Ylang-ylang: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Ylang-ylang is a plant species that belongs to the family of annonaceae. The botanical name of the plant is Cananga odorata. The name ylang-ylang is used for the plant and its flowers. The word comes from the Malay language and means the “flower of flowers”. Its origin is ylang-ylang in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Occurrence and cultivation of ylang-ylang

The name ylang-ylang is used for the plant as well as its flowers. The word comes from the Malay language and means the “flower of flowers”. Ylang-ylang is an evergreen tree that grows particularly fast and can reach heights of growth of 25 meters. The bracts of the flowers are tongue-shaped and long. Six leaves always surround a flower. The inner petals have a greenish-yellowish coloration. The flowers of ylang-ylang have an intense, sweet and beguiling fragrance. The plant is native to both Indonesia and the Philippines. Young trees show white, later yellowish-green flowers. Only in advanced age of the tree the flowers turn orange-red. Especially at night, the flowers of the Ylang-Ylang exude a strong and exotic scent. Thus, they attract a variety of moths, which are helpful in pollination. The flowers are relatively large and can be harvested any day. To obtain the ylang ylang oil, they must be processed quickly. In addition, the so-called cananga oil can be produced in a second distillation process. The flowers and oil of ylang-ylang are also used in folk medicine in Asia. Ylang-ylang is nowadays cultivated in numerous regions for the purpose of oil extraction, such as Madagascar, Java, Sumatra, Haiti and the Comoros.

Effect and application

In particular, the oil of ylang ylang is known and enjoys great popularity. Since the 19th century, it developed into a sought-after fragrance oil, which is used by the perfume industry, for example. For example, the famous perfume Chanel No.5 contains ylang-ylang. The scent of the flowers is also used in aromatherapy, where it is considered equally relaxing, calming and stimulating the senses. In addition, the scent of ylang-ylang is said to have an aphrodisiac effect. The oil can also be used as a cosmetic product, as it has a balancing effect on all skin types in combination with other high-quality oils. Numerous blossoms are needed for the production of ylang ylang oil. 50 kilos of blossoms yield about one liter of essential oil by steam distillation. In the process, ylang ylang oil is usually distilled in fractions. Thus, different essential oils can be obtained at intervals of a few hours. These are more nuanced in combination than the individual oils. Ylang-ylang oil has a yellowish to light orange coloration. The scent is floral, sweetish and has similarities to the smell of jasmine flowers. However, the scent of ylang-ylang is much heavier and has an oriental and exotic note. Some people perceive it as almost narcotic. It should always be dosed discreetly, otherwise it is too intense. Ylang ylang oil, which is available specifically for this purpose, can also be used internally by taking it orally. For this purpose, one to three drops of the oil are taken together with honey or sugar or dissolved in alcohol. This dose is consumed three times a day. It should be noted here that the intake should be discussed in advance with a doctor. The ylang ylang oil can also cause side effects, especially if the dosage is too high. Then, for example, nausea and headaches can be the consequences.

Importance for health, treatment and prevention.

Ylang-ylang possesses numerous positive effects on human health and mental state. Accordingly, it can be used in various applications. Thus, the scent of ylang-ylang has a balancing and relaxing, euphoric and aphrodisiac effect on the soul. On the body, the fragrance oil has a calming effect, especially with regard to pulse rate and breathing. In addition, it has an antispasmodic effect. Also, the oil can have antidepressant and antibacterial effects, as well as lower blood pressure. Fragrance blends with ylang-ylang are particularly suitable for evening relaxation. In traditional medicine and aromatherapy, the scent of ylang-ylang is used primarily for states of tension.Therefore, it is suitable for nervousness, tension, sleep problems, stress and pressure to perform, as well as anxiety and depression. The oil can also provide relief from high blood pressure, palpitations or shortness of breath. Likewise, it can be used for hyperventilation and intestinal infections, as well as for skin care. Here the oil can develop its moisturizing effect. Another area of application of ylang-ylang is sexual inability and impotence. The scent of the oil has an eroticizing effect and can consequently also help with frigidity. Thus, the oil of ylang-ylang is used in India as a love oil, and there are also corresponding customs in Indonesia. The blossoms of ylang-ylang are sprinkled on the bride and groom’s bed on their wedding night. In addition, ylang-ylang has antifungal and antiseptic effects and can even increase concentration. The oil is also said to have a positive effect on blood sugar. Likewise, it is said to provide relief from menstrual cramps as well as premenstrual syndrome. It can also help reduce pain in the head caused by nervousness. Overall, the potential applications of Ylang-Ylang are very diverse. Particularly in aromatherapy, the full potential of the beguiling scent can be unleashed, invigorating and stimulating.