Ylang Ylang essential oil has a wide range of uses and benefits in aromatherapy. A lot of people enjoy this sweet, floral essential oil as a herbal oil home remedy for different ailments.
The essential oil has antiseptic properties, preventing the growth of microorganisms. This helps with different types of skin problems such as eczema or head lice ¹. Further, it can be a used as an anti-depressant; plus it’s a reliever for stress and anxiety ². Last but not least, ylang ylang oil is popular in beauty products and as a simple fragrance oil.
Let’s learn about ylang ylang essential oil, what it is, what it does, and how to use it!
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Contents
What Is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?
Ylang ylang is pronounced “Ee-lang Ee-lang”. Its latin name is Cananga odorata genuina and it is a flower from a tropical tree. It usually grows in tropical countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and in the Philippines.
The name Ylang Ylang actually means “flower of flowers”. This unique name established itself because of Ylang Ylang’s strong, yet delicate, floral scent.
Ylang Ylang’s essential oils are the steam extracted fragrances of the scented flowers. Making essential oils is one of the most common uses for the Ylang Ylang plant.
10 Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
The following are the major benefits and uses of ylang ylang essential oil:
1. Can boost your mood
Ylang ylang oil is one of the many natural remedies that can help decrease stress and anxiety. Its floral scent immerses every person who smells it in a delicate aroma of positivity. It has calming effects on the brain and helps to fight negative emotions and depression ³.
2. Antiseptic
Ylang Ylang has powerful components that can be an antiseptic for wounds. It can help get rid of those microbial growth organisms that aren’t good for your body. If you have a small wound to treat, use Ylang Ylang essential oil as your natural first aid treatment.
3. Can lower blood pressure
Ylang Ylang is a natural remedy for treating hypertension ². If you are experiencing high blood pressure, Ylang Ylang essential oil may help. Please ask your doctor or family physician to check your blood pressure and help you with a treatment plan.
4. For the nervous system
Ylang ylang essential oil can boost and strengthen the nervous system from within. Its natural components can help reduce stress and protect from neurological disorders. With the help of ylang ylang oil, we can still live the life that we always wanted. Today’s common health concerns are complex. That’s why many are searching for a remedy that will help improve our lifestyle as a whole. Start with one of these 5 calming essential oil recipes.
5. Can fight eczema

Eczema skin rash causes uncomfortable symptoms.
Eczema is a skin condition caused by a reaction to irritation of the skin. Affected skin becomes rough and inflamed, which causes itching and bleeding. This kind of skin disease can occur on your feet, scalp, cheek or eyebrow.
Ylang ylang essential oil can help reduce the inflammation and redness of the skin. With the help of this natural remedy, you can feel great about your skin once again.
6. As a natural fragrance
Ylang Ylang scent gives a legendary perfume to everyone that wears it. This delicate floral scented plant can be transformed into a luxurious fragrance. When using essential oils as perfume, don’t get confused between natural fragrance oils and aromatherapy oils.
7. Supports hair health
Popular hair care products contain chemicals and fillers that can lead to dry hair and scalp issues.
Ylang ylang essential oil can prevent dryness of the scalp and help to prevent hair loss 4. Its balancing properties support a regulated oil production in your scalp. The natural components of the oil can help strengthen the hair, giving your mane that well-moisturized look. By using this essential oil, you can have a great hair day, every day.
You could use it in a DIY hair mask to start.
8. Improve your sex life
A loss of libido can definitely be a problem. Due to workload, stress or depression, it reduces the body’s sex drive. Ylang ylang oil one of the leading aphrodisiac essential oils. It is a natural remedy that can help you regain your sex drive.
9. Balance hormonal stress

Women may especially benefit from ylang ylang oil to help relieve stress.
There are a lot of ways and home remedies to help reduce stress. Ylang Ylang essential oil specializes in reducing hormonal stress within the body. It can recharge your body from within, helping you to get energized and fight off signs of fatigue.
The natural components of this essential oil are a powerful natural pick-me-up. If you yearn for a healthy, stress-free life, try Ylang Ylang oil. Another oil great for hormonal balance is Clary Sage.
10. Skin care
Add Ylang Ylang essential oil to your skin care, especially in the face. A lot of skin imperfections (such as acne), originate in hormonal imbalances. The balancing properties of ylang ylang oil can help regulate the oil production in your skin. Ylang Ylang is suitable for all skin types, but especially great for acne-prone skin. Start by adding a drop or two to your regular face cream for that extra boost.
How to Use Ylang Ylang
The following are the right ways of using Ylang ylang essential oil:
- Blend your Ylang Ylang essential oil into a roller bottle for topical applications.
- Mix it together with Epsom salts for a luxurious bath.
- Combine with coconut carrier oil and massage it thoroughly on into your shoulders, back and throughout your body.
- Add a few drops of oil to your existing facial skin care lotion as it can cleanse out the dirt on the skin.
- Mix a few drops of oil with a hair conditioner as it will give full moisture to the scalp.
- Use your essential oil diffuser to disperse the aroma of Ylang Ylang throughout your home.
Safety Information
Do not use ylang ylang undiluted on skin. Always blend it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil before applying it to the skin. Do not use on skin abrasions or open wounds.
If you notice side effects such as rashes or skin sensitivity, stop its use immediately. Avoid contact with eyes.
If pregnant, nursing or under a doctor’s care with other medications, consult your physician.
Do not use internally, unless directed by a licensed Aromatherapist or physician.
- See also: The beginner’s guide to Essential Oils Dilution Rates
- Which essential oils are safe to ingest?
Blending with Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang is an aromatherapy middle note. Along with many other floral scents such as Geranium or Palmarosa, it provides a powerful feminine smell. Add it to your oil blend to enjoy its many benefits.
It blends particularly well with:
- Bergamot
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Mandarin
- Marjoram
- Palmarosa
- Patchouli
- Orange
- Vetiver
- Yuzu
Where to Buy Ylang Ylang Oil
Many reputable essential oil companies offer Ylang Ylang essential oil as part of their product line-up. It is not a difficult oil to source, so there are no special considerations as to which origin country the oil should be from.
If you’re shopping for Ylang Ylang, you’ll see the labels Ylang Ylang Complete, vs “regular” ylang ylang oil. They have different prices.
The Difference Between Ylang Ylang Complete Vs. Regular Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang oil is distilled in “fractions”. This means that the essential oils are taken off at different distillation stages based on time. The difference in the grades “Extra”, “1”, “2”, “3”, and “Complete” are based on the amount of time spent in the distillation process.
The different grades do not indicate the quality of the oil. Rather, the difference shows in the oil’s aroma and constituents. The first fraction extracted is “extra”, and it requires about two hours of distillation. The aroma is sweeter, more fruity, and contains more esters. The full distillation takes about 15 hours and creates Ylang Ylang Complete. This essential oil will have a rich, herbaceous aroma and more sesquiterpenes 4.
In Summary
The best thing about using essential oils is that they’re completely natural. Part of aromatherapy science is to find an oil that’s right for you, and for your condition. If you decide to try Ylang Ylang essential oil, let us know how it’s benefiting your life? Please comment below!
References
¹ Ylang Ylang Oil on www.webmd.com
² Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Health Benefits on www,verywellhealth.com
³ 6 Mood-Boosting Essential Oils for Depression and Anxiety on aromafoundry.com
4 Ylang Ylang Complete Distillation Process, from Rocky Mountain Oils’ website, under “Facts”.
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