Ylang Ylang
Cananga odorata
About Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang (pronounced ee-lahng ee-lahng) is the scent of tropical abundance, distilled from the star-shaped yellow flowers of a tree native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. The name means flower of flowers in Tagalog, and the blossoms are traditionally scattered on the marriage bed of newlyweds in Indonesia and the Philippines. The oil is produced in grades -- Extra, I, II, III, and Complete -- based on distillation time, with Extra being the lightest and most prized for perfumery, and Complete capturing the full therapeutic spectrum.
In Ayurvedic terms, ylang ylang is deeply Pitta-pacifying with its sweet, cooling, and moistening nature. It calms the heat of anger, frustration, and hypertension while simultaneously opening the heart to pleasure and emotional vulnerability. It is one of the most effective essential oils for lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and research has confirmed its ability to shift the autonomic nervous system toward parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) dominance.
Therapeutic Properties
Hypotensive, sedative, antidepressant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, nervine, antiseptic, euphoric
Emotional Benefits
Ylang ylang opens the heart and reconnects you with sensuality, pleasure, and emotional warmth. It eases rage, frustration, and the tension that comes from excessive control. It softens the armor around the heart, allowing vulnerability and intimacy. It is the premier oil for sexual and creative blocks rooted in emotional shutdown.
Physical Benefits
Clinically shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Eases rapid breathing and heart palpitations associated with anxiety. Supports hormonal balance. Relieves muscle tension. May reduce symptoms of PMS and menopausal discomfort. Supports restful sleep when racing thoughts are the barrier.
Skin Benefits
Balances sebum production, making it useful for both oily and dry skin. Stimulates new cell growth. Supports hair health and adds shine -- traditionally used in Macassar oil hair treatments. Softens and nourishes the skin. Useful in formulas for mature or stressed skin.
How to Use
Diffuse 2-4 drops (it is potent -- start small). Add 2-3 drops to a bath for relaxation and sensuality. Blend into massage oil for romantic or stress-relief massage. Add 1-2 drops to hair care products for shine and fragrance. Apply diluted to pulse points as a natural perfume.
Blends Well With
Bergamot, Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Frankincense, Lavender, Geranium, Grapefruit, Neroli, Patchouli, Clary Sage
Dilution Guide
General use: 1-2% (6-12 drops per ounce). Perfume: 2-5%. Facial oil: 0.5-1%. Use sparingly -- the scent is very strong and can cause headaches or nausea if overdone. Children over 6: 0.5%.
May cause headache or nausea if used in excess -- always start with fewer drops than you think you need. Can cause skin sensitization in some individuals, especially with repeated use at higher concentrations. Use with caution in low blood pressure. Safe in pregnancy at standard dilutions in the second and third trimesters.
Did You Know?
Ylang ylang is a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5, one of the most iconic perfumes ever created. Ernest Beaux, the perfumer who created it for Coco Chanel in 1921, reportedly tested over 80 formulations before arriving at the final composition, with ylang ylang providing the lush, tropical heart note.
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Essential oils work best when matched to your unique constitution. Understanding your Ayurvedic prakriti helps you choose the oils that will bring you the most balance and benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of Ylang Ylang essential oil?
Ylang Ylang essential oil offers emotional, physical, and skin benefits. Emotionally: Ylang ylang opens the heart and reconnects you with sensuality, pleasure, and emotional warmth. It eases rage, frustration, and the tension that comes. Physically: Clinically shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Eases rapid breathing and heart palpitations associated with anxiety. Supports hormonal balan.
Is Ylang Ylang essential oil safe to use on skin?
Ylang Ylang should always be diluted before topical application. General use: 1-2% (6-12 drops per ounce). Perfume: 2-5%. Facial oil: 0.5-1%. Use sparingly -- the scent is very strong and can cause headaches or nausea if overdone. Children over 6: 0.5%. Cautions: May cause headache or nausea if used in excess -- always start with fewer drops than you think you need. Can cause skin sensitization in some individu
What does Ylang Ylang essential oil blend well with?
Bergamot, Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Frankincense, Lavender, Geranium, Grapefruit, Neroli, Patchouli, Clary Sage
Which dosha does Ylang Ylang essential oil balance?
Ylang Ylang has a Strongly pacifies Pitta through its cooling, sweet, and calming nature. Gently calms Vata by soothing the nervous system and promoting emotional stability. May increase Kapha if overused, as it is heavy, sweet, and moistening. Best used in moderation for Kapha types. effect. It is connected to the Water element and the Heart (Anahata) and Sacral (Svadhisthana). Ylang ylang opens the heart to love and the sacral center to pleasure and creative flow. It bridges emotional intimacy with physical sensation, supporting wholeness in relationships and self-expression. Chakra. Its intensely sweet, exotic, floral with rich, creamy, almost narcotic depth and subtle fruity undertones scent profile makes it a middle to base note in aromatherapy blends.
How do I use Ylang Ylang essential oil?
Diffuse 2-4 drops (it is potent -- start small). Add 2-3 drops to a bath for relaxation and sensuality. Blend into massage oil for romantic or stress-relief massage. Add 1-2 drops to hair care products for shine and fragrance. Apply diluted to pulse points as a natural perfume.