Ylang Ylang
Cananga Odorata
Ylang Ylang Oil is a herby and floral essential oil which works as an antibacterial, as well as targeting high blood pressure and increasing libido. It can be used to promote hair growth and reduce dryness on your scalp.
History of Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang Ylang Oil is extracted from the Cananga Odorata tree, which is also commonly referred to as “The Perfume Tree” because of its potent fragrance. Legend contends that a beautiful girl was born to two parents desperate for a child on the condition that she never be touched by a lover, but was turned into the first of these trees after accidentally touching hands with a man. The Cananga Odorata tree grows in tropical climates in Asia, Madagascar and Oceania, but has also been grown across the globe in artificial environments. Although native to parts of Asia, Ylang Ylang was first reported in English in the late 1600's.
Ylang Ylang Oil was first extracted in Manila in 1860, and became popular in the west when it featured in a hair tonic known as Macassar Oil, which men applied to keep their hair flat and shiny. It later became popular in European perfumery, where it has been a main ingredient in Chanel No.5 since its conception in 1921. Some time in the same century, it also became popular in medicine when its healing properties were discovered by French chemists named Garnier and Rechler. Their research led to the development of Ylang Ylang Oil’s inclusion in the treatment of Malaria, Typhus and digestive infections.
In South East-Asia, Ylang Ylang flowers have been associated with romance and sensuality throughout history. They were frequently scattered across the beds of newlyweds and used to decorate people and places on happy occasions. This association was concreted in the West in 1971, when Ylang Ylang Oil was found to increase sensitivity, so became popular as an aphrodisiac and treatment for sexual dysfunctions. Since then, it has been continually linked to sensuality, relief and euphoria, and is also becoming increasingly popular in other areas.
So, what are the most popular uses for Ylang Ylang Oil nowadays?
It is still very much associated with sensuality. It is a common ingredient in many perfumes and massage oils and is used to heighten libido and sexual experience. Ylang Ylang Oil is also particularly popular in aromatherapy, where it is used to relax, relieve stress and promote sensuality. It can sometimes be found in pain relief, skincare and haircare products too, due to its soothing properties and enticing scent.
In alternative medicine, Ylang Ylang Oil is still loved for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antidepressant qualities. Whilst mainstream medicine has largely moved away from essential oils on their own, Ylang Ylang Oil is still included in some treatments for head lice, high blood pressure, anxiety and sleep disorders.
Extracting Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang Ylang Oil is extracted using a variation of steam distillation, called hydrodistillation. This process involves boiling the flowers of the tree, to extract the volatile oil (oil and water combined) from the steam that rises off it. The volatile oil is then passed through a cooling chamber, causing the oil to rise to the top. The oil can then be carefully skimmed off the top and there you have the essential oil! The water left behind is the perfumed water that is sometimes sold separately. All variants of steam distillation are great because they do not add chemicals to the plant or the environment and it allows the manufacturer to maintain the specific conditions that they need to produce the highest quality oil.
The earliest that a Ylang Ylang tree can be harvested for essential oil is at three years old, and the best time to harvest the flowers in between December and March. The harvest process involves workers checking for flowers with bases that have turned slightly red and picking these by hand. Once the flowers are harvested, the extraction process must be completed within 24 hours, before they begin to lose their scent. These time constraints make the extraction process more difficult, especially as the distillation itself can take up to ten hours, depending on the variety being produced. Unlike other essential oils, the time spent distilling creates different varieties.
Can I make Ylang Ylang Oil at home?
You can, if you have your own steam distillation kit! These can be bought online in smaller sizes than the ones used commercially, and the process can also be replicated using saucepans. Despite this, we recommend buying Ylang Ylang Oil online, as it is not particularly expensive and requires no special equipment! If you do decide to make your own, decide which variety you want. With two hours of distillation, you will create the most potent version - Ylang Ylang Extra, whereas for ten hours, you will create the most essential version - Ylang Ylang Complete.
Have you ever come across Ylang Ylang Oil? Have you ever tried to make your own? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves hearing how you are getting on with your oils, so feel free to reach out to us today!
Can I make Ylang Ylang Oil at home?
You can, if you have your own steam distillation kit! These can be bought online in smaller sizes than the ones used commercially, and the process can also be replicated using saucepans. Despite this, we recommend buying Ylang Ylang Oil online, as it is not particularly expensive and requires no special equipment!
Have you ever come across Ylang Ylang Oil? Have you ever tried to make your own? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves hearing how you are getting on with your oils, so feel free to reach out to us today!
Ylang Ylang Oil Varieties
Ylang Ylang Oil Varieties
Like most essential oils, Ylang Ylang is extracted using a process called steam distillation. Unlike most essential oils, however, different variations can be produced that are determined by the length of time until they are extracted. The varieties are Ylang Ylang Extra, I, II, III and Complete. After two hours of distillation, Ylang Ylang Extra is produced, which is the variety with the sweetest and most pungent scent. This is the variety that is most popular in perfumery, but it also loses its scent quickest! Ylang Ylang II is the next most potent, with a similar but milder scent. Ylang Ylang II is the mildest version, and is most popular in skincare products and candles. After ten to fifteen hours of distillation, Ylang Ylang Complete is produced, which is a combination of the scents of all the other varieties.
So, which variety of Ylang Ylang Oil should I buy?
That depends on what you are looking to get from it! If you are going to use your oil for aromatherapy, we recommend buying Ylang Ylang Complete, as it has the most similar composition to the original plant - making it the most “essential”. If you are looking to create your own perfume, we definitely recommend choosing Ylang Ylang Extra. If you are looking to add Ylang Ylang Oil to, or create your own, products for skin and hair treatment, we recommend using Ylang Ylang II or III.
When looking online for Ylang Ylang Oil, make sure you research the retailer and buy only 100% Ylang Ylang essential oil. There is a cheaper essential oil with a similar scent, called Cananga Oil, which is sometimes falsely sold as Ylang Ylang Oil. Both oils come from the same type of tree, but Cananga Oil comes from the macrophylla variety, whereas Ylang Ylang Oil comes from the original variety. To ensure you know what you are buying, research the manufacturer, read the reviews and ask for analysis results if you are not sure!
Have you ever tried Ylang Ylang Oil? Which was your favourite variety? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves hearing how you are getting on with your oils, so feel free to reach out to one of us today!
So, which variety of Ylang Ylang Oil should I buy?
That depends on what you are looking to get from it! If you are going to use your oil for aromatherapy, we recommend buying Ylang Ylang Complete, as it has the most similar composition to the original plant - making it the most “essential”. If you are looking to create your own perfume, we definitely recommend choosing Ylang Ylang Extra. If you are looking to add Ylang Ylang Oil to, or create your own, products for skin and hair treatment, we recommend using Ylang Ylang II or III.
When looking online for Ylang Ylang Oil, make sure you research the retailer and buy only 100% Ylang Ylang essential oil. There is a cheaper essential oil with a similar scent, called Cananga Oil, which is sometimes falsely sold as Ylang Ylang Oil. Both oils come from the same type of tree, but Cananga Oil comes from the macrophylla variety, whereas Ylang Ylang Oil comes from the original variety. To ensure you know what you are buying, research the manufacturer, read the reviews and ask for analysis results if you are not sure!
Have you ever tried Ylang Ylang Oil? Which was your favourite variety? As always, the Essentially Yours team loves hearing how you are getting on with your oils, so feel free to reach out to one of us today!
Benefits of Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang Ylang Oil is most popularly known as a natural aphrodisiac, having been used to decorate the beds of newlyweds in Asia for hundreds of years. This is still true today, as it is often an ingredient in massage oil blends and alternative treatments for sexual dysfunction. It is also extremely popular in aromatherapy, where it is known to promote relaxation, boost confidence and ease anxiety. Perhaps its most defining feature, though, is Ylang Ylang Oil’s scent, which has been a common ingredient in Chanel No.5 since its creation in 1921. Since then, it has become increasingly popular in health and beauty products across the world.
So, what are some of the benefits of Ylang Ylang Oil?
Anti-anxiety
Ylang Ylang Oil is soothing and uplifting, which makes it great for treating anxiety, stress or depression. In aromatherapy, it is diffused to aid relaxation, boost mood or just create a happy atmosphere. Its effects are sometimes likened to euphoria, which may be why it is so effective at treating depression.
Aphrodisiac
One of the most well-known benefits, Ylang Ylang Oil is a sensitiser, meaning it increases the sensation when applied topically. For this reason, it is used to increase sexual desire and treat sexual dysfunction and relationship issues. Ylang Ylang has a soothing scent, which helps to relax and boost confidence, which are both also related to its use as an aphrodisiac.
Medicinal
Ylang Ylang Oil has been found to contain antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. These are great for killing infections, and make it a common ingredient in treatments for issues such as head lice and gout. Its relaxing characteristic also makes it great for relieving pain and aiding recovery.
Sedative
One use of Ylang Ylang Oil that is supported by research is for reducing blood pressure and heart rate. It can be applied topically, but its aroma alone has been found to produce sedative effects by reducing the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body.
Soothing
In alternative medicine, Ylang Ylang Oil is used to treat complaints such as headache and digestive problems. It can also be used topically, to soothe sore muscles and ease menstrual pains. Ylang Ylang Oil’s soothing properties can also help relieve symptoms of asthma, by calming the respiratory system.
Please note that the benefits of essential oils vary from person to person, and what may work for one person may not work for you - particularly if the research to support the claim is anecdotal. If you are on medication for skin conditions or healthcare reasons, always consult with a doctor/dermatologist/healthcare professional before applying essential oils in any capacity.
Uses of Ylang Ylang Oil
Here at Essentially Yours, we love sharing tips and tricks with our community, so that everyone can use their essential oils to their full potential. Whether you are new to essential oils or a seasoned user, our website has information for you! In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the uses of Ylang Ylang Oil. Remember that these are some of our favourites, but there are loads of ways you can use this enchanting oil!
Aromatherapy
To relax and sensitise, add a few drops of Ylang Ylang Oil to your electric diffuser, and wait for the romantic aroma to seduce the room. If you do not have a diffuser, add a few drops to a wax burner, steam bowl or even just your bath!
Cold and flu medicine
In traditional medicine, Ylang Ylang Oil was used to reduce fevers and lessen flu symptoms. To soothe sinuses and relieve congestion, add a few drops to a bowl of boiled water and inhale the steam. To ease a headache, add a few drops to a roller bottle filled with Macadamia Oil and roll directly onto your temples.
Hair mask
One of the earliest Western uses of Ylang Ylang was in a hair tonic for men. Ylang Ylang Oil stimulates oil production in the body, making it great for dry hair or skin. Add a few drops to some Coconut Oil for a beautiful moisturising hair mask. Coconut Oil is a great carrier oil as it is so moisturising, but remember that it is solid at room temperature, so heat it gently while you wait for the oils to infuse!
Insect repellent
A lesser known use for Ylang Ylang Oil is to deter bugs! You can fill your home with the smell from an electric diffuser or dip the end of an incense stick into the oil. You could also create your own soap to create a personal insect repellent that smells amazing!
Insomnia
If you have trouble sleeping, put a few drops of Ylang Ylang Oil onto your pillow! It is a natural sedative, so will help you to drift off, and its anti-anxiety will help you have sweet dreams.
Massage Oil
Ylang Ylang Oil is already a popular ingredient in many sensual massage oils, so why not make your own? Jojoba Oil is a fabulous carrier for this because it has barely any scent and is extremely slippery! Add a few drops of Ylang Ylang Oil to a carrier oil or your favourite massage oil to enhance sensitivity and relieve sore muscles.
Perfume
True to its most well-known commercial use in Chanel No.5, you could copycat Coco and create your own! A few drops of Ylang Ylang Oil in a roller or spray bottle along with some Almond Oil for a carrier and voila! You have yourself a natural, low cost perfume.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours, we love sharing our tips and tricks to help our community get the most out of your essential oils. Whether you are looking to learn some new ways to use it, or are wondering when it was discovered, our website has all the information you’ll need. In this blog, we are going to talk about Ylang Ylang Oil and what it blends best with. So, if you want to learn some great blends - keep reading!
Ylang Ylang Oil has a sweet, floral aroma that is particularly potent. It is popular in aromatherapy as a relaxant and de-stresser, and also has natural aphrodisiac properties. It blends well with a huge range of essential oils, but particularly with floral and citrus tones.
Black Pepper Oil
Spicy and sweet is a combination we love, because it entices all the senses! This combination works particularly well in aromatherapy, massage oil and DIY soap! Not only does this blend smell unbelievable, it is also packed full of nutrition for the skin and hair.
BUY NOW
Ginger Oil
Ginger Oil has a spicy fragrance that benefits pretty much any essential oil, but we especially love it paired with Ylang Ylang! Its spice cuts through the sweet aroma of Ylang Ylang to provide a sense of yin and yang that soothes, heals and relaxes all at once.
BUY NOW
Grapefruit Oil
The tart citrus of Grapefruit Oil is cool and zesty, and if you would like to make your own perfume, it is the perfect top note for Ylang Ylang’s base note. Complete the blend with Jasmine Oil’s heart note for a refreshingly seductive natural perfume!
BUY NOW
Jasmine Oil
Both having a similar fragrance, this pairing just makes sense. Jasmine Oil not only shares a floral scent with Ylang Ylang, but is also a well-known aphrodisiac! If you are looking for a blend to bring sensuality to even the coldest of rooms, this is it! If you are looking to make your own massage oil, a few drops of each mixed with Jojoba Oil makes the perfect romantic blend.
BUY NOW
Lavender Oil
One of the most well-known oils for aiding sleep is Lavender, and its fragrance complements Ylang Ylang Oil perfectly. But these two don’t only work fantastically in aromatherapy! In soap, pillow sprays or massage oils, Ylang Ylang and Lavender are a dream come true!
BUY NOW
Sandalwood Oil
A woody staple in all aromatherapists toolbox, Sandalwood Oil and Ylang Ylang pretty much go hand in hand! If you want to make your own perfume, Sandalwood is a great base note to use with Ylang Ylang’s top note fragrance!
BUY NOW
Vetiver Oil
Being another popular oil in perfumery, we weren’t about to miss this one out! Vetiver Oil has a musky aroma that compliments Ylang Ylang Oil’s sweet, floral fragrance. Both oils are common in men and women’s perfume, and share anti-anxiety and sedative properties.
BUY NOW
