Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses oils from plants to improve a person’s health or mood. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to treat a variety of conditions including anxiety, stress, and insomnia. One essential oil that has been shown to provide several benefits is ylang-ylang oil. Learn more about the benefits of ylang-ylang essential oil and how you can use it to improve your health in this blog post.
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Benefits – The Basics
Originally derived from the blooming flowers of the ylang-ylang tree in Asian rainforests, ylang-ylang oil has been shown to have many benefits. As the petals droop from their stems, they create an aesthetically interesting look that is almost magical.
Nevertheless, the oil distilled from this flower is quite precious. If you are seeking a holistic option to assist with your overall wellness needs, consider the many benefits of ylang-ylang essential oil.
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Smell
According to Pubmed, “Ylang-ylang oil has been described to possess medium to strong initial aroma with fresh, floral, slightly fruity fragrant yet delicate. Furthermore, the flower is also described to produce intensely sweet scent which is similar to jasmine”
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Usage
1. Helps with Depression and Anxiety
Ylang-ylang is quite calming and can provide relief for those suffering from anxiety or depression. This healing essential oil not only smells great but also has amazing benefits for your mental health.
When used in a diffuser or even mixed with a carrier oil and used topically, ylang-ylang essential oil can prove to be a major mood booster when your spirits need some lifting. So when next you are feeling stressed or down, apply a few drops to the back of your neck as this will help calm and uplift your mood.
2. Ylang-Ylang Oil for Blood Pressure
Ylang-ylang oil can help to lower blood pressure when taken orally. You can mix this oil with a flavorful oil or even add a few drops into a beverage daily. There are no known interactions between ylang-ylang oil and medical prescriptions. However, it is still wise to consult with your health care professional prior to regular consumption.
3. Assistance with Insomnia and Sleeping
Since ylang-ylang has a relaxing effect, it can also be a handy tool to use when facing issues surrounding falling asleep. One way to benefit from this oil is to add a few drops into your night tea to receive the sedative effect. The oil can also be placed in a diffuser and inhaled. This will result in a feeling of calm and relaxation.
4. An Essential Oil of Love (Aphrodisiac)
The romantic aroma that ylang-ylang oil releases can help to circulate the energy of love and intimacy. Couples may see a change in their sexual health by mixing a few drops of ylang-ylang in a diffuser and allowing the aromatic benefits to take effect. This oil can also be blended with lotions to be used as a massage oil. This offers a sweet and romantic addition to any date night!
5. A Holistic Fight against Bacteria
When the body has a build-up of bacteria, there is an ever-present system of antimicrobial agents that fight against recovery. Ylang-ylang oil has been known to defend against bacteria and help the healing process. When used topically or ingested, ylang-ylang can exhibit anti-microbial activities against yeast infections, bites, or even certain viruses.
6. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Uses for Skin
Ylang-ylang oil is a highly sought-after scent for its pleasant yet strong aroma. It can be diluted and applied to the skin in order to maintain healthy-looking complexions while reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles. It helps protect the skin from sun damage, soothes irritation, and leaves your skin generally healthy.
To Use: Dilute 2 drops of ylang-ylang EO in 1 Tbsp of your choice carrier oil (such as jojoba or almond oil), then massage into the skin 1-2 times daily.
7. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil for Hair
Ylang-ylang oil is a natural remedy for treating both hair and scalp issues. It may help protect your locks from sun damage by increasing shine, reducing breakage or frizz while keeping them healthy looking! To protect your tresses from becoming fried by the summer heat, apply some diluted ylang-ylang oil onto the scalp and let it do its job of keeping up appearances while providing protection against ultraviolet rays.
Other Health Benefits of Ylang-Ylang Oil
Ylang-ylang oil is also a great addition to any aromatherapy blend. It can be mixed with earthy or floral notes to create a pleasant, calming scent. Ylang-ylang has also been known to assist with other ailments such as:
• Malaria
• Stomach and Digestive Issues
• Asthma
• Gout
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil Spiritual Benefits
The delicate, floral fragrance of ylang-ylang essential oil is one that has been used for centuries to bring balance and harmony into our lives. Its calming effects can be felt not just on an emotional level but also within the energetic field around us – working in tandem with other oils such as lavender or sweet orange will help you achieve this state more quickly than if tried alone. Ylang-ylang EO provides all sorts of mental clarity, leaving behind pure motivation.
Ylang-ylang Essential Oil Side Effects
Ylang ylang essential oil may cause drowsiness, nervousness, or restlessness in some people. It has also been reported to cause dermal sensitization reactions in animals and humans. There is no indication in the literature that food exposure to Ylang-Ylang oil has caused allergic reactions. (Pubmed). If you are pregnant, it may be best to avoid using this oil as well because the smell can be too intense.
If you suffer from any medical conditions, you should ask your doctor before using essential oils or any other complementary type of therapy.
Final Thoughts
Although there are many ylang-ylang essential oil benefits (as shown in this post), there are still some basic precautions to follow while using this oil.
- If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or on a regimen of prescription medication, consult with your health care physician prior to implementing any holistic essential oil into your daily diet/routine.
- Ylang-ylang is universally safe to consume or use in small amounts and has mild-side effects such as headaches or possible upset stomach.
- This sweet-smelling and romantic essential oil can be a great addition to your aromatherapy or even wellness routine.
- According to American Kennel Club, ylang-ylang essential oil may not be safe to use around pets such as dogs and cats.
References:
Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang). Loh Teng Hern Tan , Learn Han Lee , Wai Fong Yin , Chim Kei Chan, Habsah Abdul Kadir , Kok Gan Chan , Bey Hing Goh https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26294929/
Safety assessment of Ylang-Ylang (Cananga spp.) as a food ingredient https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17980945/
[Aromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: a pilot study] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25076278/
Effects of Ylang-Ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836517/