Ylang ylang essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers of Cananga odorata. Ylang ylang is known for its sweet, flowery, romantic fragrance. Interestingly enough, however, the original flower had no fragrance. The fragrance ylang ylang is known for today came about through selection and cloning.

Historically, ylang ylang was used to cover the beds of newlywed couples on their wedding night; for skin treatments; to soothe insect bites; to promote thick, shiny hair; to treat colic, indigestion, constipation, and stomachaches; and to regulate heartbeat and respiration.

The French have used ylang ylang to help with anxiety, arterial hypertension, depression, diabetes, mental fatigue, frigidity, hair loss, hyperpnea, insomnia, palpitations, and tachycardia.

Common modern-day uses for ylang ylang include supporting the body when dealing with arrhythmia, colic, diabetes, exhaustion, fear, hair loss, high blood pressure, hormone imbalance, low libido, stress, tension, and tachycardia. Ylang ylang has also been used as an aphrodisiac and to promote relaxation.

Aromatically, ylang ylang is said to influence sexual energy, enhance relationships, stimulate the adrenal glands, calm, relax, and help alleviate anger

Would you like to learn more about ylang ylang essential oil? Refer to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils to learn more about this and many other essential oil uses.

 

Source: Reference Guide for Essential Oils, 2014 Edition, p. 136.