Essential Oil of the Month: Ylang -Ylang
- Zoek Web Design
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Ylang-Ylang essential oil is best known for its role in perfumes and beauty products, but it also has a long history of use in traditional wellness practices. Distilled
from the vibrant yellow flowers of the Ylang-Ylang tree, native to the rainforests of Asia and the South Pacific, this oil is prized for its rich, sweet floral aroma.
Its name comes from the Tagalong phrase ilang ilang, meaning “wild” or “wilderness” It is pronounced EE-lang EE-lang. And I will say one of the interesting things I found out when I started researching this article is that I have been mispronouncing the name the whole time!
Ylang -Ylang essential oil is highly prized for its rich romantic fragrance. Its scent is slightly fruity, sweet and deeply floral, making it a popular choice in both men’s and women’s fragrances.
In fact, Ylang -Ylang is one of the key ingredients in the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume, a testament to its long-standing importance in the world of perfumery.
Beyond its use in fragrance, Ylang-Ylang has drawn attention for its potential
health and wellness applications. My own interest in essential oils is largely
centered on medicinal and health- related uses, particularly those that may benefit perimenopausal and menopausal women. For that reason, I was especially pleased to learn that Ylang-Ylang is commonly used in this area. While some of its benefits are rooted in traditional use rather than formal scientific research, many people value this essential oil for its calming, balancing and mood-supportive qualities. Used in a diffuser, dropped into a warm bath or mixed with a carrier oil and applied to pulse points on your skin, Ylang-Ylang can help relieve stress and promote relaxation, sleep and a feeling of well-being. It is thought to help depression as well.
Other well-known uses of Ylang-Ylang include:
Anti-inflammatory properties make it good for relaxing muscles and soothing painful joints. This essential oil is very strong, so when it is used topically it must be mixed in a carrier oil.
Antimicrobial properties help it clean the air when used in a diffuser. It can help with acne or other chronic skin issues (again mixed with carrier oil). It fights bacteria and it is also an anti-seborrheic, so it can help with eczema and dermatitis.
Natural insect repellant. Ylang-Ylang is used to repel insects, particularly mosquitoes. Its strong floral scent acts as a deterrent by masking the human scents that attract insects. It can be used in diffusers, mixed with lotions, or diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or citronella to make it even more effective. This oil is
very strong so it should not be used on pets or children. Reapply every few hours, especially when outdoors to repel insects.
Libido boosting. Ylang-Ylang is often used by traditional healers to improve libido. The beautiful romantic scent can boost sensuality. Use it in a diffuser or put a few drops into a warm bath to set the mood.
Improves scalp and hair health. Ylang-Ylang helps hair by balancing scalp sebum (oil) production, promoting hair growth and strength and reducing breakage of the strands. The essential oil acts as a natural conditioner, adding moisture to make your hair soft and shiny. Its antibacterial properties may reduce dandruff, soothe itchy scalps and reduce hair loss. It is thought to improve the circulation and blood flow to the scalp as well. Create a hair mask by mixing the essential oil with a carrier oil and your hair will look and smell wonderful.
Ylang-Ylang is obviously a very useful and versatile essential oil.
It is very strong, so it is important to only use it on the skin mixed with a carrier oil. The strong fragrance could potentially trigger headaches in some sensitive people. In addition, there could be some interactions with drugs, so always discuss its use with your own healthcare provider. If you would like to learn more about Ylang-Ylang or other essential oils, my favorite source is Aromatics International. This company has a comprehensive website with a lot of very good information. Here is a link:
As a proud affiliate of Aromatics International, if you purchase through this link, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you
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