Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

 
 

What Is Ylang Ylang Oil?

Ylang ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree (Cananga odorata). This tropical species is native to countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, such as India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Australia. Ylang ylang’s heady, aromatic scent is fruity, flowery, and rich.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Benefits

 
 

Ylang ylang also has a history of use as a traditional, herbal treatment for conditions such as:

  • stomach distress

  • rheumatism

  • gout

  • malaria

  • headache

  • pneumonia

  • boost mood

  • reduce depression

  • alleviate anxiety

  • lower blood pressure

  • decrease heart rate

  • stimulate oil production in the skin and on the scalp

  • repel flying insects and kill bug larvae

Common Uses

  • reduces anxiety and boosted self-esteem when it was either applied to skin or inhaled.

  • A study found that inhalation of ylang ylang had a sedative effect, by significantly reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates as well as heart rate in healthy men.

  • Ylang ylang contains linalool, a compound which has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • In many parts of the world, ylang ylang flowers are pounded into paste and used as an inhalant to treat asthma.

  • When dried, ylang ylang flowers are used to treat malaria symptoms in countries throughout Asia.

Ylang ylang is used as a folk remedy to increase sexual desire and reduce sexual anxiety.

Topically, Ylang Ylang Oil has been praised for helping combat acne and oily skin. It may help with alopecia (hair loss).

How to use ylang ylang

Ylang ylang can be mixed with a carrier oil, and used for dry skin care and for massage. It can also be rubbed on the scalp to promote oil production and reduce dryness. Since ylang ylang is irritating for some people, always do a patch test first and wait 24 hours before using.

  • Always dilute it. To use topically, add one drop of essential oil for each teaspoon of carrier oil.

  • Store properly. Store in an opaque, glass container in a cool, dark place.

  • Use and monitor its quality. Ylang ylang has a long shelf life, so you can make several batches to store for a year, or longer. However, never use an oil that has expired or smells rancid.

  • Use with water in an oil diffuser. Ylang ylang can also be inhaled as an aromatherapy treatment by using in a room diffuser.