a wee bit confused

[pagangoddesschild]

I bought a book the other day called Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham. I was looking up Ylang Ylang (my new favorite scent) but something in it confused me and i was hoping that someone here could help me out with this.
In one section it says that the part used is the essential oil. It doesnt mention anything else. In another section it says that Ylang Ylang essential oil is hazardous because it could cause a headache if inhaled for a prolonged amount of time. Fine, this i get.
In another section entitled "Magical Changes and Recommeded Scents/Essential Oils" it says that any listed plants with an asterick (spelling not sure) should not be used in essential oil form. Well, one to relieve depression (which i could use every now and then) includes Ylang Ylang but it's marked with an asterick. So... I ask you, if i cant use it in essential oil form, what do i use? Apparently i dont have access to the flowers due to the plant being thousands of miles away (so the book states).
Can anyone help me out??
Thanks
Lisa )0(

[Socharis]

try looking on the net, and you can buy herbs and plants from various online shops.

[Faery-Wings]

Hmmm, I have used ylang ylang many times. And I don't rmember any major hazardous warnings from that one. I will look through all of my AT books (hubby is still asleep) in a little bit and get back to you. Maybe the "hazard" is simply the headache?

Not as hazardous as pennyroyal, eh?
;)
Chris

[Faery-Wings]

I just looked through all of my books. Most of them don't even mention a warning of any kind. This is from Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy :

Do not use ylang ylang in concentrated amounts; it has a strong, sweet odour, and too much will only cause headache or nausea.

HTH! I have Magical Aromatherapy too, now I want to look through it some more. I hadn't picked up on that. He also uses oils and plants interchangeably, if I remember right. Oils and herbal infusions, decoctions etc are oviously very different in their strength.


Chris
:sunny:

[pagangoddesschild]

Thanks for your replies! It's not like it's dangerous or anything really (right like pennyroyal) so i should still be able to use it right? Just not in large amounts (not that i would anyway). It's just that i really really really love the scent!! It's so pretty and it does relax me. In fact, i put a little bit on last nite (thinking because it makes me feel good and relaxed during the day when i wear it, maybe it'll help me with sleeping). I read a bit of my book, then turned off the light, inhaled a bit of the wonderful fragrance and low and behold, i fell asleep!! I also have sleep prblms, insomnia.
Lisa )0(

[Mairwen]

Ylang ylang is a "female" herb ~ it helps to bring out the sensuousness/femaleness in women. I keep cloth soaked in the essential oil in my underwear drawer, and wear a bit of it when I do tribal dance. It is very empowering when used correctly.