil, Boswellia carterii
Botanical Family: Burseraceae
Harvested Parts: Gum
Aromas: Tree resin, rich, balsamic, camphor, citrus
Energy: Cool, dry
Main Element: Earth, metal
Properties: Painkiller, antibacterial, general immune tonic
Safety & Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritating
Description
Frankincense has been used since ancient history by Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman and Hebrew civilizations. It held great value in the past as a perfume and for incense, making it one of the most aromatic oils in history. Ancient Egyptians used it as a fumigant, in their rituals, and even made into kohl for eye makeup. Frankincense is one of the main components for Jewish ceremonial incense. The bible mentions it at least 22 times, and is most notable for being one of baby Jesus’s gifts.
The name frankincense is from a medieval French word. Franc means pure or free, while incensium is Latin for “to smoke”.
Also called as Olibanum, Frankincense originates from a small tree that only grows about nine to 22 feet tall. The tree has narrow leaves and white or pink flowers. When cut, the trunk releases a gum that delivers the essential oil. The gum undergoes a steam distillation process to completely extract the essential oil.
Frankincense does more than just smell good. Its essential oil is beneficial for the nervous system. It has the ability to soothe and relax the mind. It can treat nervous tension and the exhaustion that can result.
Frankincense can sooth the Qi-energy. This is beneficial as stress can get out of control and cause problems in the human body, leading to irritability, restlessness, and insomnia. It works as a tonic, which can uplift and raise your spirits. Generally, it can aid in relieving depression.
Frankincense is also beneficial for patients who suffer from asthma or bronchitis, particularly when these diseases have been caused by a breakdown in the nervous system due to excessive stress. This essential oil will deepen your breath and relieve tightness in your chest. It’s also perfect for sinus troubles and laryngitis.
Frankincense oil will smooth your flow of Qi-energy and generally calm the nerves. It can work with other similar oils too, to more efficiently help in your physical ailments.
The psychological and spiritual benefits of frankincense have been recognized for centuries. It’s believed that the oil can be linked on a fundamental level to the earth, so it can calm and stabilize the mind.
You may use this oil for meditation and relaxation, and to help focus your thoughts when they’re out of control.
Lavender: For Calming, Simplicity, Self-Expression
Quick Facts
Name: Lavender Essential Oil, Lavandula officinalis
Botanical Family: Labiatae (Lamiaceae)
Harvested Parts: Flowers
Aromas: Sweet, fresh, floral
Energy: Cooling, drying
Main Element: Fire, wood
Properties: Painkiller, calming, anti-inflammatory
Safety & Precautions: Non-toxic, non-irritating
Description
Lavender essential oil hails from lavender flowers, and has a soft and soothing floral smell. These flowers grow on a hardy shrub with tall green pointed leaves on long spikes. The grey-blue flowers develop on these spikes. While the leaves can be quite fragrant, the essential oil is only extracted from the flowers. Lavender is perhaps one of the most popular natural scents today, being found in everything from soaps, to hand lotions, creams, and shampoos. Lavender can also be eaten, being made into cookies, syrups, and candies.
The lavender plant grows in the Mediterranean, but is also common in most parts of the world. The countries involved in the production of the essential oil are Bulgaria, Croatia, France, and Russia.
The most popular lavender varieties grown are spike lavender, French lavender, and English lavender. The word lavender is from a Latin word lavare meaning “to wash”.
Lavender is known as a “nose herb” and has been prized for its pleasant fresh floral fragrance since ancient times. Dioscorides said it was beneficial for “ye grievances in ye thorax”. In 1660 Richard Surflet said that it would restore lost speech, and heal swooning of the heart.
In Oriental medicine it’s been used to provide cooling and healing for inflammation, spasm, and pain. The oil also has antiseptic properties that make it good for treating infections.
Lavender essential oil can cool and regulate an overheated liver. It can relieve headaches, migraines, and constipation.
Lavender will support the Qi-energy of the heart. This is why it’s suitable for treating nervous tension, insomnia, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure.
The anti-spasmodic nature of the oil will help for intestinal conditions such as colic and irritable bowel, and help with menstrual pain, and muscular stiffness. It will also aid in genito-urinary infections, and respiratory infections.
Lavender will stabilize and calm the Qi of the heart, which is responsible for maintaining overall mental and emotional well-being. Peter Holmes, herbalist, has described it as being a habit breaker and a crisis smoother. The oil will provide you with calmness and soothing properties.
It’s also good for people who are creative, but stuck. It will enable the full expression of one’s creativity, easing one’s inhibitions.
Lemon: For Antiseptic, Refreshing, Trust
Quick Facts
Name: Lemon Essential Oil, Citrus limonum
Botanical Family: Rutaceae
Harvested Parts: Rind
Aromas: Fresh, citrus, sour
Energy: Cooling, drying
Main Element: Earth, fire
Properties: Anti-bacterial, astringent, stimulant, calming, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, tonic
Safety & Precautions: Avoid sunlight after application to the skin for 12 hrs.
Description
Lemon fruits grow on the Citrus limonum evergreen trees. These trees can grow tall, from nine to 19 feet. They have pale green oval leaves and white and pink flowers. One tree can produce 1500 lemons per year. The essential lemon oil comes from the rind of the lemon through cold pressing. This essential oil is is one of the lightest of all oils.
The tree originally grew in Asia, before making its way through Spain, Italy, the Mediterranean, California and Florida in the USA.
Strangely, the lemon was called the”median apple” by Roman historian Virgil. Romans used the peel to scent their clothing and to repel insects. In the 17th century, Nicholas Lemery, pharmacist, recognized the medicinal values of the plant. He wrote in his book that lemon was effective at cleansing the blood and could relieve flatulence. Ships took lemons with them to prevent scurvy among the crew for long sea voyages. Lemon was commonly used as a treatment for toxicity or infection.
Lemon oil can help to decongest and relieve a bad cold or flu bug. It is also curative for the lymphatic system, and can help with obesity, cellulite, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis.
Lemon is also known to have a litholytic property to help clear kidney and gallstones, and calm an overworked liver.
For general conditions, lemon is beneficial for nausea, headaches, irritability, and insomnia. Lemon oil has an anti-coagulant property, also known as moving the blood. This may be due to its astringent nature. It’s suitable for treating bruising, broken veins on the face, varicose veins, and nosebleeds.
Besides internal organs, it can benefit the region between spleen and pancreas. The spleen is connected to pancreas and stomach, but doesn’t play a major role in digestion, but if it fails, it can affect these other organs. Lemon oil can be a pancreatic stimulant to get things moving.
Since lemon is associated with Venus and Neptune, it is also considered a mild aphrodisiac. Lemon essential oil can provide you with the clarity for your mind, get rid of confusion, and ease your worries. It will generally allow you to open up your heart in case you fear emotional involvement or losing yourself with another person.
Orange: For Adaptability, Simplicity, and Optimism
Quick Facts
Name: Orange Essential Oil, Citrus seinensis
Botanical Family: Rutaxea
Harvested Parts: Rind
Aromas: Sweet, warm, citrus, fresh
Energy: Neutral in temperature and moisture
Main Element: Wood
Properties: Anti-infectious, digestive stimulant, hepatic, stomachic stimulant, calming
Safety & Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant
Description
The orange essential oil emanates from the rind. It got its name from the Sanskrit version of the word “naranj’. This essential oil comes from a sweeter fruit of the Citrus sinensis. This tree is from the evergreens. In the past, oranges were actually bitter-sweet, and likely from the Citrus aurantium var. amara.
Oranges originally were from Asia, and were brought to Europe around 1520. Columbus then took them to the New World, and today they are grown in the West Indies, Florida, Brazil, and Israel.
The therapeutic qualities of dried orange peel have been known since it was grown in ancient China. This is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine. The unripe bitter orange was called zhi shi and was used to relieve spasms and stimulate digestion. It’s also a Chinese symbol of good luck and prosperity.
During 18th century European times, oranges were eaten to relieve nervous disorders, heart problems, colic, asthma, and melancholy.
Sweet orange essential oil can unlock the Qi-energy. Two types of sweet orange oil are bergamot and mandarin. These can unlock blocked energy, especially when it’s affecting the intestines, liver, and stomach.
When searching for the best oil for digestive benefits, it’s best to choose sweet orange essential oil. It has a tonic effect on the stomach that allows it to circulate the beneficial Qi-energy. This results in antispasmodic and carminative properties that can relieve pain, swelling, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Orange oil also has major benefits for the liver. This is the organ that is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi-energy. It’s a great hepatic stimulant and cholagogue, as it encourages the smooth flowing of bile, which is used to digest fats, but can also prevent stagnant Qi that can lead to headaches, tension, and insomnia.
Orange essential oil has relaxing properties that can assist in relieving stress after a bad day, as well as frustration from a stagnant Qi. It can unlock a constriction in the ethereal soul, the Hun. Its warm, sunny aroma will provide you with joy and positivity, getting rid of bad mood and irritability.
If you’re the impatient sort of person who strives for perfection, or are a planner who tries too hard, the oil can assist you in relieving tension. You’ll be able to have a more relaxed approach to life.
Patchouli: For Arousal, Enrichment, Grounding
Quick Facts
Name: Patchouli Essential Oil, Pogostemon cablin
Botanical Family: Labiatae (Lamiaceae)
Harvested Parts: Younger leaves and shoots
Aromas: Earthy, strong, sweet, warm, musky, spicy
Energy: Neutral dryness and temperature
Main Element: Earth, fire
Properties: Antibacterial, anti-viral, sexual tonic, tissue regenerator, insect repellant, decongestant
Safety & Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant
Description
Patchouli originates from a bushy perennial herb that only grows to about three feet high. It has sturdy stems with soft hairy leaves, and flowers that are arranged in spikes. The bush grows to altitudes of over 6000 feet and is a native plant from southeast Asia, Sumatra, and Java.
Patchouli is only available during the wet season and is ready for harvest up to three times per year. Generally, its harvesting is done all by hand. Most of the patchouli essential oil come from China, India, and Malaysia.
The word patchouli comes from the Hindustan word “pacholi”, used in the 19th century. Indians uses Pacholi to scent their fabrics and shawls.
In France, garment manufacturers used to add patchouli to their clothing to make them saleable. Today, it is still a staple of the perfume industry, and is one of the essential oils that smell even better with aging.
Patchouli has been a part of the traditional medicine of China, Japan, and Malaysia, just like many other plant extracts. It has curative properties for dermatitis, enteritis, and diarrhea. It’s also astringent, and can work as an anti-inflammatory. It was utilized as a fumigant to prevent the spread of fevers and epidemics. It’s also known to improve the immune system function. It can be applied directly for insect or snake bites, and is an effective insecticide.
Patchouli essential oil has energetic properties due to its warm nature. It combines a calming property with a stimulating one, together having a synergistic effect that can lift the spirits.
Patchouli is good as a skin remedy for both its antiseptic properties for skin infections, such as herpes, acne, and impetigo, and emollient properties for many skin disorders. It can soften and smoothen cracked and dry skin, such as what happens with eczema or psoriasis.
Patchouli oil can also benefit problems of the vascular system. It can help heal bruises, decrease hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.
For patchouli’s energetic and psychological effects, it can provide warming and sweetening for people who have a deficiency of Qi-energy in the abdominal region. It’s relevant for people who suffer constipation or diarrhea, and conditions of weak immunity that can leave a person prone to infection.
Patchouli oil will harmonize the mind when overthinking strikes, due to its grounding earth element. It can also have an aphrodisiac effect and help people with depression and sexual dysfunction.
Rose: For Confidence, Sensuality, Trust
Quick Facts
Name: Rose Essential Oil, Rosa damascena
Botanical Family: Rosaceae
Harvested Parts: Flowering tops
Aromas: Soft, rich, floral, sweet
Energy: Cool, moist
Main Element: Fire
Properties: Astringent, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, sexual tonic, uterine tonic, calming
Safety & Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant
Description
Rose essential oil comes from the Rose damascena plant. This is a hardy shrub with green bushy leaves that can grow up to six feet high and six feet wide. It has pink and white flowers. This plant is grown mainly in the Balkan mountains of southern Bulgaria. Here, it’s called the Valley of the Roses.
Like many other plants, this one is a native of Asia. While there are over 10,000 different varieties of roses, only a few are used for perfumery, such as the damask rose—also made into essential oil—French rose, and the cabbage rose. The Bulgarian damask rose is cultivated for its fragrant oils since the 16th century. The essence distilled from the damask rose is called “otto”.
The Greek poet Sappho called rose “the queen of flowers”. Due to its pleasant fragrance and healing properties, it had a special place in the medicine of ancient Egypt, Greece, India, Persia, and Rome. It’s still a popular scent today.
The word rose or rosa, comes from the Greek word rodon, which means red. In mythology, the red color of the rose came from the blood of Adonis, who was the god of youthful vegetation.
Perfume industries in France use solvents to extract the oil, making it rose absolute. This is a cheaper way to extract it for the perfume market. This is not recommended for therapeutic use as the solvent is still present in the oil. For this reason, rose essential oil can be pricier than other types of essential oils.
In Oriental medicine, the rose’s cool and moist nature is said to ease heat and inflammation in the body, as well as aid in restoring the body’s yin energy. It was used for inflammation, toxins or infections, and to treat anxiety and depressive disorders.
Rose oil is good for cooling and regulating the liver. It can cool conditions such as headache, tension, irritability, and constipation. It can encourage the flow of bile, reduce nausea, and relieve cholecystitis.
Essential rose oil is beneficial for restoring stagnant Qi-energy, especially those involving menstrual difficulties. Rose oil is also good for restoring the moisture in skin, particularly when inflammation, rash, boils, or sores occur.
Rose can be a tonic for the heart, and it has psychological properties that can affect the mind, also called Shen. The Shen is the center of our emotional well-being. Rose oil can benefit if you’re suffering from anxiety, insomnia, and palpitations.
Part of the power of the rose relates to its symbol of love. This was the flower of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty, love, and fertility. Rose oil can provide sensuality, making it a popular aphrodisiac. The damask rose is also the Holy Rose, which is a symbol of God’s love to the world. You can often see it surrounding images of the Virgin Mary, particularly when she appeared with St. Bernadette at Lourdes.
There is also compassion surrounding this flower. It has the ability to heal wounds of an emotional nature. Rose oil can bring self-love, nurturing, and comfort, to help restore the mind or Shen.
Rosemary: For Dedication, Destiny, Introspection
Quick Facts
Name: Rosemary Essential Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis
Botanical Family: Labiatae (Lamiaceae)
Harvested Parts: Sprig
Aromas: Pungent, strong, balsamic, woodsy
Energy: Dryness, warmth
Main Element: Fire
Properties: Antibacterial, anti-infectious, general and sexual tonic, mild diuretic, expectorant, stimulant
Safety & Precautions: Not safe when pregnant or breastfeeding, nor for children under 2 yrs. Use under 2% dilution.
Description
Rosemary hails from the evergreen shrub. It can grow as tall as 50 inches, does well in the ground or in containers and has long spiky silver-green needle-like leaves. It has a strong fragrance and is named from the Latin ros marinus, meaning “rose of the sea”.
Rosemary has been widely used in ancient medicine, and was considered one of the most popular herbs. Ancient Egyptians would burn the leaves as incense for their rituals. Its remains have been found in tombs. They believed it would help people to find their way to the afterlife.
Greeks and Romans would often wear garlands and headdresses of rosemary to wear at weddings and official occasions. They would also be presented to guests. Rosemary was burned at funerals in honor of the dead. Rosemary was often used for remembrance.
People back then believe that it brought good luck, and protected them against black magic and witchcraft.
Rosemary essential oil made its way to production during the 13th century. It had properties of being a tonic for the body’s yang energy, which will improve the circulation of Qi-energy and blood circulation. Its warm and pungent properties would improve mental and physical malaise. Its Qi-energy can strengthen the heart and ensure the steady flow of blood.
For modern therapeutic purposes, rosemary oil can help heal sore, tired, or pulled muscles. It’s also beneficial for people who get pain in the joints from aging. Rosemary is also great if you have a bad cold or cough. It can work as an expectorant. It’s good for digestive upsets too, and can improve dyspepsia, gas, and bloating.
Rosemary is ruled by the sun. This is a plant to help build up your self-confidence, and reduce apathy and depression. It can warm the spirit and provide inspiration to get going on a project.
Tea Tree: For Adaptability, Confidence, Strength
Quick Facts
Name: Tea Tree Essential Oil, Melaleuca alternifolia
Botanical Family: Myrtaceae
Harvested Parts: Leaves
Aromas: Pungent, strong, medicinal, camphorous, bitter
Energy: Dry, warm
Main Element: Fire, metal
Properties: Painkiller, antiseptic, anti-fungal, general tonic, antiviral, anti-parasitic, general immune tonic
Safety & Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant
Description
Next on our best essential oils list is a crowd favorite. Tea tree oil develops from a small tree that can grow up to 22 feet high. It has soft leaves and yellow flowers in the shape of a bottlebrush. It’s one of a species of paperbark trees that grow in Australia. The Latin name melaleuca derives from the Greek word Melas which means black, and leukos which means white. This is due to the trees’ white bark and green-black foliage. This plant thrives mostly in New South Wales due to its swampy wetlands.
Australians often source the plant not only for its bark, but also for its pungent leaves. They soak these leaves in hot water to cure headaches and bad colds. Sometimes, people would simply pick a leaf from a tree and chew it.
Perhaps it was Captain Cook who made tea tree popular in modern times. They came across this tree in Botany Bay in 1770, and made a spicy tea from it. They discovered it was a great remedy for when the crew was sick. It soon caught on by the early European settlers.
A 1923 study suggests that the tea tree essential oil has anti-infectious and antibiotic properties. It’s a safe way to help cure infections on the skin: fungal, bacterial, and viral.
Tea tree strengthens the Defensive-Qi of the body. Not only can it cure infections but it can prevent them as well. It also has the power to boost the heart, lungs, and nervous system. It can be a tonic to the Qi-energy of the body. This will help to improve people who suffer from lethargy, or have trouble breathing, palpitations, or poor circulation.
Tea tree oil will help to steady the nerves, and clear mental fatigue. For people who suffer from weakened immune systems it will give a boost of immunity. It will also fortify the bodily soul, known as P’o. This is because it provides a strong outlook with a healing instinct. It will uplift the spirit and provide confidence in your soul.
Tea tree oil also has an additional benefit for those weakened individuals who have been victims of misfortune. It provides an additional layer of protection so one can avoid ill health.
Ylang Ylang: For Euphoria, Relaxation, Sensuality
Quick Facts
Name: Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, Cananga odorata var. genuina
Botanical Family: Annonaceae
Harvested Parts: Flowers
Aromas: Floral, spicy, heady, sweet, balsamic
Energy: Cooling, moist
Main Element: Fire
Properties: Anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, hypotensive, sexual tonic, anti-depressive, anti-diabetic
Safety & Precautions: Nontoxic, nonirritant
Description
Ylang ylang essential oil comes from the tropical evergreen tree. It can reach a height of over 65 feet, and has large shiny oval leaves, with long flowers that turn from green to yellow as they age. The source of the essential oil seems to be the plant’s flowers.
The ylang ylang plant is a native of Southeastern Asia. In fact, most of the world’s ylang ylang essential oil production traces back to the Comoro Islands in Madagascar, and Reunion, France. There are actually five different grades of ylang ylang, with ylang ylang extra superior being the priciest. When seeking an affordable option, try ylang ylang var. genuina.
The word ylang ylang comes from the Filipino word “alangilang”. This is in reference to flowers that hang down or flutter in the wind. Islanders would pick the flowers and mix them with coconut oil to make a pomade called boori-boori. Researches found that this helps lower fevers and heal infections. It would soften dry skin and hair.
On the island of Reunion, chemists discovered that it will be effective for people suffering from malaria and typhus, as well as infections in the intestinal tract.
Ylang ylang is an important component of the perfumery industry. It has spicy flower top notes that are suitable for making into many perfumes.
In Oriental medicine, the oils calming and supportive properties for the heart are part of its main therapeutic function. It’s especially good for the heart and circulatory system, providing a cooling benefits. The ylang ylang can balance the mind, called Shen, and calm the nervous system. This essential oil can also prevent hair loss and stimulate the scalp.
It can also soothe minor psychological disturbances, enabling sleep and relaxation. According to a modern study done by Dr. Tim Betts of Birmingham University, ylang ylang can also be effective for controlling epilepsy, or even prevent an attack from happening.
Ylang ylang belongs to the list of the best essential oils because it aids in reuniting our emotional and sensual natures together. This is important because without the support for heart and mind, Shen, they can become uprooted from the yin. If our emotions dry up, it can lead to isolation and depression. Ylang ylang oil can help to provide sunshine and open and center us. It will allow us to unify internally and thus be able to outwardly be bold.
The Next Step in Your Journey with Essential Oils
Most of the essential oils mentioned are readily available at any local specialty foods supermarket or with a quick online search. Quite a number are affordable, a few may be a bit pricier, such as the rose essential oil, but ensure that you gather together several for your aromatherapy kit. The more best essential oils you have, the more you can use them for therapeutic treatment of physical and psychological ailments, and the balancing of your spiritual life.
Source
How to Use Your Sense of Smell to Improve Your Life
25 Practical Uses of Essential Oils
How to Use Aromatherapy to Lift the Spirit and Get Energized
Essential Oils List
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