Ylang Ylang might be most well known for being an essential oil associated with love, intimacy and sensuality, but it’s incredible properties also provide us with physical wellness and emotional balance.
Ylang Ylang essential oil isn’t just a scent, it’s an experience. One sniff is all you need to be transported to a tropical paradise. Ylang Ylang comes to us from the Cananga odorata tree, which has large yellow flowers that are very fragrant, especially at night. The essential oil is steam distilled from its flowers.
Ylang Ylang is a sweet and exotic floral scent. Sometimes I find that it reminds me of the scent of suntan lotion, intensified by an intriguing floral note. The scent of Ylang Ylang is very strong and will overtake a blend quickly. I usually blend a very small amount of Ylang Ylang in my recipes through the research stage until I find the right balance for the entire blend… staying within safe limits of use, of course!
Origins of Ylang Ylang
The Ylang Ylang tree grows in Southeast Asia, with the Camaro Islands, Madagascar, Comoros, and Reunion Islands as its main production hubs. The name itself, “Ylang Ylang,” comes from the Philippine (ALANG – ILANG), meaning “flowers that hang or flutter in the breeze.” Back in the day, people infused these blooms into coconut oil, creating a heavenly scented body oil cherished for its skin-nourishing properties and believed to ward off fevers and infections.
Ylang Ylang has a history rich in symbolism. It isn’t just a flower; it’s a symbol of passion, beauty, love, and fertility. The flowers are known to have been placed on the bed of newlywed couples, as their essence weaves dreams of romance and serenity.
Research in the early 20th century discovered the potential that Ylang Ylang could be effective when used against intestinal infections, malaria and typhus.
There’s more to this exotic beauty than meets the nose! Let’s discover some effective modern day uses.
Ylang Ylang Grades I, II, and III
The extraction process of Ylang Ylang essential oil is a little bit different than other steam distilled oils. The steam distillation occurs in different stages called fractional distillation, which creates different grades of essential oil.
Fractional distillation is a process used to separate different components of a liquid mixture based on their boiling points. In the context of essential oils, it’s a method employed to extract and purify various aromatic compounds from plant material. This process helps isolate specific aromatic compounds, resulting in the extraction of essential oils with desired characteristics and purity.
The different grades of ylang ylang essential oil are: Ylang Ylang Extra, 1, 2, 3, and Complete.
Extra is produced within the first few hours of distillation. During the following hours, ylang ylang 1, 2, and 3 are extracted at specific time intervals. Ylang Ylang Complete is produced once the distillation is complete. The entire extraction process can last 8-12 hours.
Using Ylang Ylang for Skin care
Flowers hold the secret to some of the most potent skincare remedies, and Ylang Ylang essential oil is no exception. As the delicate face of the plant, flower oils possess a unique affinity for facial skincare, making them particularly beneficial.
Ylang Ylang is capable of balancing sebum production, thereby catering to both oily and dry skin types. Its antiseptic properties are beneficial for those with acne prone skin, while also lending a toning touch that’s especially welcome for mature skin.
For combination skin, it’s a double agent, tackling fine lines and wrinkles with equal efficacy. However, please exercise caution: while Ylang Ylang offers an array of benefits, it’s not suitable for inflamed or irritated skin, as it may make the concern worse. When using, ensure a gentle approach with low dilution, typically not exceeding 0.8%.
Beyond skincare, Ylang Ylang extends its protective reach as a disinfectant, guarding against viruses and germs, with potential benefits in scabies prevention.
Haircare
Use this essential oil in haircare routines to combat hair loss and promote a healthy scalp. Incorporate it into shampoos, conditioners, and haircare formulations for nourished locks and vitality.
Stress relief
Ylang Ylang can be very helpful for stress-related ailments, from nervous tension to palpitations and hypertension. Its calming influence extends beyond relaxation, soothing the nervous system and calming the mind.
Ylang Ylang cools hot conditions such as anger. It creates a tranquil environment conducive to promoting restful sleep. Inhaling ylang ylang essential oil creates a host of physiological responses, from a lowered heart rate to reduced blood pressure, instilling a sense of calm amidst chaos.
Its anxiolytic effects help to offer peace for those grappling with stress and anxiety, while its muscle-relaxing properties alleviate tension, making it an ideal addition to massage blends. Ylang Ylang is not just an oil, but a holistic balm for the body and mind, offering relief from the tumult of modern life and its stressors.
Women’s Health
Ylang Ylang provides soothing while addressing symptoms of PMS, offering relief from mood swings and discomfort. Combine it with clary sage and lavender in your preferred carrier oil, and apply the blend topically to the abdomen for comforting relief from PMS woes.
Emotional connection
Ylang Ylang is well known for its aphrodisiac properties, serving as a gentle guide to emotional intimacy and sensuality. It helps you to open the depths of your heart, fostering a reconnection with your heart during challenging times.
As a cooling balm for the soul, it calms feelings of anger, offering support in navigating the frustrations of life. It can help to support you when dealing with feelings of things you can’t change.
Ylang Ylang is an invitation to embrace the full spectrum of your emotions and forge deeper connections with yourself and others.
Heart centered oil
Ylang Ylang calms the heart. Physically, Ylang Ylang can help with heart palpitations.
Emotionally, Ylang Ylang helps to restore, love and joy, especially during times of feelings of general, overall emotional ennui.
This essential oil can promote confidence, love and self-love. It promotes healing and healthy relationships with our self and others.
Ylang Ylang is a sensual oil that can help you awaken the sensual sense within you.
Safety First
As with most essential oils, using too much Ylang Ylang can cause skin irritation. I also find that Ylang Ylang can very quickly cause headaches and nausea. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not use with children under 2, however, I don’t see a reason to use this oil with children before their teen years. There are much better essential oils for younger people.
Ylang Ylang may be helpful for those with epilepsy. Tests conducted in the UK showed that when given a choice of five or six essential oils most people living with epilepsy chose to work with Ylang Ylang. It is important to note that different people react differently to the options available. Please consult qualified professionals before beginning or stopping any new routine.
Try these recipes with Ylang Ylang essential oil for an exotic twist on the everyday!
Diffuser Blend
Uplift the emotions when you are feeling down. Pair this oil with bergamot in your diffuser.
Bergamot – 5 drops
Ylang Ylang – 1 drop
Add drops to your diffuser and enjoy for 30 minutes.
Soothing Skin Oil
Jojoba Oil – 15 grams
Avocado Oil – 10 grams
Castor Oil – 5 grams
Vitamin E 0.15 grams
Sandalwood Essential Oil 0.15 grams
Myrrh Essential Oil 0.15 grams
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil 0.15 grams
Slowly add each ingredient to a small glass mixing jar. Mix with silicone spatula or glass stirring rod. Add your oil to a glass bottle with dropper.
When you are ready to apply, use 1-2 drops on the back of your hand and apply to the face with fingertips using gentle, circular motions.
Uplifting Bath
You’ll love this calming bath blend!
Epsom Salt – 1 cup
Jojoba Oil – 0.5 tablespoons
Sweet Orange Essential Oil – 6 drops
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – 1 drops
Patchouli Essential Oil – 1 drop
In a glass bowl add the Epsom salt. Slowly add the jojoba oil and give the salt a good mix. Add the essential oils and continue to thoroughly mix. Add your scented salts to a warm bath and enjoy!
