Ylang-ylang is the name of a tree that is native to Indonesia but has been naturalized in many tropical locations. The essential oil of ylang-ylang is extracted by steam distillation of fresh flowers of the ylang-ylang tree, which bears the scientific name Cananga odorata and is commonly found in the rainforests of certain Asian and South Pacific Islands like Indonesia, Philippines, Java, Sumatra, Comoro, and Polynesia.
The chief components of the essential oil of ylang-ylang are benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, Linalool, caryophyllene, geranyl acetate, methyl benzoate, p-cresyl methyl ether, and other components known as sesquiterpenes, all of which contribute to its aroma and medicinal properties.
Along with its widespread use in perfumes and aromatherapy treatments due to its very pleasing and delicate fragrance, ylang-ylang essential oil is also used for a variety of medicinal purposes.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
A study published in the ‘Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine’ journal revealed that ylang-ylang exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, and pelvic inflammatory disease for decades.
Lowers High Blood Pressure
A study published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation on the effects of ylang-ylang on blood pressure, states that it is an effective agent for treating hypertension and other heart problems. In recent times, since high blood pressure is a major health epidemic and the drugs for lowering it have serious adverse side effects on health, ylang-ylang oil has proved be an easy and natural solution. It has no adverse side effects on health if taken in prescribed quantities.
Sedative
According to research published by Silva MJ, health benefits of ylang-ylang essential oil include providing relief from stress and anxiety. Studies reveal that ylang-ylang oil helps sedate and calm nervous affliction, stress, anger and anxiety while inducing a relaxing feeling.
Nervine
Ylang-ylang essential oil is a health booster for the nervous system. Research on the aroma of ylang-ylang essential oil denotes that it helps stimulate the nervous system and repairs any damage it may have suffered. Furthermore, it also reduces stress on the nerves and protects them from developing a number of nervous disorders.
Emotional Benefits
On a strictly emotional and spiritual level, ylang-ylang essential oil is truly the oil of the heart (the best in my opinion). It can help us connect to our own heart, process things from the heart, and heal emotional traumas. It's also thought to be the oil of the inner child, helping us connect to our own sense of inner joy and being in the moment, as children so easily do. This allows us to play, release bottled up emotions, and move back into our sense of trust in the process of Life.
Skin Health Preserver
One of the most popular uses for ylang-ylang is applying to the skin in order to preserve a “youthful glow” and help prevent signs of ageing or irritation. Ylang ylang is even powerful at fighting the development of skin cancer cells and melanoma. Combine one to two drops with coconut or jojoba oil and massage it into the face once or twice daily for protection.
Natural Energizer
If you feel like you’re always tired, drained or frustrated, trying aromatherapy treatment with ylang-ylang can help. Many people find the scent to be energizing and useful for fighting fatigue or body aches. Add several drops to a clean cotton ball and apply it to your wrists, neck or chest.