Plant/Part:

Latin Name: Cananga Odorata

Family: Anonaceae

Extraction: Solvent EXTRACTION

AROMA: Sweet, floral, exotic and heavy.

PROPERTIES: Antidepressant, Antiseptic, Aphrodisiac, Hypotensive, Sedative. This exotic oil lifts the spirits, promotes relaxation and has long used for its sensual properties. Soothing and relaxing during times of tension and stress Its reputed ability to balance the hormones makes it valuable for problems associated with the reproductive system. principally, a tonic to the womb and could well be helpful after a caesarean birth instilling a feeling of warmth and togetherness. Also said to keep the breasts firm. Its antidepressant an aphrodisiac qualities are well known in helping with sexual problems such as impotence and frigidity. Particularly useful with rapid breathing (hyperpnoea) and rapid heart- beat (tachycardia) and its sedative properties could help bring down high blood pressure. Altogether has a relaxing effect on the nervous system though prolonged use may create an opposite effect. its antiseptic nature seems to have a beneficial action on intestinal infections

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Main constituents: Methyl Benzoats, Methyl Salicylate, Linalyl Acetate, Cadinene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, Cresol, Eugenol, Linalol and Geraniol.

PRECAUTIONS: Excessive use may lead to headaches and nausea. Could possibly irritate sensitive skins and indicated against use on inflammatory skin conditions and dermatitis.

BLENDS: Blends well with: Bergamot, Citronella, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Melissa, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood.

Genito-Urinary tract: relaxing and soothing, helpful in treating menstrual cramps and PMT/PMS.

Circulation: regulates it, lowers blood pressure, tones the heart. Used for hypertension, tachycardia and palpitations.

Skin/Hair: antiseptic, soothing, helps to control the production of sebum, smooths the skin and stimulates new cell growth. Used to treat oily and irritated skin, acne, dandruff. eczema, wrinkles. Stimulates hair growth.

Emotions/Mind: euphoric, sensual and sedative, combats depression, stress, nervous tension, insomnia, irritability. According to Montcrieff: "soothes and inhibits anger born of frustration". According to V. A. Worwood, helps to combat shyness and emotional guilt. Its relaxing properties have been proven in scientific experiments: it was demonstrated that the use of ylang-ylang significantly increases alpha wave activity in the brain.

Other: aphrodisiac, used for impotence and frigidity.

Caution: due to its strong scent, ylang-ylang should be used in moderation, or else it might cause headache or nausea.

A small tropical tree, Cananga Odorata, which grows in the Philippines, Java, Sumatra and Madagascar, gives us the essential oil known as Ylang-Ylang. The name Ylang-Ylang means 'flower of flowers' in the local dialect, and is sometimes also given to the tree Anona Odorantissima, though there is some doubt as to whether these are in fact two different trees, or simply the same one exhibiting some differences when grown in different soil and climate. There are pink, mauve and yellow-flowered varieties, and the finest essential oil comes from the yellow-flowered trees. The first part of the oil which is drawn off during the steam distillation process is of the highest quality, and is sold under the name of Ylang-Ylang, while that which comes from the latter part of the process - known as the 'tail' of the distillate ~ is of a poorer grade and is usually sold under the name of Cananga. In either case, the therapeutic properties are the same, but the perfume of Cananga is less refined. The best oil of all is obtained from flowers picked in early summer, and early in the morning.

Both oils contain eugenol, geraniol, linalol, safrol, ylangol, terpenes, pinene, benzoate of benzyl, and a combination of acetic, benzoic, formic, salicylic and valeric acids. The oil varies from almost colourless to a pale yellow, and the aroma is extremely heavy and sweet. Some people find it sickly, and it is often best used in blends with oils, such as Lemon or Bergamot, which will somewhat offset the sweetness.

Perhaps the most important physical property of Ylang-Ylang is its ability to slow down over-rapid breathing (hyperpnoea) and over-rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). These symptoms may appear when somebody is shocked, frightened or anxious, and, sometimes when they are extremely angry, and immediate use of Ylang-Ylang can be very helpful in such circumstances. However, anybody who has such symptoms in the longer term clearly should be receiving advice and care from a doctor, homoeopath or acupuncturist, though the oil can be used asa back-up treatment with great benefit.

Ylang-Ylang is one of the oils which will help to reduce HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE), often found in association with hyperpnoea or tachycardia.

It is used widely in perfumery and cosmetics, and is suitable for both dry and oily skins, having a balancing action of the secretion of sebum. The sweet perfume makes is popular for these uses commer­cially, for it is quite a lot less costly than the other 'heady' floral oils, such as Rose and Jasmine. It has been described as resembling Hyacinth, though I can find little resemblance between the two scents. It is thought to have a tonic effect on the scalp, and in the nineteenth century was used as an ingredient in a hair preparation known as Macassar Oil, which was so widely used that Victorian housewives needed to protect their chair-backs against the oily stains - hence 'antimacassars'. If you wanted to try it as a hair preparation, an alcoholic solution would be less likely to damage the furniture.

Like JASMINE, ROSE and SANDALWOOD oils, Ylang-Ylang is antidepressant, aphrodisiac and sedative, and can be used to help people who have sexual difficulties, for these are so often the result of stress and anxiety. The calming and relaxing effect of Ylang-Ylang may be responsible for its designation as an aphrodisiac, as they can be used, wisely, to break the vicious circle of anxiety about sexual inade­quacy, actually creating such inadequacy, which leads to further anxiety.

The oil often seems to be best when used in combination with others, not only for the purpose of lightening the perfume.

Take care when using Ylang-Ylang, for too high a concentration, or using it for too long at a time, can give rise to nausea and/or headache.

To overcome the discomforts of muscle aches and pains caused by cramps or cramping you have quiet a variety of aromatic essential oils you can use. EUCALYPTUS is one of the best oils for aches and pains available. If there were only one essential oil you were able to choose, it would have to be LAVENDER. This wonderful natural healer is able to do so many things. It has widespread uses and is especially useful not only for pain relief but for relief of headache pain and can be used directly on the skin too. It also stimulates blood flow and this aids in healing. Rubbed into the joints it eases the pains of arthritis.

GINGER is another essential oil that works wonders for aches and pains. It lessens the inflammation as well as lowers the amount of prostaglandins in the body. These are the body’s receptors that effect constriction and so pain. Massage Ginger oil into sore aching muscles; it will definitely give some relief to overworked muscles. NUTMEG has also been used in the treatment of ARTHRITIS . Another oil that comes highly recommended for pain relief is PEPPERMINT. Unlike the others we have discussed, all of which assist in improving muscular pain, peppermint acts on different pain centers. Peppermint works very well in relieving the pain that is caused by any colicky condition. It is also used to reduce pain following surgery. Always remember to dilute any oils that you use in  CARRIER OILS .

Here are some recipes for aches and pains that we hope you will find useful:

The term allergy was originally coined in the early years of this century to describe an abnormal reaction of the body to foreign proteins, for example, the pollens which provoke an attack of HAY FEVER. Because invading organisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are composed mainly of protein, our defence mechanisms are triggered when the body detects PROTEINS which it cannot recognise as being part of its own structure, or beneficial to that structure (such as the proteins in food). In an allergic response, this process has gone out of control in some way: either by overreacting wildly, or by reacting to a protein which is not in itself any threat. Hay fever, eczema, urticaria and some forms of ASTHMA are all typical of a classical allergic reaction.

The aromatherapist's approach to allergy is to employ essential oils which are calming and soothing, and so modify this over-reaction. Camomile, Lavender and Melissa are the oils most often used successfully to help allergies. BATHS, COMPRESSES, INHALATIONS, skin lotions, etc., are all appropriate methods, depending on the type of allergic response.

STRESS is known to play a very important role in predisposing people to respond allergically. Quite often, a person who develops asthma, eczema or other allergic reactions to various irritants when under stress, can come into contact with the same allergen without any reaction when calmer and happier. So one of the most important things the aromatherapist can do is to help decrease the levels of stress. We are fortunate in that massage itself is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, and that there are so many essential oils which help to do so too. The three oils mentioned above as being most used for allergies are all de-stressors, which is undoubtedly why they are so effective in treating allergies. Bergamot, Clary, Neroli, Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood and YLANG YLANG are some of the other oils that are often used to help with stress. MASSAGE is certainly the best method of use, but aromatic baths in between massage treatments are a real help, too.

The number of people suffering from allergies has increased vastly in recent years, and the increasingly stressful conditions under which many of us live must surely have much to do with this, as well as the proliferation of chemical pollutants in our food, air, water and environment. The term allergy is now often used to describe reactions which do not fall strictly within the original definition. Some of the conditions which have been attributed to adverse reactions to foreign substances, include CATARRH, HEADACHES, hyperactivity, fluid retention and a variety of skin problems. Some people prefer to use the term sensitivity to describe these reactions which are not covered by the earlier definitions of allergy, particularly if the offending substance is not a protein.

The role of food allergy is much better understood than a few years ago, though it is debatable whether in many instances it is the food itself which is responsible, or the conditions under which the food was produced, the feeding of hormones and antibiotics to farm animals, and the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides1 on fruit and vegetable crops being obvious examples. Pressure on food manufacturers to remove many chemical additives has resulted from observation of the range of allergic reactions, or sensitivities, which they provoke.

In all these reactions, as in classical allergy, stress is a very big factor, so the role of the aromatherapist will be the same, whatever the cause and whatever the form of the allergy - to soothe, calm and comfort, to reduce stress as much as possible, while alleviating the immediate symptoms. Dietary advice will almost always be necessary, but the factors involved are often so complicated that it may be advisable to refer the client to a trained nutritionist or a clinical ecologist.

See also entries for ASTHMA, ECZEMA, HAY FEVER and NETTLERASH (Hives) , and, because of the connection between allergies and STRESS the entry under that heading.

The name cholesterol originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol, as François Poulletier de la Salle first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones, in 1769. However, it was only in 1815 that chemist Eugène Chevreul named the compound "cholesterine".

Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid. It is mostly made by the liver from the fatty foods we eat and is vital for the normal functioning of the body. Having an excessively high level of lipids in your blood (hyperlipidemia) can have a serious effect on your health as it increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol cannot travel around the body on its own because it does not dissolve in water. Instead, it is carried in your blood by molecules called proteins. These combinations of cholesterol and proteins are called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the harmful type of cholesterol. LDL is the main cholesterol transporter and carries cholesterol from your liver to the cells that need it. If there is too much cholesterol for the cells to use, this can cause a harmful build-up in your blood. Too much LDL cholesterol in the blood can cause cholesterol to build up in the artery walls, leading to disease of the arteries. For this reason, LDL cholesterol is known as 'bad cholesterol', and lower levels are better.
• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is a protective type of cholesterol. HDL carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is either broken down or passed from the body as a waste product. For this reason, it is referred to as 'good cholesterol', and higher levels are better.

Having too much harmful cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of getting cardiovascular disease. The risk is particularly high if you have a high level of LDL cholesterol and a low level of HDL cholesterol.

Since cholesterol is essential for all animal life, it is primarily synthesized from simpler substances within the body. However, high levels in blood circulation, depending on how it is transported within lipoproteins, are strongly associated with progression of atherosclerosis. For a person of about 68 kg (150 pounds), typical total body cholesterol synthesis is about 1 g (1,000 mg) per day, and total body content is about 35 g. Typical daily additional dietary intake, in the United States and societies with similar dietary patterns, is 200–300 mg. The body compensates for cholesterol intake by reducing the amount synthesized.

The amount of cholesterol in the blood (including both LDL and HDL) can be measured with a blood test. Your doctor or nurse may also measure your level of triglycerides. Triglycerides are the fats you use for energy and come from the fatty foods you eat. You store what you do not use in the fatty tissues of your body. Excess triglycerides in the blood also increase heart problems. They can also be produced in the body, either by the body’s fat stores or in the liver. People who are very overweight, eat a lot of fatty and sugary foods, or drink too much alcohol are more likely to have a high triglyceride level. People with high triglyceride levels have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease than people with lower levels. 

Cholesterol is recycled. It is excreted by the liver via the bile into the digestive tract. Typically about 50% of the excreted cholesterol is reabsorbed by the small bowel back into the bloodstream. Blood cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, often shortened to mmol/L.  The recommended cholesterol levels should be less than 5mmol/L. In the UK, two out of three adults have a total cholesterol level of 5mmol/L or above. On average, men in England have a cholesterol level of 5.5mmol/L and women have a level of 5.6mmol/L. The UK population has one of the highest average cholesterol concentrations in the world.

Evidence strongly indicates that high cholesterol levels can cause narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack and stroke. This is because cholesterol can build up in the artery wall restricting the flow of blood to your heart, brain and the rest of your body. It also increases the chance of a blood clot developing. Your risk of coronary heart disease (when your heart's blood supply is blocked or disrupted) rises as your blood's cholesterol level increases. Other factors, such as high blood pressure and smoking, increase this risk even more .

Essential Oils for cholesterol have been a focus of medical research for quite some time because if these oils can make an impact in other areas of your health, why not cholesterol? For hundreds of years, essential oils have been used for everything from arthritis, muscle aches and nausea to colds, flu and blood pressure. As Essential Oils work mainly through the blood stream it follows that Aromatherapy can aid in reducing the levels of LDL’s in the blood.

CINNAMON  as an essential oil is derived from the leaves and bark of the cinnamon plant which is usually only found in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Ccinnamon gives you a feeling of comfort and well-being as well as having the ability to perk up a depressive mood. As an essential oil for cholesterol, cinnamon has shown great promise in reducing overall levels, particularly the bad LDL cholesterol. Even triglyceride levels lower and diabetics notice an improvement in their blood sugar levels. The constituents are unproven and unknown but effects of the cinnamon essential oil have shown good results in lowering bad cholesterol.

BASIL as an Essential Oill for cholesterol is not as widely known but there have been some studies that have shown promise with this particular herb. Related to the peppermint family, most people know basil is a top ingredient in most Italian food dishes. However, Basil as an essential oil for cholesterol comes into play because the herb prevents the oxidation of free radicals hence lowering the cholesterol level in the body.

Essential Oil of LEMON is widely known for thinning the blood, hence preventing thickness in blood flow that causes blockages and strokes. In addition, lemon also aids in breaking up deposits of plaque in your arteries which in turn also reduces cholesterol. In addition, lemon also aids in breaking up deposits of plaque in your arteries which in turn also reduces cholesterol.

Cholesterol can be managed for life with success with a health diet and lifestyle. It is recommended that you visit your physician on a regular basis to keep a keen eye on your levels. Learn healthy, alternative ways to manage your cholesterol without having to rely on medications.

Plant/Part:

Latin Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Family: Lauraceae

Extraction: Steam Distillation

AROMA: A lovely room fragrance, especially during Xmas

PROPERTIES: Anaesthetic, Antidontalgic, Antiseptic, Antputrefactive, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Cardiac, Carminative, Emmenagogue, Escharotic, Haemostatic, Insecticide, Parasiticide, Sialogogue, Stimulant, Stomachic, Vermifuge. Warms and stimulates. A strong antiseptic, it has a cleansing effect. Used as a comforting oil during the cold season. Very strong antiseptic and has a tonic effect on the respiratory tract, eases colds through its very warming action by slightly raising body temperature, indicated for infleuenza. Generally restores heat to the body . Eases breathing difficulties and restores the senses during fainting fits. as an excellent reputation for resisting viral infections and contagious diseases. Seems to have a spurring action on bodily fluids since it stimulates tears, saliva and mucous.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Linalool (Alcohol), Benzaldehyde Cinnamic, Furfurol (Aldehyde), Eugenol, Safrole (Phenols), Cymene, Dipentene, Phellandrene, Pinene (Terpenes) .

PRECAUTIONS: Can cause skin irritation; moderate dermal toxicity.

BLENDS: Blends well with: Caraway, Citrus oils, Clove, Myrtle, Nutmeg.

Cinnamon is of great value to mankind. It is known for its antiseptic and antispasmodic properties. Usually yellow or brown in color, it is slightly oily in touch. The method used for oil extraction from cinnamon is steam distillation. Cinnamon has an earthy, woody and spicy aroma that makes it a popular choice amongst the other available essential oils. It makes an excellent astringent. It is said to be an awesome aphrodisiac. To know more about cinnamon essential oil use, read on.

Cinnamon has proved to be extremely effective in treating numerous diseases such as flatulence, rheumatism, exhaustion, low blood pressure, stress and constipation. Due to the multitude of health benefits that cinnamon oil offers, it has been witnessing increasing growth in its demand. The oil extracted from the bark can be a bit unsafe to use, therefore it is best to use the oil that has been taken out from the leaf.

Cinnamon essential oil is very useful in fighting cholesterol and indigestion problems. Cinnamon oil has at times been alleged for causing skin irritation. The fragrance of this oil is more suggestive of the aroma of clove rather than cinnamon. It can be ascribed to the presence of a larger amount of eugenol in it. These days, more and more people are going in for the cinnamon oil massage, which can be attributed to its soothing, comforting and soporific effects.