Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang ylang is a tropical essential oil that’s used in perfumes and skincare products. The oil is extracted from flowers of the ylang-ylang tree (Cananga odorata) through steam distillation. It has an exotic, floral and slightly fruity scent.

Known for its antidepressant, sedative and antiseptic properties, ylang-ylang oil balances hormone levels and lowers stress responses in the body. It is also used as a natural remedy for insomnia and to relieve symptoms of menopause. Ylang-ylang oil also helps treat infections, including wounds, and can help you avoid sepsis and tetanus by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. It’s also effective in treating acne and other skin disorders, reducing wrinkles and boosting hair growth.

A few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil can be added to your bath to ease anxiety and depression, or you can inhale it directly from the bottle for a mood boost and relaxation. It’s a great addition to massage oils and can be used as a room freshener or spritzed on the face to improve blood circulation and promote healthy, glowing skin.

The calming effects of this oil can help fight depression and irritability and encourage feelings of inner peace and self-love. It also has aphrodisiac properties and can be used to stimulate sexual desire in both men and women. In fact, the flowers of this tree are often displayed near the bedside of newlyweds in Indonesia because they believe it has aphrodisiac powers.

Due to its balancing effect on hormones, ylang-ylang essential oil is beneficial for those who suffer from PMS and menstrual discomfort. It’s also known to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain of sunburn. Its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties can help treat fungal and bacterial infections. It’s also a powerful insecticide, making it useful in killing parasites and insects like lice, ticks and fleas.

It’s important to use caution when applying ylang-ylang oil to the skin. Using full-strength ylang-ylang can cause skin irritation and sensitization, so always dilute it with a carrier oil before use. It’s also best to do a skin patch test before using it regularly on your skin or scalp. Ylang-ylang essential oil contains the chemical isoeugenol, which can trigger contact dermatitis in some people. It’s also toxic to dogs and should never be used around pets.

Ylang-ylang essential oil is safe for infants, pregnant and breastfeeding women when diluted. It’s also generally safe for most people when used topically, but always do a patch test to be sure. It’s not recommended for children under 6 because it can have a sedative effect.

Ylang-ylang essential oil is a very versatile ingredient for making perfumes, cosmetic products and beauty treatments. It can be mixed with bergamot, grapefruit, lavender and sandalwood essential oils to create beautiful blends. It’s a popular ingredient in hair formulas to promote healthy, lustrous locks and can be used as a room freshener for its soothing fragrance. It’s even used in hair and mouthwashes to help prevent gum disease.