Ylang Ylang: Properties, Benefits, and Uses

Ylang Ylang: Properties, Benefits, and Uses

What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Used For and What Are the Properties of Cananga Odorata?

Ylang ylang, also known as the "flower of flowers," is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, whose sweet and floral fragrance is appreciated worldwide. Its star-shaped yellow flowers are used to produce one of the most prized essential oils in perfumery and aromatherapy. Ylang ylang essential oil, extracted through steam distillation, boasts multiple beneficial properties for the health of mind and body. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of this fascinating plant, the history of its use, the properties of the essential oil, and its main applications in holistic well-being.

Ylang Ylang: What Is It?

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) is a majestic tropical tree belonging to the Annonaceae family. This evergreen plant can reach a height of 12-15 meters and is characterized by its large, glossy leaves, which are a deep dark green, lance-shaped with wavy edges.

But its flowers are the most fascinating and precious part: in spring and autumn, ylang ylang is covered with highly fragrant yellow-greenish flowers, with 3-5 elongated and curled petals that resemble stars. These flowers, with their sweet and intoxicating scent, grow solitary or in small clusters and represent the raw material for obtaining the renowned ylang ylang essential oil, widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Discover ylang ylang essential oil on Terzaluna, your reference point for natural and high-quality products. This precious oil, extracted from the flowers of Cananga odorata, is perfect for relaxing the mind and body, enriching your wellness routine. Buy now and experience the benefits of one of the most appreciated oils in aromatherapy.

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Origins and History

Ylang ylang has an ancient and fascinating history rooted in the traditions of tropical Asia. Native to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and other regions of Southeast Asia, this tree prefers acidic soils and sunny locations. Its name originates from Tagalog and may derive from the term "ilang," meaning "wild," or from "ilang-ilan," meaning "uncommon," perhaps referring to its intense and unique fragrance.

In local cultures, ylang ylang holds significant importance. In Indonesia, for example, the flowers are sprinkled on the bed of newlyweds as a wish for a serene and fulfilling night. Indonesian women often soak the flowers in coconut oil to scent their thick hair, aware of the enchanting effect the "flower of flowers" has on men. This "flower of flowers," as it is sometimes called, evokes the vahiné of Gauguin and embodies the femininity of the plant kingdom, captivating sailors of the southern seas.

The species' range also extends to other tropical regions such as India, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia, and Madagascar: in the traditional medicine of these places, ylang ylang is also used for the treatment of malaria. Its exotic and erotic aroma has also won over Western perfumers, who have skillfully utilized its fragrance in iconic and historic creations like "Bois des Îles" by Coco Chanel and "Joy" by Jean Patou.

Fragrance

The scent of ylang ylang is an enveloping and unforgettable sensory experience. Sweet, floral, and incredibly captivating, this aroma evokes sensuality and femininity. Ylang ylang flowers emit a fragrance reminiscent of jasmine, with vanilla and spicy undertones that create a complex and seductive aromatic bouquet.

In the olfactory pyramid, ylang ylang is positioned as a heart note, which emerges after the fresher and more volatile top notes, but before the more persistent base notes. Its warm and enveloping fragrance harmoniously blends with other exotic flowers like tiare and tuberose, creating sensual and intriguing accords.

It's no coincidence that ylang ylang is one of the most appreciated ingredients in perfumery, capable of adding an exotic and captivating touch to oriental and floral fragrances. Its unmistakable aroma transports the mind to tropical paradises, evoking images of pristine beaches, fiery sunsets, and starry nights, where the breeze carries intoxicating scents of flowers and spices. Letting yourself be enveloped by the scent of ylang ylang means embarking on a sensory journey to distant and dreamy lands.

Chemical Components

The essential oil of ylang ylang has a complex chemical composition, comprising about a hundred different molecules. Among the main components are:

  • Linalool: a terpenic alcohol that gives the essential oil a floral and woody note;
  • Ylangen: hydrocarbons that contribute to the characteristic aroma of ylang ylang;
  • Geranyl acetate and geranyl benzoate: esters with a floral and fruity scent;
  • Phenylpropanoids: aromatic compounds that add spicy nuances;
  • P-cresol methyl ether: an ether with an intense and persistent fragrance.

In addition to these, ylang ylang essential oil contains many other specific compounds that, together, create its unique and unmistakable olfactory bouquet. The presence of molecules belonging to different chemical families, such as terpenes, esters, and phenylpropanoids, makes this essential oil particularly rich and multifaceted.

It is precisely the interactions between these components that determine the therapeutic and aromatic properties of ylang ylang, making it a precious natural remedy for the well-being of mind and body.

Ylang Ylang: Properties

Ylang ylang encompasses a wide range of beneficial properties for health and well-being:

  • Relaxing: Thanks to the special calming olfactory stimuli emitted by the essential oil, ylang ylang is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and relieve stress and tension as one of the best relaxing essential oils. Its sweet and floral notes foster a state of calm and serenity.
  • Antidepressant: The enveloping aroma of ylang ylang can improve mood, instilling a sense of joy and positivity. For this reason, it is used as a natural remedy against anxiety and depression.
  • Afrodisiac: The sensual and intoxicating scent of ylang ylang stimulates sexual desire, enhancing libido in both men and women. It is often used in the preparation of aphrodisiac blends.
  • Nervous system tonic: Ylang ylang essential oil has a toning effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce irritability, nervousness, and agitation. It promotes greater psycho-emotional balance.
  • Circulatory system tonic: Ylang ylang supports the functionality of the cardiovascular system, regulating blood pressure and heart rate. It is useful in cases of hypertension and tachycardia.
  • Antiseptic: Thanks to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, ylang ylang combats the proliferation of germs and bacteria, preventing skin and oral infections.
  • Hair nutrient: When applied locally, ylang ylang essential oil revitalizes the hair, giving it shine and softness. It combats dryness and fragility, strengthening the hair from root to tip.

What is Ylang Ylang Used For? Benefits

Ylang ylang offers a wide range of benefits for psychophysical well-being:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety: The sweet and enveloping aroma of ylang ylang promotes relaxation, alleviating emotional tension and anxiety. When diffused in the environment or used in massages, it fosters a sense of calm and serenity.
  • Combats insomnia and depression: Thanks to its soothing properties, ylang ylang essential oil can be a valuable natural aid against sleep disorders and mood swings. Its fragrance instills positivity, counteracting sadness and negative thoughts.
  • Awakens passion: Considered a potent aphrodisiac for both men and women, ylang ylang stimulates sexual desire in both genders. Its sensual and exotic aroma ignites the senses, promoting intimacy and letting go.
  • Strengthens hair: Applied locally as a massage oil or added to shampoos and conditioners, ylang ylang deeply nourishes the hair, making it stronger and shinier. Ideal for combating fragility and hair loss.
  • Relieves skin problems: Thanks to its soothing and balancing properties, ylang ylang essential oil is suitable for the care of sensitive, irritated, or blemished skin. It helps reduce redness, itching, and excessive sebum production.
  • Purifies the air: When diffused in the environment, ylang ylang has a purifying action, counteracting the proliferation of germs and bacteria. Its exotic and enveloping fragrance creates a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere.
  • Soothes insect bites: Applied locally, ylang ylang essential oil calms the itching and inflammation caused by insect bites, accelerating the skin's healing process.

Uses of Ylang Ylang

The flowers of ylang ylang, with their sweet and intoxicating fragrance, have multiple practical uses in herbal medicine, cosmetics, and cooking. One of the most common uses is the extraction of essential oil through steam distillation. This precious oil is widely used in perfumery to create exotic and sensual fragrances, as well as in aromatherapy for its relaxing and antidepressant effects.

In cosmetics, ylang ylang essential oil is a valued ingredient for skin and hair care. It can be incorporated into creams, lotions, and massage oils to deeply nourish the skin, soothe irritations, and give the face a radiant glow. Added to shampoos and conditioners, it strengthens the hair, combating dryness and fragility.

Ylang ylang also finds a place in cooking as a natural flavoring. A few drops of essential oil can be added to beverages, desserts, or savory dishes to impart a floral and spicy note. However, it is important to use it sparingly and well-diluted due to its potent aroma.

In herbal tradition, ylang ylang is considered a natural remedy for various ailments. The essential oil can be diffused in the environment to create a relaxing atmosphere, ideal for combating stress, anxiety, and insomnia. When massaged onto the skin, it relieves muscle and joint pain, while inhalation promotes concentration and mental clarity.

Another interesting use of ylang ylang is in aromatic baths. Adding a few drops of essential oil to bathwater creates an enveloping sensory experience, perfect for reducing stress and infusing a sense of well-being. Additionally, this fragrant bath softens the skin, leaving it silky to the touch.

Whether in the form of essential oil, dried flowers, or as an ingredient in cosmetic products, ylang ylang proves to be a valuable ally for the holistic beauty and well-being of mind and body. Its exotic and captivating fragrance transports us to a world of relaxation and harmony, rejuvenating the senses and nourishing the skin with its active principles.

Try the refined ylang ylang oolong tea from Terzaluna, a perfect blend of semi-fermented tea leaves and ylang ylang petals. This tea not only delights the palate with its exotic aroma but also offers antioxidant and relaxing benefits. Purchase now on Terzaluna for a unique and healthy taste experience.

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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

The ylang ylang essential oil is one of the most precious and widely used in aromatherapy and cosmetics. It is obtained through steam distillation of Cananga odorata flowers, hand-picked in the early morning hours and processed within a few hours to preserve their fragrance.

The distillation lasts about 15-20 hours and can be repeated up to 3 times, yielding oils of decreasing quality:

  1. Ylang ylang extra: the first and most precious distillation, rich in active ingredients, used in perfumery.
  2. Ylang ylang I, II, III: subsequent distillations, less precious but still used in cosmetics.
  3. Macassar oil: the last fraction, used in products for dry and damaged hair.

Among the main uses, ylang ylang essential oil can be diffused in the air with 2-3 drops to create a relaxing atmosphere, or diluted in creams and vegetable oils for toning and astringent massages. For hair care, it is recommended to add it to sweet almond oil, to be applied as a pack to strengthen and nourish damaged hair. On the face, the oil helps regulate sebum secretion, making it useful for oily and acne-prone skin.

Ylang ylang essential oil is renowned for its calming, aphrodisiac, and hypotensive properties. It acts on the nervous system, relieving stress, anxiety, and nervousness, and promoting a sense of calm and serenity. To benefit from its relaxing properties, you can add 10 drops to bathwater for a rejuvenating bath. Its aphrodisiac capabilities are particularly effective in combating frigidity and impotence, making it ideal for creating a sensual and romantic atmosphere.

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Contraindications of Ylang Ylang

The ylang ylang essential oil has multiple beneficial properties, but it should only be used for external use and following the recommended dosages. Excessive doses could cause nausea, headache, and skin irritations. It is essential to always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin, avoiding contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Despite the natural components, allergic reactions cannot be completely ruled out. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is best to avoid using ylang ylang, and it is also not recommended for children under 3 years old. Additionally, sun exposure after topical application should be limited, as the essential oil could increase the photosensitivity of the skin. Finally, while its enveloping fragrance is appreciated, it is advisable to not overdo the quantities.

The aroma of ylang ylang is very intense and persistent: an overdose could be nauseating and unpleasant, especially if diffused in closed environments. Moderation is the key to fully enjoying the benefits of this wonderful gift of nature.

Ylang Ylang-Based Products

If ylang ylang has fascinated you with its beneficial properties and its captivating fragrance, on Terzaluna you can find two high-quality products to experience its effects on your skin and well-being.

Pure Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

The first product is pure ylang ylang essential oil, extracted through steam distillation from the flowers of Cananga odorata. This precious oil represents a concentrate of active ingredients and fragrance, perfect for use in aromatherapy, massages, and natural cosmetics. You can use it in environmental diffusion to create a relaxing atmosphere, add it to your massage oils for a soothing effect on the muscles, or incorporate it into your creams and lotions to give your skin a touch of nourishment and radiance.

Buy Ylang Ylang Essential Oil on Terzaluna

Ylang Ylang Oolong Tea

The second product is ylang ylang oolong tea, an exclusive blend that combines semi-fermented oolong tea leaves with dried ylang ylang petals. This combination creates a delicate and floral-flavored beverage, with hints reminiscent of vanilla and coconut. Besides delighting the palate, this tea offers the relaxing benefits of ylang ylang along with the antioxidant and purifying properties of oolong. A true pleasure for the senses and well-being.

Whether you choose the essential oil for your beauty and relaxation practices, or the tea for a rejuvenating break, at Terzaluna you will find the quality and naturalness that ylang ylang flowers deserve. A way to bring a touch of exoticism and self-care into your daily life, thanks to one of nature's most precious gifts.

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