Scientific name: Cananga odorata
Origin: Java, Sumatra, Reunion, Madagascar, Comores
History: In Indonesia, ylang ylang flowers have been used for ages to sprinkle over the marital bed. Like the much more expensive jasmin, ylang ylang is said to have aphrodisiac powers. For those qualities it is called “poor man’s jasmine”.
Perfume note: Base (Middle to Base)
Ylang Ylang oil blends well with: citrus oils, cedarwood, chamomile, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, vetiver.
Caution: None. The sweet smell can be overwhelming and cause headache or nausea when overdone. This is merely a matter of taste though.
Properties:
- antidepressant
- antiseborrhoeic
- antiseptic
- aphrodisiac
- hypotensive
- nervine
- sedative
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Uses
- Skin Care
Balancing and stimulating, ylang ylang oil tends to even out the sebum production. This makes it a wonderful ally for all skin types, from oily to dry skin.
- For the Mood
Generally soothing. Calming. The perfect oil for healing emotional stress, nervous tension, anxiety, shock or panic attacks. Palpitations, a rapid heartbeat or rapid breathing related to stress can be calmed by ylang ylang oil. The oil eludes a soft, sweet and erotic fragrance and creates an environment of trust.
- Other Uses
Ylang ylang is believed to be an aphrodisiacum, it can help with impotence and frigidity. Stimulates hair growth. Helpful for high blood pressure and pre-menstrual syndrome.
Idea’s for blending Ylang Ylang Oil
Nourishing hair oil: Fill a 1 ounce dropper bottle with equal parts coconut oil and avocado oil. Add 10 drops Ylang Ylang oil and 10 drops Sandalwood oil. Apply sparingly to the hair, insisting on the dry and brittle ends.
Facial oil for oily skin with acne: In 1 ounce of jojoba oil, mix 4 drops of each Ylang Ylang oil, Manuka oil and Niaouli essential oil. Apply a few drops to the (damp) face morning and night.
Facial oil for dry skin: Blend equal parts of macadamia nut oil and rosehip seed oil in a 1 ounce dropper bottle, together with 4 drops of Ylang Ylang oil, 3 drops of Carrot seed oil, 3 drops of Rosewood essential oil and 2 drops of Helichryse essential oil.
Insect bites: apply one or two drops to the area of the bite with a damp cotton stick.
After sun body oil: Add 3 or 4 drops to a tablespoon of sweet almond oil and gently rub into the affected area’s.
Anxiety and depression: Add 2 drops of Ylang Ylang and 2 drops of Tangerine essential oil to a tablespoon of sweet almond or coconut oil and massage the body with this blend.
Stress and nervous tension: Create a soothing and uplifting room fragrance with a few drops of Ylang Ylang and Bergamot essential oil in a diffuser or oil burner.