What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?
Ylang ylang essential oil is a rich, sweet floral oil steam distilled from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree, and it's a favorite in natural perfumes and relaxing massage blends. Ylang ylang (pronounced e-long e-long) essential oil is extracted from the star-shaped flowers of the Cananga odorata tree. Known as the “flower of flowers,” it is native to tropical Southeast Asia and now grown widely in Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. The ylang ylang flower provides a beautifully sweet, floral aroma. This mysterious and fragrant flower only blooms at night and for centuries has been coveted for its uplifting, calming, and sensual properties.
Historically, ylang ylang has been widely used to provide a variety of health and beauty benefits in both the East and West. It is said to promote relaxation and balance and was used for traditional medicine in the Philippines and as an ingredient in beauty products in the Molucca Islands and Victorian England. In Indonesia, the flowers are traditionally spread on the bed of newlywed couples.
In order to distill and purify our ylang ylang oil, we use steam distillation. The flower petals are placed into a vat and steam is used to vaporize the volatile compounds that make up the essential oil. This vapor is then condensed and the oil is separated from water and purified.
Complementary Scents
While ylang ylang can easily be used on its own, it also works very well in custom blends and pairs especially well with oils such as bergamot, grapefruit, or lemongrass. It is such a popular scent that it has been included in some of the world’s most famous fragrances and beauty products.
Primary Benefits
Ylang ylang has a rich history of being used for its natural health and beauty attributes. It makes a great addition to your skin care routine and, when diluted with coconut oil, it nourishes and beautifies your skin. A mixture of ylang ylang essential oil and coconut oil can also add shine and a lovely floral scent to your hair.
Because ylang ylang oil has such a relaxing scent, it can also help balance your emotions and enhance your calm. Diffusing it gives your home a more peaceful atmosphere. One way to use ylang ylang essential oil to relax is by diluting it with a carrier oil and using it for a massage. Doing this while taking a hot shower or bath can enhance the aroma and make the experience even more soothing.
This essential oil is frequently used for chakra and energy balancing work. It is said to help balance the sacral chakra, svadhishthana, which influences sexual wellbeing and creativity. Its romantic floral scent is part of the reason it is associated with the sacral chakra. In addition, ylang ylang essential oil is thought to balance your solar plexus chakra, manipura, which is considered the source of your personal power and ability to take decisive action.
How to Use Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
There are many ways that you can use this essential oil. To diffuse it for aromatherapy, follow your suggested amount for your diffuser. Adding more than a few drops of this fragrant oil can lead to an overwhelming floral scent. If you would like, you can add other essential oils along with ylang ylang to create your preferred aroma blend.
When applying this or any other pure essential oil to your skin, make sure to dilute it with a carrier like olive, coconut, or jojoba oil. This will maximize the benefits and reduce any potential irritation. We recommend approximately three drops of essential oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil. You can also use a lower concentration if you have sensitive skin.
Ylang Ylang Oil FAQs
What is ylang ylang oil used for?
Ylang ylang is mostly used in natural perfumes and relaxing diffuser blends. Diluted, it is also a lovely addition to massage oils and hair care.
What does ylang ylang smell like?
Ylang ylang smells rich and sweet, with fruity floral notes similar to jasmine. A little goes a long way.
How do you pronounce ylang ylang?
It is pronounced EE-lang EE-lang.
What blends well with ylang ylang?
Ylang ylang pairs well with bright oils like bergamot, grapefruit, and lemongrass, and with earthy patchouli for a deeper blend.
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