There are many ylang ylang essential oil benefits. That’s why it’s widely used in food, perfume and aromatherapy.
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is a fast growing tree native to tropical Asia. Its essential oil is derived from the flowers by water or water and steam distillation.
Numerous phytochemical studies have identified the constituents present in the essential oils of Ylang ylang. A wide range of chemical compounds including monoterpene, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids have been isolated from this plant.
The primary chemical components of ylang ylang are Germacrene D (23.2%), beta-Caryophyllene (14.7%), Geranyl Acetate (6.4%), Benzyl Benzoate (6.1%), Linalool (5.1%), delta-Cadinene (4.3%), alpha-Humulene (3.9%) and para-methyl-Anisole (2.9%).
Recent studies have found that components in ylang ylang essential oil have antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic and antifertility activities. It’s also a decent source of antioxidants and good mosquito-repelling properties against different species of mosquitoes.
When inhaled or applied to your skin through aromatherapy, studies have shown that inhaling Ylang Ylang Essential Oil has several benefits. It’s effective in treating depression, decreases blood pressure and pulse rate, reduces tension, stress and anxiety. It also helps with insomnia.
Just don’t inhale or use it in massage oils when you need to have your wits about you. Studies have found Ylang-ylang aroma produced a reduced alertness mood and increased calmness in study volunteers and impairs memory and mental processing speed.
Many, but not all of the benefits of ylang ylang oil, can be gained through aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is sometimes delivered through diffusers. When using in a diffuser, just put in 2 or 3 drops per 4 ounces of water.
Another option is mixing a few drops of ylang ylang oil with carrier oils to make an aromatherapy massage oil.
Adding ylang ylang to your bath water is also a great option. And it can be mixed with soybean oil to make an effective mosquito repellent.
A Few Guidelines For Using Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang can be an asthma trigger and cause allergic reactions in some people. And as a precaution, keep pets out of the room when diffusing ylang ylang.
Also, the Leading Aromatherapy Associations all state that essential oils should not be taken internally (regardless of purity or organic origin) unless under the guidance of a health care practitioner trained at an appropriate level.
Finally, use 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade ylang ylang essential oil. To check for purity place a drop of oil on a piece of paper and let dry. If there is no stain when it's dry then you are dealing with a pure oil.
A few good options are: