The flower of all flowers, or nature’s remedy – discover ylang-ylang oil

It has long been known that your mood can be influenced (and quite easily at that) by the aromas of essential oils. Their significant impact on health and appearance is also worth noting. A prime example is ylang-ylang oil, with its rich fragrance and wide range of uses. It’s worth taking a closer look at all the possibilities, as there are plenty of them. Whether for everyday use or when needed, discover the natural power of ylang-ylang oil.

Ylang-ylang oil – extraction

Ylang-ylang oil is produced from the flowers of a tree known as the ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) from the Annonaceae family (AnnonaceaeJuss.). The plant occurs naturally in south-east Asia (mainly Indonesia and the Philippines), Madagascar and Australia. As with other floral essential oils, ylang-ylang extract is obtained through steam distillation.

Although the plant produces flowers in three colours – pink, violet-pink and yellow – the best oil is obtained from the latter. Each colour corresponds to a different scent and, contrary to appearances, not all of them are pleasant. The flowers, however, are fascinating and beautiful – they take on shapes that resemble stars.

Interestingly, it takes as much as 3 kilograms of flowers to produce a single bottle of ylang-ylang oil (with a standard capacity of 10 ml).

Different grades

Although the main components of the oil remain the same, their proportions vary. The same applies to other, less significant components. This is influenced by many factors – ranging from the obvious, such as the stage of the flowers’ ripeness, to more surprising ones, such as geographical location or environmental conditions. This phenomenon has even led to a standardised classification. Ylang-ylang oil is therefore available in four grades: Extra, First, Second and Third. These determine the quality, application and intensity of the fragrance.

The highest grade – Extra – is used (almost) exclusively in the production of high-quality perfumes, as it is rich in strongly scented molecules, although these tend to evaporate rather quickly. In aromatherapy, oils from the other grades are most commonly used – they have a weaker scent but are significantly longer-lasting.

Ylang-ylang oil – properties

Ylang-ylang oil exhibits various therapeutic properties, which is undoubtedly due to its composition. It mainly contains geraniol, linalool and methyl salicylate, thanks to which the extract has a truly broad range of biological activity.

Ylang-ylang essential oil has antimicrobial properties and is particularly effective against fungi and bacteria – even those resistant to antibiotics. It is therefore suitable for preventing infections in minor wounds and grazes.

The anti-inflammatory properties of ylang-ylang essential oil are primarily utilised in the treatment of numerous conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, particularly the joints. Ylang-ylang can alleviate symptoms associated with rheumatism or recurrent inflammatory processes of various origins.

Ylang-ylang essential oil is known for its calming properties. However, its effect on the mind and emotions has a physical counterpart – it lowers blood pressure and regulates heart function. It is indispensable in situations of tension and stress. It is also suitable for daily skincare, as the extract has been shown to be effective in combating free radicals.

Scientists regard ylang-ylang essential oil as a great hope for the treatment of skin conditions. Research is currently also being carried out into the oil’s effect on people with diabetes (although this mainly concerns postprandial hyperglycaemia).

Ylang-ylang oil in aromatherapy

Ylang-ylang oil has a scent reminiscent of perfume. It is refined, elegant and sensual, yet retains a delicacy and the freshness of fruity notes. It is not without reason that it is one of the main ingredients of the famous Chanel No. 5. It relaxes and soothes, regulates emotions and reduces stress levels. It makes it easier to fall asleep and promotes restful sleep; on the other hand, it is considered an effective aphrodisiac.

Ylang-ylang oil provides an excellent base for creating a variety of fragrance compositions. Which ones?

Perfect combinations

Ylang-ylang oil is, in itself, such a complex fragrance that it creates an ideal blend with simple aromas that have similar – or, conversely, completely different – scent notes. The easiest way to start is with a few foolproof options:

• lavender
• lemon balm
• neroli
• jasmine
• rose
• sandalwood
• grapefruit

Interesting combinations

There are no contraindications to combining ylang-ylang essential oil with several other fragrant oils at the same time. Whilst experimentation is encouraged, you can also make use of tried-and-tested recipes:

• 4 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil + 2 drops of rose + 4 drops of sandalwood essential oil
• 3 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil + 3 drops of rose + 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil + 2 drops of jasmine
• 3 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil + 3 drops of lemon + 3 drops of rosemary + 1 drop of basil

And therapeutic blends for baths or aromatherapy:

• 3 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil + 3 drops of thyme (alleviates the symptoms of microbial infections)
• 3 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil + 4 drops of clary sage + 3 drops of lavender (has antibacterial and antifungal properties)

Ylang-ylang oil – use in cosmetics

Ylang-ylang oil is an ingredient in many commercial cosmetics designed to protect and care for the skin and hair – it promotes hair growth. Its effects are versatile – it tones, deodorises and regulates sebum production. Experts recommend the oil for oily, combination and acne-prone skin, but those with dry skin will also notice the benefits.

You can easily and effortlessly make your own everyday cosmetics enriched with ylang-ylang oil. Ideally, the base products should be unscented or have a very subtle fragrance. Simply add 8 drops of the extract (per 100 ml) to your shampoo, conditioner, body lotion or cream. To make an effective toner, mix 4 drops of the oil with 50 ml of distilled water. It’s not difficult, is it?

It’s worth remembering that the essential oil must be heavily diluted. The‘themore, the better’ rule certainly doesn’t apply here. The oil is quite intense and, if used in excess, can cause headaches and nausea.

Ylang-ylang essential oil – contraindications

Numerous studies have shown that ylang-ylang essential oil is a safe substance. However, there are a few contraindications regarding the use of the product.

Children under the age of 12, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, should seek medical advice before deciding to use the oil in any form.

It is worth remembering that ylang-ylang should not be applied undiluted directly to the skin – it is very potent and may cause irritation (particularly at high concentrations).

Ylang-ylang oil should be used in moderation if there are pets in the home. The product is harmful to dogs and cats upon direct contact and can be irritating when used in aromatherapy.

Ylang-ylang oil is a remarkable product derived from a unique flower. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The benefits it offers can prove invaluable in many common problems and unusual situations. The oil can improve health and well-being, whilst also perfectly freshening up a room, imparting elegance, warmth and a sense of calm… of the spirit.

“The effect of ylang-ylang oil on gluten-free bacteria isolated from oral infections”– A. Kędzia, Department of Oral Microbiology, Chair of Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk

“The role of aromatherapy in medicine” –Z. Zdrojewicz, K. Minczakowska, K. Klepacki, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Isotope Therapy, Medical University of Wrocław

"Traditional uses, phytochemistry and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang)"– collective work, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University; Division of Genetic and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science; Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya; Biomolecular Research Group, Biochemistry Programme, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya