Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

A pale yellow to deep orange in color with a floral, sweet, balsamic, heady and slightly spicy fragrance, Ylang Ylang essential oil is a highly appreciated product that is valued for its application in aromatherapy. While it is historically renowned for its abundant health benefits, it is also used to manufacture perfume products.

There are different grades of ylang ylang essential oil. The higher the grade the expensive it is. With this essential oil, there are about six different grades, which varies according to the distillation process.

Ylang Ylang Extra – an extraordinary form of ylang ylang that is considered to contain the finest notes of the lovely floral. It is obtained during the first or second hour of the distillation process.

Ylang Ylang I – It is the grade that is obtained from the first distillation but after the 2nd to 3rd hour of distillation, and it comes at a reasonable price.

Ylang Ylang II – This is obtained from the second distillation usually during the 3rd to 4th hour of distillation.

Ylang Ylang III – After distilling for a day, this resulting ylang ylang grade is considered the heaviest in scent. It is the best aromatherapy essential oil for beginners who are on a budget.

Ylang Ylang Complete – Well, just as the name suggests, this grade contains all the fractions of the essential oil grades that exist.

 
ylang ylang essential oil

 

 

Ylang Ylang essential oil in history

Ylang ylang has been widely used to serve numerous purposes. In the Philippines, ylang ylang flowers grow naturally and healers have for a long time used the plant’s oil in ointments to disinfect and treat cuts, snakebites, insect stings, and burns.

In the Molucca islands, people use ylang ylang oil as the major constituent in Macassar oil – a hair pomade that later became so common in Victorian England. Since time in memorial, Indonesians still decorate the beds of newlyweds on their wedding night as they have aphrodisiac qualities.

All the tree’s parts have a celebrated history in both the east and the west. While this herb is indigenous to Indo-Malaysia, it has spread to numerous parts of the world including Comoros Islands, Madagascar, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.

In the early 20th century, popular French chemists discovered the numerous medicinal properties of Ylang ylang essential oil hence its widespread use across the globe.

Ylang ylang tree grows in either partial or full sun, preferably acidic soil and is cultivated under conservatory conditions in temperate climates. Its botanical name is Cananga odorata; it is known to be a fast growing tree belonging to the custard apple family identified as Annonaceae.

It grows up to a height of 16 feet and can attain an average height of 39 feet under the ideal climatic conditions. It consists of evergreen leaves that are uniquely smooth and glossy, oval in shape and pointed with characteristic wavy margins. Its flowers are droopy, long-stalked with particularly six yellowish-green petals that yield a highly scented essential oil.

The chemical constituents of ylang ylang essential oil include linalool, germacrene, cadinene, caryophyllene, geranyl acetate, benzyl acetate, and cresol methyl ether

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Ylang Ylang Oil Uses

Today, ylang ylang oil is used as a remedy for various health conditions not forgetting that it is still a favorite in the perfumery industry as it has a strong yet sweet aroma. Its’ naturally rich, floral scent is considered to be romantic and uplifting, and that is why most people prefer to diffuse ylang ylang oil in their rooms or mix with their home cleaning products. In addition, it can prove useful in soothing the body by adding a few drops of the oil to your bath water or body lotion.

It has relaxing and soothing properties that make it convenient in aromatherapy for treating numerous stress-related disorders including nervous tension, anxiety, and depression.

Here is a detailed look at the benefits of the essential oil.

Cardiovascular Health

It is considered to be one of the most effective essential oils in controlling blood pressure including prevention of heart arrhythmia, especially when blended with lavender, frankincense, and clary sage. Ylang ylang is known to fight inflammation and improve the blood flow, therefore supporting a strong and healthy circulatory system.

By combining a single drop of ylang ylang with a carrier oil, apply it on your chest area on a daily basis. For a natural high blood pressure solution, take ylang ylang oil as a dietary supplement (use therapeutic-grade oil only) simply by adding a couple of drops to warm tea or water.

Mood Enhancer

Ylang ylang has a drastic ability to act on your brain’s olfactory system. For such reasons, inhaling this aromatic essential oil will have an immediate positive effect in uplifting your mood hence acting as a mild yet natural remedy for depression. Research has shown that this aphrodisiac oil can help in releasing negative emotions, including jealousy, low self-esteem, and anger.

Ylang ylang is known to have mild sedative effects, and thus it is very useful in lowering stress responses that include high blood pressure and accelerated heartbeat. Furthermore, it has proved to be beneficial in fighting chronic fatigue syndrome and insomnia. Simple diffusion of Ylang ylang oil in your home or massaging it onto your skin can bring a strong feeling of confidence, awareness, self-love and peace.

Natural Hair Care Solution

There are a number of ways that ylang ylang oil can benefit your hair. By massaging ylang ylang along with coconut oil or jojoba oil into your scalp, you will increase the health and appearance of your hair. Moreover, the oil is equally helpful in preventing dandruff, tangles and hair loss.

Improves Skin Health

Did you know that ylang ylang is popularly applied to the skin to maintain a ‘youthful glow’ while preventing signs of aging and irritation? In fact, studies have shown that this popular essential oil is quite powerful in preventing melanoma and fighting the development of skin cancer cells.

Combine a drop or two of ylang ylang with jojoba or coconut oil and massage your face twice daily for optimum protection.

Energizes the body

Do you always feel tired, drained or frustrated? Well, not anymore. Using ylang ylang in aromatherapy treatment can help you a great deal. Most people, who use the oil, find it to be quite useful in fighting body aches or fatigue.

Add several drops to a clean cotton ball then apply it on your neck, wrists or chest.

Premenstrual Syndrome Remedy

Ylang ylang essential oil can be used to reduce PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms. It is a natural remedy for stress, tension, and PMS cramps. Just apply a blend of the oil with lavender to your lower abdomen and the back of your neck.

Aphrodisiac

Naturally, ylang ylang can act like an impotence remedy, since it has proved quite effective in increasing libido in both women and men. To connect more with your partner, diffuse this essential oil in your room, inhale it directly from the bottle, apply to your bedsheets or add a few drops to your body lotion.

Remedy for Diabetes

Ylang ylang is known to help lower the risk of nerve damage that is caused by diabetes complications. It protects the tissues and cells naturally.

For use, just massage a few drops into your reflex points of the feet, over the abdomen and pancreas, or you can use it internally.

Digestion

By inhaling ylang ylang oil or massaging it over your digestive organs or even consuming several drops on a daily basis, you can prevent poor blood flow including feelings of anxiety and stress that can interfere with healthy digestion.

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Contraindications

Ylang ylang essential oil is considered safe to use both externally and internally. However, caution should be taken while using this oil as it may cause headaches, especially when used in high concentrations. High levels on the skin might also cause irritation, so it is advisable to carry out a patch test before further use.

You should also practice caution when dealing with low blood pressure or under medication. Consult with your doctor before including ylang ylang in your daily medical routine.

All in all, ylang ylang is safe for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women when consumed or used in small doses or quantities.

 

Disclaimer

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.