Ylang ylang, or cananga odorata, (a plant native to the Philippines and Indonesia), Ylang ylang essential oil is a type of essential oil commonly used in aromatherapy. characterized by its drooping branches and bright green leaves. Along the green stems of this plant grow stalks from which multiple yellow-green flowers bloom. These flowers dangle from the stalks and are highly fragrant. The pungent flowers also produce green fruits that grow in clusters and turn black when ripe. ylang ylang essential oil is said to offer a variety of health benefits. 

Grading of Ylang Ylang:

There are three distinctive grades of ylang ylang oil; extra, first, second and third. Extra grade refers to oil that is acquired within an hour of distillation, and is measured the most fragrant; this grade is used most commonly in the perfume production. First is taken up to four hours after distillation starts, second after roughly seven hours, and third can be taken up to ten hours after distillation starts. Usually, first through third grades are used in soap and cosmetic manufacturing.

Fill your home with the rich and sweet scents of the tropical Ylang Ylang flower. The smell of ylang ylang oil in aromatherapy is used for memory and thinking skills. In manufacturing, it is used as a fragrance for cosmetics and soaps.
This yellow, star-shaped flower is a treasure of the aroma industry and its essential oil can be used to generate a relaxing atmosphere. To achieve this, one could diffuse the ylang-ylang essential oil with the help of a burner or essential oil diffuser. Adding just 2-3 drops of the oil would induce relaxation and stabilize tranquillity.

Ylang Ylang oil blends with a diverse range of oils to benefit both mind and body. For an ideal essential oil blend, combine Ylang Ylang oil with Geranium, lemon, sandalwood, Bergamot, Marjoram, Grapefruit, or Vetiver oils for diffusion. 

Used in cosmetic products:

Ylang-ylang essential oil can control as well as balance the oil production in the skin and can work as an effective cleanser. Any kind of inflammation or irritation could also be alleviated by its topical application. With its ability to boost circulation and retain hydration it is quite commonly used in cosmetic products. It has antioxidant properties which makes it an effective ingredient that works against aging as well. Also, the aroma of this oil is known to please the senses by emitting a gratifying fragrance.  

Ylang ylang has been found in research to:

• boost mood.
• Reduce depression  
• Alleviate anxiety 
• decrease heart rate.
• Lower blood pressure 
• stimulate oil production in the skin and on the scalp.
• repel flying insects and kill bug larvae.

Mood enhancer:

Ylang Ylang is renowned for its mood enhancing, sedative, antidepressant, beautifying and aphrodisiac properties. It is beneficial for the immune system, cardiovascular system and endocrine system, relaxing the body while liberating the mind of negative emotions. incorporating Ylang Ylang into your massage will provide the ultimate relaxing experience. Inhaling some can have immediate, positive effects on your mood and act like a mild, natural anxiety or depression remedy. It’s said to “expand the heart,” and research shows it may help release negative emotions, including anger, low self-esteem and jealousy. 

You can also add a few drops to your bath or mix with a carrier oil and apply to your wrists and neck to increase energy, fight fatigue and promote a positive mood.Ylang Ylang is known and valued for its ability to soothe and calm the mood while also providing an uplifting effect. Ylang Ylang essential oil can help promote feelings of joy and ease while releasing negative emotions, promoting a calm and peaceful atmosphere. 

Reduce stress:

Soak your stresses away with an amazing bath that will revitalise your senses and encourage relaxation. For an ultimate bath experience, put Ylang Ylang essential oil into an Epsom salt bath. Due to the relaxing and soothing properties of Ylang Ylang oil, this bath will be just what you need to help you unwind after a long day. Ylang Ylang essential oil is a mild sedative and is great to calm the nervous system, encourage relaxation and fight anxiety. It lowers the body’s stress response by decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. It’s also beneficial for fighting insomnia and chronic fatigue syndrome due to the mild sedative effects. 

If you are feeling overcome, exhausted or stressed, try diffusing a couple of drops of ylang ylang essential oil in your home or bedroom to help relax and unwind. likewise mix a couple drops with a carrier oil and massage into your neck and wrists to help soothe any nervous tensions. 

Nourishing hair:

Escape the harmful chemicals found in deep hair conditioners and deep hair conditioning treatments. Ylang Ylang essential oil is known to improve the appearance of hair, improving thickness and lustre. Massage a few drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil with coconut oil into the scalp and rinse that will leave your hair looking healthy and beautiful. 

Alternatively, to create a hair or skin-based perfume that permits the fragrance to linger around for a longer period follow the next steps. Take 40 ml of distilled water in a spray bottle. Afterwards add about up to 7-10 drops of the ylang-ylang essential oil along with 2 teaspoons of Aloe Vera gel and blend it well. Shake the mixture in the spray bottle carefully and allow the ingredients to mix well. Thereafter, spray it on the hair or skin, wherever you wish to, similar to any regular perfume.

Clears head lice:

A mixture of the Ylang-ylang essential oil along with anise and coconut oil have credentials of removing head lice among youngsters and are stated to have 92% success. Also, because of its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, it could aid in eradicating any scalp associated infections. Due to the existence of insecticide properties, Ylang-Ylang oil is incorporated in many recipes claiming to battle head lice. 

Skin health preserver:

There are many uses for essential oil, but one of the most popular uses is applying it to the skin. Why is Ylang Ylang essemtial oil good for the skin? Scientists have discovered that high quality Ylang Ylang oil holds a high percentage of active constituents called terpenoids. Isolated terpenoid derivatives (including canangaterpenes IV-VI) show promising results as natural therapeutic agents for the treatment of several skin disorders. Whilst tested on cancerous melanoma skin cells, terpenoid compounds exhibit a powerful inhibitory effect on cell melanogenesis and immune-system cytotoxicity. In other words, antioxidants in this oil help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage that can lead to cancer cell formation. 

Nourishes dry skin:

Applying Ylang Ylang essential oil to the skin will preserve a youthful glow and help signs of aging or irritation. The Ylang-ylang essential oil is identified to increase the regeneration of skin cells, relaxing tight muscles, and at the same time attenuating the wrinkles. Because of which it is highly acclaimed for possessing anti-aging properties. 

When used topically or cosmetically this oil credit for being able to balance and maintain the oil production and of providing firmness to the skin by toning it. Whether the skin is oily or dry it rectifies the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands and keeps it in check by feeding the right amount of moisture to the skin. 

Due to its antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-seborrheic properties, Ylang Ylang essential oil is successful in improving the appearance of the skin, clearing pimples and help treat various skin conditions. Mix with coconut oil or jojoba oil and apply to face and neck daily.

Provide your skin a little TLC with a Ylang Ylang essential oil aromatherapy steam facial. Steam facials are great for your skin. The heat from the steam helps open pores and, in the process, release bacteria and dirt from your skin. Including Ylang Ylang in your steam facial will help support healthy looking skin and will also add a sweet scent to your DIY facial care. 

Combats fungal infection:

The linalool, germacrene-D as well as geranyl acetate are recognised to have antifungal properties that work against any attack of fungal infection on the skin. Specific studies suggest the use of this oil could eliminate conditions caused by Candida Albicans, which is a kind of yeast. They usually cause rashes and severe itching at the affected site. 

Diminishes Acne:

Findings have shown its dermatological use could balance the sebum production of the skin and in turn control acne-breakouts. It even contains anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce the redness as well as swelling caused by acne. It may soothe out the affected skin and diminish the acne formation significantly. It is strongly discouraged to apply any essential oil directly on the skin, hence the use of a carrier oil also possessing properties that work against acne would be recommendable. 

Insect repellent:

Ylang-ylang essential oil is stated to be one of the ingredients used in the creation of insect repellent that might drive away insects, arachnids, and other arthropods. Moreover, it has been reported that corn-starch along with the combination of Ylang-ylang essential oil and citronella oil has results of working as an efficacious insect-repellent which is supposedly safe for humans as well as animals.

Aphrodisiac:

Applauded for its sweet and beautiful scent, the essential oil extracted from the gorgeous yellow flowers of the Ylang Ylang tree can help improve libido and enhance romance. Ylang Ylang is known as one of the most powerful essential oil aphrodisiacs because it influences sexual energy and enhances relationships. This oil can also help with impotence and a low libido because, like rose oil, it supports the circulatory system. Ylang Ylang essential oil can be beneficial for those who experience stress due to workload, depression or life circumstances. To reap the benefits of Ylang Ylang essential oil, try adding a few drops to your diffuser, in the bath, or mix with a carrier oil and apply to your neck and wrists. You can even place a few drops on your bed sheets before jumping into bed.

Lowers blood pressure:

Ylang Ylang essential oil may help decrease levels of cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” and thus Lowers blood pressure and improve circulation. Ylang Ylang essential oil is effective in supporting the cardiovascular system. The sedative qualities of Ylang Ylang can help regulate heart rate and calm the nervous system. To use, simply mix 1 drop of essential oil with a carrier oil and massage over the heart for relief. 

Cautions

Before using this oil topically on a large area of skin, remember to perform a patch test for a few hours to eliminate any possibilities of a skin allergy or unsuitability of this oil for your skin.

• Possible skin sensitivity.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician.
• Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.