A Scent for Ease: Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
“Ylang ylang bestows a relaxing, softening, harmonizing, and lightening grace over the energetic Heart. ”
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
The world needs the precious flower medicine of ylang ylang. Calming and tranquilizing to the nervous system, the essential oil is known for its ability to “cool down” states of restlessness and agitation.
Ylang ylang is a tropical evergreen tree that originated in South East Asia. It has many yellow-green pendulous flowers that have a very strong and beautiful scent. The essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh flowers.
The name Ylang ylang comes from the Philippine word ‘Ilang-ilang’ which refers to the fluttering of the flowers in the wind. The flowers have been used for centuries throughout the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean for skin and hair care, medicine, and spiritual offerings.
The Scent
Ylang ylang’s aroma is rich, heavy, sweet, and floral.
Many children love the scent and tell me it reminds them of candy. Some adults absolutely love the rich floral aroma while others feel almost overwhelmed by it.
Ylang ylang likes to express itself - and I have found that a little goes a long way. I think of it as precious flower medicine.
“Instilling us with the sweetness of peaceful paradise, Ylang ylang both soothes and entices, opens and centres us.”
Emotional & Energetic Properties of Ylang Ylang:
Ylang ylang is incredibly calming and tranquilizing to the nervous system. It is known to be particularly effective in calming a rapid heartbeat caused by stress.
The essential oil is known for its ability to “cool down” states of restlessness and agitation and to help promote sleep.
Ylang ylang is a harmonizer and has a very good stabilizing effect on moods and emotions, especially for distressed feelings.
Aromatherapist Peter Holmes writes that the scent of ylang ylang has a disinhibiting and sensualizing effect on our emotions, senses, and self-image - which is perhaps why Ylang ylang also has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac.
The rich, voluptuous scent of ylang ylang invites you to feel comfortable in your own skin.
Blends well with: lavender, bergamot, mandarin, patchouli, frankincense, petitgrain
Topical Safety Status: non-skin irritant, mildly sensitizing
In their book Essential Oil Safety, Robert Tisserand and Robert Young recommend using a 0.8% when blending ylang ylang for topical use. Care should be taken with damaged or hypersensitive skin.
I Am Filled with Ease
Diffuser Blends
Here are two different and equally beautiful diffuser recipes to alleviate tension and fill you with ease.
Recipe One
4 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
2 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
1 drop ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
Recipe Two
2 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
1 drop patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
1 drop ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
Diffusing Tip: Always diffuse essential oils intermittently. Do not run your essential oil diffuser all day long. It is best to diffuse for 30 – 60 minutes and then 30 – 60 minutes off. This is more effective as both our bodies and our nervous system habituate to essential oils after this time.
References
Battaglia, S. (2021). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Volume III - Psyche & Subtle. Australia: Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd.
Holmes, P. (2016). Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. London: Singing Dragon.
Mojay, G. (1996). Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. United Kingdom: Gaia Books Limited.
Tisserand, R & Young, R. (2014) Essential Oil Safety. London: Churchill Livingstone
Worwood, V. (1996). The Fragrant Mind. California: New World Library.
Do not take essential oils internally and do not apply undiluted on the skin. Always consult a professional aromatherapist if you have medical conditions. Use caution when using essential oils with children.
