Ylang ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree (Cananga odorata). This tropical species is native to countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, such as India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Australia.
The ylang ylang flower is used to make several types of essential oil, via steam distillation. The oils vary in the intensity of their scent.
Ylang ylang is most potent essential oil derived from the ylang ylang flower.
This oil is often used as a top note in perfumes, such as Chanel Number Five.
Uses
Ylang ylang has been found in research to:
boost mood
reduce depression
alleviate anxiety
lower blood pressure
decrease heart rate
stimulate oil production in the skin and on the scalp
repel flying insects and kill bug larvae
Some people use ylang ylang as an aphrodisiac and for sexual stimulation, although its benefits in this area are primarily anecdotal.
Ylang ylang also has a history of use as a traditional, herbal treatment for conditions such as:
stomach distress
rheumatism
gout
malaria
headache
pneumonia
A small studyTrusted Source found that ylang ylang reduced anxiety and boosted self-esteem when it was either applied to skin or inhaled. Ylang ylang’s beneficial effect on mood has been duplicated in other studies, and is also substantiated via anecdotal evidence.
Another study found that inhalation of ylang ylang had a sedative effect, by significantly reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates as well as heart rate in healthy men.
Ylang ylang contains linalool, a compound which has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been Shown Trusted Source to be effective at reducing Candida albicans, a fungal infection.
In many parts of the world, ylang ylang flowers are pounded into paste and used as an inhalant to treat asthma.
When dried, ylang ylang flowers are used to treat malaria symptoms in countries throughout Asia.
Ylang ylang is used as a folk remedy to increase sexual desire and reduce sexual anxiety.
The ylang ylang flower is used to make several types of essential oil, via steam distillation. The oils vary in the intensity of their scent.
Ylang ylang is most potent essential oil derived from the ylang ylang flower.
This oil is often used as a top note in perfumes, such as Chanel Number Five.
Uses
Ylang ylang has been found in research to:
boost mood
reduce depression
alleviate anxiety
lower blood pressure
decrease heart rate
stimulate oil production in the skin and on the scalp
repel flying insects and kill bug larvae
Some people use ylang ylang as an aphrodisiac and for sexual stimulation, although its benefits in this area are primarily anecdotal.
Ylang ylang also has a history of use as a traditional, herbal treatment for conditions such as:
stomach distress
rheumatism
gout
malaria
headache
pneumonia
A small studyTrusted Source found that ylang ylang reduced anxiety and boosted self-esteem when it was either applied to skin or inhaled. Ylang ylang’s beneficial effect on mood has been duplicated in other studies, and is also substantiated via anecdotal evidence.
Another study found that inhalation of ylang ylang had a sedative effect, by significantly reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates as well as heart rate in healthy men.
Ylang ylang contains linalool, a compound which has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been Shown Trusted Source to be effective at reducing Candida albicans, a fungal infection.
In many parts of the world, ylang ylang flowers are pounded into paste and used as an inhalant to treat asthma.
When dried, ylang ylang flowers are used to treat malaria symptoms in countries throughout Asia.
Ylang ylang is used as a folk remedy to increase sexual desire and reduce sexual anxiety.