The Amazing Benefit of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang ylang essential oil's benefits are way beyond the reach and influence of its mesmerizing fragrance. This exotic oil comes from the star-shaped yellow flowers of the Cananga odorata tree and has helped wellness enthusiasts for centuries. The tropical treasure grows naturally in countries around the Indian Ocean, including India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, and provides much more than just a pleasant scent.

Recent studies suggest that ylang ylang essential oil can lower blood pressure and heart rate. The oil also shows promise to balance oil production and soothes skin irritation while helping minor wounds heal. People use ylang ylang's antioxidant properties to improve their skin and hair's health. Many people don't know how to use this versatile oil properly, despite its impressive benefits.

This piece will help you understand what makes ylang ylang essential oil unique. You'll learn about its hidden health benefits, ways to use it for skin and hair care, and the safe methods to make it work. This fragrant oil deserves space in your collection, whether you're experienced with aromatherapy or just interested in natural wellness options.

What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?

The star-shaped flowers of the Cananga odorata tree give us the sweet-smelling ylang ylang essential oil. This tropical plant's name comes from the Tagalog word "ilang," which means "wilderness". Nature's aromatic gift has become a favorite in therapy and perfume making.

Origin and botanical background

The Cananga odorata belongs to the Annonaceae family, also called the custard apple family. You'll find these trees growing naturally in Southeast Asia's tropical rainforests, especially in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Guinea. These amazing trees grow at an incredible rate—up to 5 meters yearly under the right conditions. They can reach 30 meters in height and live about 50 years.

The tree's flowers first appear in its second year. The white blossoms take on a yellow hue as they age. Farmers keep the trees trimmed to 2-3 meters to make flower harvesting easier. These trees bloom throughout the year and produce at least 5kg of flowers yearly after their first trim.

How the oil is extracted

Steam distillation of fresh flowers yields ylang ylang essential oil. Flower collection happens early in the morning when their scent peaks. This timing plays a vital role since the flowers release their strongest fragrance at night to draw pollinating moths.

The extraction uses boiling water that creates steam, which passes through the flowers. This method turns the flowers' volatile compounds into vapor, which then condenses into oil. The process needs about 50kg of flowers to create just 1kg of essential oil.

Different grades of ylang ylang oil

Ylang ylang oil stands out because of its fractional distillation process, which creates several distinct grades:

• Ylang Ylang Extra: The first distillation (1-2 hours) produces the highest quality oil with the sweetest, most intense aroma. Luxury perfume makers prize this grade.

• Ylang Ylang I, II, and III: Later distillations create these grades, each with lighter scents. Grade I keeps its sweet, floral notes, while Grades II and III develop warmer, herbaceous qualities.

• Ylang Ylang Complete: A single, unbroken distillation lasting 10-20 hours creates this grade. It contains all aromatic elements, making it perfect for aromatherapy.

Each grade serves its purpose—Extra goes into luxury perfumes, grades I-III into cosmetics and personal care items, and Complete into therapeutic products.

Lesser-Known Health Benefits of Ylang Ylang

Scientific research has revealed that ylang ylang essential oil does more than just smell good - it contains bioactive compounds with unexpected health benefits. This tropical oil shows great promise beyond its common use in perfumes.

Supports emotional balance and mood

Studies confirm what many people already know about ylang ylang's ability to lift spirits. A small study published in 2014 showed that this oil reduced anxiety and improved self-esteem whether people applied it to their skin or breathed it in. Research also proves it can lower blood pressure while helping people relax. People dealing with stress or mild mood issues find this calming effect particularly helpful.

The oil might trigger the release of serotonin - the "happy hormone" that plays a vital role in mood regulation. Many aromatherapists suggest ylang ylang to create positive emotions, though it works best alongside professional mental health care rather than replacing it.

May help reduce inflammation

Lab studies reveal ylang ylang's impressive ability to fight inflammation. The oil treatment (100 mg/kg) cut down swelling by 53.6% compared to untreated groups. Higher doses (200 mg/kg) worked even better, reducing swelling by 75.5%.

Research also shows the oil decreases white blood cell recruitment and neutrophil activity - two main parts of inflammation. These results hint at ylang ylang's potential to help with inflammatory conditions.

Potential antimicrobial properties

Ylang ylang oil fights various harmful microorganisms effectively. One study found it created larger zones where bacteria couldn't grow compared to ciprofloxacin (a strong antibiotic) against certain strains of S. aureus and K. pneumonia. The oil works particularly well against Candida species, showing strong antifungal effects.

Possible support for nerve pain

The most exciting discovery might be ylang ylang's role in managing pain. A newer study, published in 2022, showed the oil helped reduce nerve pain in mice. When given orally (30 mg/kg), it not only eased neuropathic pain but also helped with pain-related anxiety symptoms.

These results suggest ylang ylang could be a promising option for treating difficult nerve pain conditions and their mood-related effects. Natural Riches Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is a great way to get started with natural stress relief or pain management - just make sure to dilute it properly for safe use.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Benefits for Skin and Hair

Ylang ylang essential oil excels as a versatile ally for skin and hair care, going beyond its internal health benefits. The flower-derived extract contains powerful compounds that tackle multiple external concerns at once.

Balances oil production in skin

Ylang ylang essential oil's most remarkable benefit lies in its power to regulate sebum production. The oil works naturally with your skin's processes to balance moisture levels, whatever your skin type. It helps control excess sebum that leads to greasy appearance in oily skin. The oil also stimulates oil production in dry skin, which prevents excessive dryness. This two-way balancing effect makes it perfect for combination skin too.

Soothes irritation and redness

The oil contains linalool, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory properties that calms irritated skin effectively. It proves beneficial especially when you have:

• Redness from acne or allergic reactions
• Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
• General inflammation and irritation

Promotes scalp health and hair shine

Your scalp's sebaceous glands get stimulated by ylang ylang essential oil, which prevents flakiness and dandruff. The oil strengthens hair follicles by penetrating your scalp's deeper layers. A 2021 study suggests that ylang ylang might help with tissue regeneration, potentially boosting hair and scalp health. Your hair can become shinier and healthier if you keep taking this oil, and it reduces tangles and dryness too.

Helps with minor wound healing

Ylang ylang essential oil's antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it great for wound care. A 2017 study in Biochimie Open confirmed its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing abilities. Minor cuts, burns, and scrapes stay protected from harmful bacteria that cause infections. Try out Natural Riches Ylang Ylang Essential Oil to heal your skin—note that you should dilute it with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil (one drop per teaspoon).

How to Use Ylang Ylang Oil Safely and Effectively

The right application techniques are vital to safely experience ylang ylang essential oil benefits. This aromatic extract packs quite a punch, and incorrect use might cause skin irritation or other unwanted reactions. Let me show you the safest and quickest ways to use it.

Dilution and patch testing tips

Ylang ylang has isoeugenol and several other allergens that might irritate your skin. You should always dilute the oil before applying it to your skin—never use it neat (undiluted). Here's a simple ratio to follow:

• 1 drop of ylang ylang essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil (2% dilution)
• Your facial applications need even less (1% dilution)

Before applying to larger areas, do a patch test. Put a small amount on your inner elbow, cover it with a plaster, and wait 24 hours. Stop using it right away if you notice redness, swelling, itching, or blisters.

Using in a diffuser for aromatherapy

A diffused ylang ylang creates a peaceful atmosphere and releases therapeutic properties. Mix 3-5 drops per 100ml of water in your diffuser. Keep diffusion time to 1 hour at a time, up to 3 times daily.

People sometimes get headaches or nausea from too much ylang ylang. Make sure your room has good ventilation and pets can leave if they don't like the scent.

Blending with carrier oils for massage

Your massage oils will work best with 4-6 drops of ylang ylang in 20ml (2 tablespoons) of carrier oil. Sweet almond, jojoba, or coconut oil make excellent carriers. A scalp massage needs 10 drops mixed with ¼ cup carrier oil. Leave it on for 30-60 minutes and wash with shampoo.

Avoiding use around pets and children

Remember that ylang ylang can poison pets, especially cats and birds. A dog's sense of smell is 10,000-100,000 times stronger than ours, which makes strong scents uncomfortable. Children under 7 years shouldn't have access to essential oils. Try out Natural Riches Ylang Ylang Essential Oil with these safety measures for effective aromatherapy sessions.

Pregnant women need medical advice before using ylang ylang because it might affect hormone secretions. People with diabetes, cancer, or heart-related conditions should talk to their healthcare providers first.

Conclusion

Ylang ylang essential oil definitely deserves more attention than it gets. This tropical gem packs an impressive range of benefits beyond its amazing scent. The oil helps balance emotional well-being and reduces inflammation. You'll find it works great for both internal health and external beauty needs.

The oil's power to control sebum production makes it work well for all skin types. People who have combination skin will see the best results since it tackles both dryness and excess oil at once. Its antimicrobial properties are a bonus that can help with minor wound healing and fight harmful pathogens.

Safe usage matters a lot if you want to experience these benefits. You should always dilute ylang ylang oil before putting it on your skin and do patch tests to avoid reactions. Kids and pets need extra care because the oil might harm them even though adults can use it safely.

Ylang ylang essential oil proves to be a great addition to your wellness routine when used right. These star-shaped yellow flowers pack therapeutic properties that provide natural solutions for common problems. You might start using it for its pleasant smell, but its hidden benefits will likely make it your go-to natural remedy for years.

Q1. What are the main benefits of ylang ylang essential oil? 

Ylang ylang essential oil offers various benefits, including reducing anxiety, balancing mood, potentially lowering blood pressure, and regulating skin oil production. It also has antimicrobial properties and may help with minor wound healing.

Q2. How should ylang ylang oil be used safely? 

Always dilute ylang ylang oil before applying it to the skin, typically using 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil. For aromatherapy, add 3-5 drops to a diffuser. Perform a patch test before widespread use and avoid use around pets and young children.

Q3. Can ylang ylang oil help with stress and relaxation? 

Yes, ylang ylang oil has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body. It may help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and even boost mood by potentially stimulating serotonin release.

Q4. Is ylang ylang oil beneficial for skin and hair care? 

Absolutely. Ylang ylang oil can help balance sebum production in the skin, soothe irritation, and may promote a healthy scalp and shiny hair. It's also known for its potential to aid in minor wound healing due to its antiseptic properties.

Q5. What makes ylang ylang oil unique among essential oils? 

Ylang ylang oil is unique due to its production through fractional distillation, resulting in different grades with varying properties. It also offers a rare combination of benefits, from emotional balance to skin care, making it a versatile addition to natural wellness routines.