Thursday, March 28, 2013

Ylang Ylang

Relationships and the Plant Kingdom

I just recently shared an article with a friend focusing on Relationships.  The right relationship with our-self being the most important relationship we will have in this life time brought to my attention, the nurturing and caring of our emotional self.  Our self awareness within the vein of tending to our needs so that we may share with the world around us in a relaxed, mindful and positive prospective. 

All flowers address self-Love and emotional concerns.  I'd like to share a writing of Ylang ylang with you.  I invite you to remember what makes your heart sing . . . 

Luna as she exits into the western sky this AM in Sedona, AZ


Ylang Ylang 

Latin name: Cananga odorata

Family: Annonaceae

Plant Part: Fresh Flowers



“Ylang ylang you have warmed my heart and calmed my mind. You have given me the sweet reminder of loving magic that awaits my spirit. You have awakened the possibilities which provoke the god/goddess within. As your calming elixir soothes me, and reminds me of the sweetness I can taste within each moment. I move into a patient surrender of spirit, as I know the transcendence which is constantly unfolding in my life. I am reminded all is within reach and ever so grateful for the beautiful gifts you impart upon my essential nature, now shared!”



Cananga odorata description

Cananga odorata is a tropical Asian tree of the custard-apple family; it is medium sized, approximately 39 Feet tall at maturity. The main trunk is generally bent to some degree, and the bark is smooth and grayish white to silvery. The branches are slightly erect with a bit of drooping, giving the Cananga tree an asymmetrical appearance. It is a fast-growing tree which can exceed 16ft within a year and has the ability to regenerate rapidly when damaged. 



The leaves are dark green in color, approximately 8 inches in length, alternate, elliptic-oblong with a prominent midrib. The ylang ylang flower hangs in umbellate clusters of four to 12 flowers, having three sepals and six petals, and approximately 2.5 inches long. The petals are twisted when young and then limp and drooping when mature. Ylang ylang flowers are greenish yellow when immature, turning to a deep yellow once mature. The fragrant smell of ylang ylang is not dominating when the flowers are immature, but becomes more pronounced at maturity.



The fruit of the ylang ylang is greenish black in color, approximately 1 inch in size, and borne in axillary clusters of 6 to 12, resembling the olive. There are also 6 to 12 small, pale, brown flattened ovoid seeds within each fruit.



The Cananga tree has a long taproot and, therefore, favors deep soils. The Cananga tree can grow in light, medium and heavy texture soils, thriving in rich volcanic or fertile sandy soils, and can tolerate water logging for short periods, but requires free drainage. The Cananga tree grows best in full sunlight but can also tolerate moderate shading.



The Cananga plant is native to the Philippines and Indonesia and is commonly grown in Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia, therefore preferring a habitat of lowland, and humid tropics region. In Madagascar, the trees flower year-round, but mainly during the rainy season from November to March.  



Ylang ylang qualities, extraction and chemical composition

There are four varieties of ylang ylang essential oil, depending on the stage and method of distillation: the earliest “Ylang Ylang extra” is the first distillate, and is the lightest oil, with the most exquisite fragrance; the middle distillate, called ylang ylang II; and the final distillate having the smokiest and deepest fragrance. Ylang ylang “complete” is either a blend of all three stages of the distillation process, or an uninterrupted distillation process. Ylang ylang has a sweet and narcotic fragrance.


”Ylang ylang” results from the process of steam distillation of the flowers of the Cananga tree; and the flowers should be distilled immediately after harvesting. Small, traditional stills yield about 1% oil; while large modern stills can yield as much as 2%; and delayed distillation of the ylang ylang flower reduces the quantity of oil extraction. Flowers are best collected in the early morning hours while dew is present and best distilled immediately after harvesting. The Comoro Islands and Madagascar are major producers of ylang ylang.



The main aromatic components of ylang ylang oil are: benzyl acetate, linalool, p-cresyl methyl ether, and methyl benzoate.  Sesquiterpenes and esters. “Ylang Ylang extra” has higher terpene alcohol content.



Ylang ylang properties, therapeutic uses and applications

Ylang ylang speaks to our Heart on every level, and reminds us of acceptance within ourselves as well as others. Very much an aid for heart palpitations, when applied topically, ylang ylang can have a remarkable effect, as with hypertension and tachycardia. Ylang ylang is also an aid for high blood pressure, and can help normalize sebum secretion for skin issues.



Ylang ylang is harmonizing to the mind, and calming to the Central nervous system, and can be an effective aid for controlling epilepsy by simply inhaling the fragrance at the onset of a seizure.  Ylang ylang is a stimulate to the scalp, and a preventive aid for hair loss; mitigates insomnia and pre-menstrual syndrome; it is also an aid for infections of the intestinal tract, malaria and typhus (an infectious bacterial disease).



Ylang ylang aids with depression, anxiety, tension, stress, shyness, impatience, resentment, and rejection by “opening the heart and reminding us of new magical possibilities within the realm of loving relationships.” Ylang ylang has a calming nature, and ushers in joy and warmth within our life.  Ylang ylang is Euphoric and sensuous, being an aphrodisiac which unifies our emotional and sensual natures.



Ylang ylang can be used to enhance assertiveness, contentment, focus, joy, self-awareness, self-esteem and self-image. Ylang ylang is an essence that whispers to us, “What would love do now?” 



The history and folklore of Cananga odorata

Known as “ylang ylang”, “Perfume Tree”, “Cananga”, “Cadmia”, ylang ylang is planted in many home gardens in the pacific islands for ornamental purposes. The fruit is a preferred food of pigeons in Guam, Tonga, and Samoa; and is also eaten by bats, monkeys and squirrels. In the Pacific, the wood is often used for small canoes and parts, furniture, fuel wood, and cordage (the bark being pounded to make coarse rope.)



The fragrant ylang ylang flowers are used to scent coconut oil, known as Macassar oil (used as a hair dressing in the South Pacific), and in the making of lei’s and headdresses. In the Cook Islands the wood is used for making boxes and crates, clogs and/or wooden shoes and fishnet floats; and ylang ylang is a very important source of flowers in Micronesia and Polynesia where they are used for garlands, headdresses and other personal adornment. 



Ylang ylang is also a primary commercial product of the perfume industry; it is shipped to France, where it is the basis for Chanel #5 and perfumes by Guerlain; and ylang ylang’s essential oil makes up 29% of the Comoros’ annual exports (1998). Ylang ylang is also used in “MotionEaze”, a motion sickness medicine. In Tonga and Samoa the bark is used to treat stomach ailments; and can be used as a laxative. In Java, the dried flowers are used to protect against Malaria, and the fresh flowers are pounded into a paste to treat asthma. In Indonesia, ylang ylang flowers are spread on the bed of newlywed couples.



With Gratitude and Love
Robin Michaels

Robin is an Aromatherapist, LMT, Aromatherapy Instructor and boutique owner of Cosmic Essential oils products.  “Information on Ylang ylang is copy-written; feel free to share whole content however I ask that you acknowledge my copy-written material via by Robin Michaels of Cosmic Essential oils with web-site when sharing.”    Many Thanks, Robin
28 March 2013

Friday, March 22, 2013

Check out the Monthly LOVE Specials!

This is my PICK of essential oils for Aromatherapy Massages that I will be carrying to Costa Rica! I always have 16 EO's in my Aromatherapy kit, changing it up every so often however always addressing ALL the systems of the body (Central Nervous System, Immune, Respiratory, digestive, Cardiovascular, Lymphatic w/ leg circulation and a 2 plus for something extra. These are EO's In my Costa Rica travel kit for Aromatherapy: (2 for CNS: 48.00 Vetiver and 21.00 Lavandin, sumian), (2 for Immune: 28.00 Cumin, black and 38.00 Spruce, white), (2 for Respiratory: 27.00 Fir Balsam and 29.00 Eucalyptus (Cryptone type) blue mallee), (3 for Digestive: 40.00 Carrot seed, 29.00 Curcuma Zedoaria and 70.00 Chamomile, wild), (2 for Cardiovascular: 53.00 Ylang ylang and 57.00 Goldenrod), (2 for Lymphatic: 32.00 Cypress and 25.00 Cedarwood, Himalayan), (leg circulation: 29.00 Rosemary, cineole) and my plus EO's are: 29.00 Himalayan Soti (Respiratory, asthma, Aura tonic, emotional exhaustion, mental body cleanser) and 27.00 Pennyroyal (anti cancer, skin parasites, weak lungs, soothes coughs, joint/muscle pain. Insect bites, painful moons and 3-D Vertigo). Robin's Costa Rica Aroma.EO selection retails for $582.00, special offer of 18% discount

Plus I have included a few selections themed: Basic Two~Balancing, Stimulating and Relaxing (2 of ea., total 6EO's/all 15ml)- The Ancients (6 EO's/5 and 15ml) - Flower LOVE (6 EO's/2 and 5ml) - Spirit Journey's ~ High Medatation Aids (7 EO's/ 2,5 and 15ml)
Under Monthly Love Specials ♥
Make sure to check out these Love Specials from 18 to 25% discount on selections ♥

http://cosmicessentialoils.com/

Sunday, March 17, 2013

A bit of Aromatherapy History


History of Aromatherapy
·      Aromatics and Ancient Egyptian Culture
Egyptian hieroglyphic records clearly document the use of aromatic medicine among the ancient Egyptian Culture.  The evidence of the use of herbs in the way of aromatic barks, resins, perfumed oils; wines and vinegar's have been found dating back to 4500 BC. Egyptian priests assumed the role of alchemist and doctor utilizing aromatic substances for medicinal healing. Tutankhamen's tomb dated to 1350 BC (opened in 1922 AD) consisted of pots that contained traces of frankincense, myrrh and a variety of spikenard.  During the reign of Pharaoh Khufu 2800 BC, writings recorded plant material being steeped in oil or wine as well as burned as incense.  Essential oils were extracted by method of steeping of plant material in oil and then squeezing the oil through a linen bag rendering herbal aromatics for healing; these days know as an herbal oil infusion. 
·      The First Distillation
Alchemist Avicenna, a Persian polymath distilled the oil of Rosa centifolia between 980-1037 AC.  He didn’t discover the distillation process, but rather refined the process that had been developed over about 100 years.  Avicenna produced the first steam-distilled essential oil and penned over 100 books on his work.  Two of his most famous writings were “The book of Healing” and “Cannon of Medicine”, the latter mentioned being a medieval University textbook and still in distribution today.
Polymath - a Greek term for a Renaissance Man or Women; 14th thru 17th century term; a person whose expertise spanned a significant number of different subject areas; a knowledgeable person excelling in the arts and sciences.
Rosa centifolia - Provence rose or cabbage rose, a hybrid rose of the 17th century time period and earlier.

·      Essential oils and Medicine
In the 19th century the use of essential oils used in medicine declined as the medical profession became enamored with chemical and synthetic medicines.  However when tuberculosis became prevalent in occurrence in Europe, essential oils regained the attention of the medical profession once more.  They noticed a very low incidence of tuberculosis in the flower growing districts of France.  Workers involved in the processing of flowers and herbs suffered no respiratory ailments.

Scientists discovered microorganisms in the early 1880’s and in 1887 the first recorded laboratory test were performed on the antibacterial properties of essential oils.  The observation of these studies conducted were published in France over the next year, they found that the microorganisms of glandular and yellow fever were easily killed by essential oils.  Some of the essential oils studied were Oregano, Chinese Cinnamon, Angelica and Geranium. 
 

·      Rene-Maurice Gattefosse - The Father Of Modern Aromatherapy

Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was a French chemist, and our forefather in modern Aromatherapy.  Gattefosse (1881-1950) was born into one of France’s most important chemical and perfumery families.  Gattefosse wrote several books on essential oils citing cures for skin cancer, facial ulcers, gangrene and Black Widow Spider Bites.  Gattefosse is credited with coining the term “Aromatherapie” (Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles Hormones Végétales) the title of one of his books published in 1928, later translated into English engaging the attention of a wider public.  We now know it as “Gattefosse's Aromatherapy written by Rene-Maurice and edited by Robert B. Tisserand”.  Gattefosse believed in and promoted the use of the essential oils in their complete and unadulterated form, discouraging the fragmentation of the oils in search of their 'active ingredients'.  


It was in 1910 when Rene-Maurice Gattefosse had a terrible lab accident, badly burning his hand during an experiment in the perfumery plant.  In his book, Aromatherapy, he wrote: "Just one rinse with lavender essence stopped 'the gasification of the tissue.' This treatment was followed by profuse sweating, and healing began the next day.'" He was later amazed at how quickly his burn healed and with very little scarring.

This started a fascination with essential oils and inspired him to experiment with them during the First World War on soldiers in the military hospitals. He used oils of lavender, thyme, lemon and clove for their antiseptic properties. Gattefosse noted an increase in the rate of healing in wounds treated with essential oils and that the oils seemed to be free from the disadvantages present with other antiseptic agents in use at that time. 

Gattefosse understood the essences through personal experience and knowledgeable experimental studies.  He knew that essential oils possessed antiseptic, anti bacterial, anti toxic, and antiviral properties and contained powerful vitalizing actions.   “Essential oils have undeniable healing power and extensive therapeutic properties”, Thank you Rene-Maurice!

Monday, March 11, 2013

MARCH SPECIALS AT Cosmic EO's


March 11 thru April 11 online Specials through Cosmic Essential oils

Theme of skin and blood.

Professional sizes of Benzoin and Birch (Sweet), during this time both Benzoin and sweet Birch will be offered at 25% off regular price, in the professional size.

BENZOIN:  Anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, respiratory, sedative, expectorant, asthma, laryngitis, cordial.  Aids in psoriasis which is very difficult to get to the underlying origin.  Usually related to heavy unresolved stories emotionally and spiritually; thus intense work must be done.  The skin is the largest organ of the body and the dis harmony will always end up manifesting itself in and on the skin.

BIRCH (SWEET):  Analgesic, anti inflammatory, anti rheumatic, astringent, arthritis, rubefacient, joint pain (injury).  This is a true natural distilled Birch.  Blood purifier, gout, skin rashes, aids in clearing wounds and growths, helps the body in passing the uric acid and chloridene.  Aids in tough psoriasis.  See Benzoin for further information on psoriasis. 

Cosmic Essential oils

Happy March to all
Cosmic Essential oils, Robin :)

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Vitamin C: EO Sources

Vitamin C through "Plant Source-Essential oils"

Listed are some HIGH content Vitamin C source through the use of medicinal grade Essential oil use:

"The Rutaceae family": Orange, Lemon, Lime, Bergamot and grapefruit
Rosehip Seed oil "Rosa rubiginosa"
Dill
Parsley
Cumin Seed
Carrot Seed
Cucumber Seed oil

:)  Robin

Friday, March 1, 2013

Vitamin's through food sources "Vitamin C"


Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

The primary function of vitamin C is maintaining collagen, which is a protein needed for the formation of connective tissue in skin, ligaments and bones.  Helpful in healing wounds, burns and bruises.  Vitamin C is essential in the formation of adrenalin.  Vitamin C is present in most fresh fruits and vegetables.  Cooking in copper utensils, baking soda, sulfa drugs, smoking, over use of alcohol, fatigue, anxiety, surgery, infection, stress, use of contraceptive pill, menstruation and the last months of pregnancy may interfere with the absorption or depletion of Vitamin C in the system.  Vitamin C is essential for stimulating the immune system, enables the body to resist diseases including cancer.  Vitamin C is an antioxidant.   

Poison ivy or oak can be cleared up in 24 hours by using powdered vitamin C mixed with water to form a paste and applied to the skin, in conjunction with oral doses of vitamin C.  It is better to take smaller doses of vitamin C throughout the day instead of a single large dose, as the body can only absorb a certain amount at a time.  You never have to worry about toxicity with high intakes of vitamin C, as the body will simply discharge whatever it cannot use.  This can be uncomfortable so reduce the amount of Vitamin C you are taking if you experience, loose bowels, diarrhea, intestinal gas or skin rashes.  Vitamin C is effective in the treatment of scurvy and prevention of scurvy.   

75 to 90 mg per day is the recommended daily allowance for adults.

Vegetables:  turnip greens, Kale, Parsley, green and red peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and turnip greens. 

Fruits: Kakada plum, cama cama fruit, rosehip, acerola, seabuckthorn, orange juice, black currents, Papaya, cantaloupe, and guava.

Meats:  Veal Liver, Beef Liver, and Lamb Liver (meats minimally cooked).

Other: Goat milk, cow milk and human milk.

Of course the Citrus . . . . . :)