There is hardly any oil that combines a high perfumistic impact with an outstanding therapeutic value the way Ylang Ylang does. It is an indispensable, gentle, yet full-bodied floral with surprising pain relieving qualities. The oil is distinguished by a range of unusual aromatic esters (benzyl benzoate) and ethers (p-cresol methyl ether).

Ylang Ylang has traditionally been fractionated during distillation into four separate oils called Ylang Ylang Extra, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Ylang Ylang Extra is the most sought after. According to Stephen Arctander there is no standard as to the physical properties of the various fractions. He further states that producers have resorted to mixing the less in demand 1st and 2nd fractions to form a lower cost Complete. This Complete may well have its value for aromatherapy as it is an unadulterated cross section of the whole Ylang Ylang oil. The 3rd fraction, the last of the distillation, has heavier components  desirable for buyers in the fragrance industry.

According to French style aromatherapy the qualities of this oil can be summarized in simple terms as down-regulating everything that is too much, too hectic, too tense etc. The literature tells us it has a powerful influence on the central nervous system thereby mediating very strong pain relieving effects. It calms palpitations, relieves sexual weakness and releases blockages.