Benefits
Antidepressant/Sedative
Ylang Ylang is rich in volatile organic compounds which are responsible for its many benefits. It has been clinically proven to reduce the stress hormone “cortisol” and to exert a sedative effect. A 2013 study found that it also inhibited the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and activated the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), resulting in feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.
Another 2006 study found that transdermal absorption (through the skin), of Ylang Ylang essential oil caused relief from stress and depression in humans.1
Lastly, in a pilot study of 34 professional nurses using, it was found that Ylang Ylang can significantly boost self-esteem.3
To take advantage of its harmonising, relaxing and sedative effects, add Ylang Ylang essential oil to your favourite massage oil, pop a few drops in the bath or diffuse in your bedroom at night.
Aphrodisiac
The aphrodisiac effects of Ylang Ylang are legendary. its petals are spread on the beds of newlyweds in Indonesia to support a deeper emotional connection as well as helping to increase the libido of the happy couple.
The chemical compounds in Ylang Ylang oil play a role in its ability to interact with hormone secretion. Phytochemicals such as; linalool, methyl ether, caryophyllene, geranyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, methyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, p-cresyl, and other sesquiterpenes give the oil its aphrodisiac properties.
A secret weapon of major perfume brands, Ylang Ylang is used as an active ingredient in many perfumes. As well as smelling nice, the goal of the perfume is to attract potential partners!
Blood Pressure
Stress and anxiety are one of the main reasons for high blood pressure. They stimulate the release of certain hormones in the body called catecholamines which can lead to the constriction of blood vessels and an increase in heart rate which raises blood pressure and can lead to hypertension.
A Korean study published in 2013 found that inhaling Ylang Ylang essential oil had a significant impact on both systolic blood pressure and heart rate among the 29 male subjects.2
Because Ylang Ylang alleviates stress, anxiety and other mental ailments it can help to keep blood pressure under control. High blood pressure can be the cause of strokes, myocardial infarction and heart attacks.
Insect Repellent
Some studies have shown that Ylang Ylang has larvicidal or insecticidal activity. The essential oil can kill the aedes aegypti and culex mosquito larvae. These mosquitoes are responsible for spreading various diseases such as malaria and dengue which can be fatal.
A clinical study compared to Ylang Ylang and Lemongrass Oil to DEET and IR3535. Both herbal oils were superior to IR3535 but not as long lasting as 20% DEET. The Ylang Ylang was good against mosquitoes for about 88 minutes vs 155 minutes for DEET. The authors concluded that Ylang Ylang and Lemongrass are effective “green” mosquito repellent options.
Folklore and history
Historically, Ylang Ylang has been used in both the east and the west. In the Philippines, where the flowers grow naturally, healers have used this oil in ointments to treat cuts, burns, and insect and snake bites. In the Molucca islands, people used the oil as the main ingredient in Macassar oil, a hair pomade which later became popular in Victorian England.
At the beginning of the twentieth-century, French chemists discovered many medicinal purposes for the oil. It became an effective treatment for a number of diseases including malaria, typhus and intestinal infections. In both eastern and western medicine, the oil was also used for its relaxing properties, helping to calm the effects that stress, anxiety, and anguish can have on the heart.
Traditional use
Meaning “flower of flowers”, Ylang Ylang is one of the most beautiful and gentle, sweetly scented essential oils. Also known as “poor man’s jasmine”, its delicate, star-shaped flowers have been pressed for their oil for thousands of years.
The Ylang Ylang tree doesn’t flower for its first five years, after this it goes on to produce a staggering 45 pounds of flowers for around fifty years!
Native to Malaysia, Indonesia and other eastern lowland Asian countries, the natives soon discovered that the oil of these flowers was an effective remedy for burns, skin irritations and insect bites.
Typical use
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Can be used in the bath, or vapourised in an oil burner. It can also be added to a massage oil or cream. Use 6-8 drops per bath and 10 -18 drops per 30ml of carrier oil. See Essential Oil Dosage Chart
Constituents
The main constituents of Ylang Ylang are: Linalol, geraniol, eugenol, safrol, ylangol, linalyl benzoate, linalyl acetate, alpha pinene, benzoic acid, cadinene, caryophylelene, creosol, isoeugenol
Precautions
High concentrations of Ylang Ylang can produce headaches or nausea. Some people are more susceptible than others to this effect and will generally react immediately.
