Brett C. DyessYlang Ylang Essential Oil, “Cananga Odorata”, is the most special for me. I met him in 2004. I read about this essential oil and its properties and ran to buy it. The fact that it had a powerful and intense floral aroma tempted me to try it. At that time I still didn’t know how much this wonderful oil was going to give me.
The first time I smelled it, I was so captivated by its smell that I stuck to that little bottle for a couple of minutes. After that I felt an intense dizziness that forced me to sit down. It was mid-morning, and I hadn’t been up much, but after smelling that little bottle I slept 3 hours straight.
At that time I had insomnia problems that I have never accused again thanks to this essential oil. Every night, before going to bed, I apply jojoba oil to my body with a light massage with a few drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil.
Beyond my own experience, the properties of Ylang Ylang essential oil to relax and sedate are known. But before we enter fully to know its properties both physically and cosmetically, as well as mentally, let’s know a little, this precious tree of flagrant yellow flowers.
Ylang Ylang tree “Cananga Odorata”
The word “Ylang” comes from a Philippine dialect, meaning “peculiar”. It is believed that its name alludes to its perfume, so coveted by perfumers for its powerful intensity, and for the variety of olfactory notes it possesses. The aroma of Ylang Ylang leaves no one indifferent!
In Polynesia the yellow flower is known as “flower of flowers” because its aroma is unmatched.
The Cananga tree is native to Tropical Asia, can be found in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, although its easy adaptation to the warm and humid climate of Central and South America, makes it easy to find many specimens there.
They are large trees, can reach 25 meters in height. They have a bright green perennial leaf, which contrasts with the intense yellow of its flowers.
The flowers of the Ylang Ylang have a long stem and 6 narrow petals of about 5 centimeters. The essential oil is obtained from its flowers. Through steam distillation.
Approaching a Cananga Odorata tree is an olfactory experience, its smell is palpable from several meters away.
What does Ylang Ylang Essential Oil smell like?
It is a penetrating aroma, intense, sweet, reminiscent of jasmine, magnolias, has a touch of vanilla and creamy, some citrus notes are noticeable, which take away some intensity and give it a fresh final touch.
Did you know that the essential oil of ylang ylang is one of the 5 ingredients of the famous perfume Chanel Nº5?
Without a doubt, an essential oil for us…
If we were to classify the essential oil of
Health Properties of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Traditionally the cananga odorata has been used to treat malaria, stomach ailments, asthma, gout and rheumatism.
Recent studies have identified numerous organic components present in the essential oil of Ylang Ylang, compounds such as; monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoids. They show their antimicrobial, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their ability to repel insects.
So far we have that the essential oil of Ylang Ylang has properties:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory
- Insect Repellent
- Treat stomach disorders
Sedative, relaxing and harmonizing effects of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Without leaving aside the properties just mentioned, we would like to emphasize that what makes Ylang ylang Essential Oil truly useful and special is its ability to balance the nervous system.
- It is of great help in cases of insomnia.
- Acts on the female libido
- Useful for treating depression and apathy
- Helps to overcome negative feelings
- Is hypotensive, so it may be valuable in treating hypertension
- For cases of anxiety and anguish
- Improves cognitive and attention skills
- Improves athletic performance by regulating heart rate
Cosmetic Uses
The cosmetic properties of this essential oil are due to its antioxidant capacity. It has been shown to have a remarkable effect on the elimination of free radicals that cause aging.
Many cosmetics for skin and hair contain essential oil of ylang ylang, since:
- Improve skin tone and elasticity
- Provides hydration and softness
- Has a balancing action on sebum production
- Helps in cases of hair loss and weakening
- Revitalizes aged and dull skin