Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

The Aromatic Properties and Use of Cananga Oil in Aromatherapy

Nov 20, 2008

Ylang Ylang is an exotic, aromatic oil used extensively in perfumes and a well known aphrodisiac; however, Ylang Ylang has many medicinal uses in aromatherapy too.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is known as the flower of flowers, a name derived from the Malay alang ilang referring to flowers which flutter in the breeze. Ylang Ylang is commonly used for romantic occasions; in Indonesia, the flowers of Ylang Ylang are spread on the newlyweds' bed. In the Philippines, the flowers of Ylang Ylang were traditionally used to make a pomade to massage on the body; this helped to counter insect and snake bites and to avoid diseases throughout the rainy season.

Ylang Ylang has also been used in hair applications and for cosmetic and skin care; the Victorians used Ylang Ylang in Macassar oil for their hair. In the Molucca Islands, Ylang Ylang and Cucuma flowers are used to make an ointment for cosmetic and hair care and to protect against infections, fevers and skin disease. Ylang Ylang was a traditional folk remedy for asthma, headaches, malaria, rheumatism and diarrhea.

Extraction of Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang essential oil is extracted from the flowers of a tropical tree native to Indonesia, the Commores, Madagascar and Reunion. The flowers of Ylang Ylang are pink, yellow, cream or mauve with a strong, exotic and floral fragrance. The aroma earns Ylang Ylang the nickname of Poor Man's Jasmine, as its scent is reminiscent of Jasmine (Jasminum officinale).

The flowers of Ylang Ylang are usually picked in the morning for the best distillation of the essential oil; the scent of Ylang Ylang is strongest in the afternoon and early evening. The essential oil of Ylang Ylang is of varying qualities; usually the first distillate is of the highest quality and the latter distillate, being the poorer quality of essential oil, is often sold as Cananga rather than Ylang Ylang.

The Properties of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang is used in aromatherapy as an anti-septic, to calm, to balance and as a sedative; it is also used as a tonic to the reproductive system and can help with sexual difficulties. Ylang Ylang is used to help hyper-activity in children, insomnia, stress and with oily and dry skin care problems; it can help to promote hair growth.

As a calming essential oil, Ylang Ylang can help relieve depression, anxiety and shock; anger, insecurity and stubbornness can also be alleviated with the use of Ylang Ylang. It is an aphrodisiac, like Rose (rosa damscena) essential oil and Sandalwood (santalum album) essential oil. Ylang Ylang is frequently used in cosmetics, perfumes and in food and drink flavorings. Excessive use of Ylang Ylang may cause headaches and nausea.

References:

Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils London, UK:Element

The copyright of the article Ylang Ylang Essential Oil in Aromatherapy is owned by Sharon Falsetto. Permission to republish Ylang Ylang Essential Oil in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.