Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Uses and Properties

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil – Uses and Properties

The essential oil of Ylang Ylang or Ilang Ilang is extracted from the Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson. This essential oil is known for its many properties.
It is an essential soothing oil if inhaled performing a relaxing action on the nervous system, with attenuation of disorders such as anxiety, depression, irritability, nervousness and insomnia.
The essential oil of Ylang Ylang is a hypotensive; this essence is able to lower blood pressure and attenuate the disturbances caused on the cardio-circulatory system due to stress, such as palpitations and tachycardia.

It is referred to as an aphrodisiac and is an essential erotic oil used in cases of frigidity, impotence. Its main uses are as toning and astringent for the skin and is indicated in the presence of acne and excessive production of sebum; it is used with a few drops diluted in the cleanser for the face to make the dermis recover tone and brightness. Furthermore, if poured in small doses, in coconut oil or shea butter, it has a nourishing and protective action for the hair, especially when they are subject to saltiness, wind and sun during the summer.
The flowers of the Cananga odorata plant, produced in spring and autumn, are the parts that are used to make the distillations. From the flowers you can get up to 3 distillations. The product of the first distillation is called extra ylang-ylang and is commonly used in perfumery. Subsequent distillations have a gradually lower quality. The third distillation still maintains a fair amount of perfume and is used in soaps and products for personal hygiene. The extraction method is the typical in steam distillation.
Among the contraindications of the essential oil of Ylang Ylang, remember to stick to the recommended doses, as high doses of this essential oil can cause nausea or headaches.