10 Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Benefits

ylang ylang flower and ylang ylang oil | Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Benefits | Featured

Ylang ylang essential oil paints my home with its sweet fragrance everyday. While it lends its sweet fragrance to cosmetics and perfumes, ylang ylang has so much more to offer than a sweet and fruity scent.

Continue reading to discover the potential benefits of ylang ylang essential oils.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil | Uses and Benefits You Didn't Know About

 

1. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil as a Mood Booster

woman holding a smiley balloon | ylang ylang skin care benefits

In a foul mood? Add a few drops of ylang ylang essential oil to calm the mind and soothe the senses.

A pilot study in Portugal found that those that inhaled or topically applied ylang ylang had significantly improved self-esteem. A study with lavender, bergamot, and ylang ylang suggests that those who inhaled the mixture had lower cortisol levels and stress levels. The study also suggests that the essential oil mixture helped lower the blood pressure of those with hypertension.

Don't get too excited about ylang ylang! It might actually relax you too much. A study found that ylang ylang may actually impair your memory and slow your information processing speed.

2. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil to Lower Blood Pressure

restaurant man woman coffee | ylang ylang essential oil benefits

A breath of fresh air – it might even help lower your blood pressure.

A study shows that when applied to the skin, ylang ylang may prove to be effective in lowering blood pressure. In another study where a combination of oils with ylang ylang was inhaled, the blood pressure of subjects immediately decreased.  This study may help solidify the oil's position in aromatherapy, possibly proving useful in patients with anxiety and depression.

3. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil as an Aphrodisiac

happy couple wearing leather jackets | ylang-ylang essential oil benefits

Forget the candles and the flower petals, turn on the diffuser.

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As an extension of its calming effects, ylang ylang could possibly be an aphrodisiac. The flower contains a compound that may help boost a woman's libido by increasing her testosterone levels. Research, however, is insufficient and other evidence is merely anecdotal.

Otherwise, do as the Indonesians do and adorn your bedroom with ylang ylang flowers. Not only is its bouquet sweet and aromatic, but its bright color is also a welcome addition for a pop of color in your home.

4. Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Properties

man wearing black zip up jacket near beach smiling at the photo | ylang-ylang essential oil

Ylang ylang may be an adequate antioxidant, protecting you from oxidative stress. The yellow flower may help keep disease and advanced skin aging at bay. But this doesn't mean that an hour of aromatherapy will excuse you from using sunscreen.

Ylang ylang contains isoeugenol, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. This may be your natural home partner to prevent cancer and other health conditions. Bear in mind, however, that this is not a replacement for medicine.

5. Antibacterial Properties

professional athletes watching video on smartphone | essential oils

A new study opens the door to pharmacological uses for ylang ylang. Studies show that it exhibits antibacterial activity. Ylang ylang, however, is weaker than essential oils. Instead, it works synergistically with other medicinal plants and improves as an anti-bacterial agent in a mixture with thyme.

Current research opens up the possibility that ylang ylang may have medicinal applications. But recent research either come up with inconclusive results or limited data. Still, ylang ylang continues to form part of folk remedies.

6. Healing Properties

brown and white bear plush toy | ylang ylang essential oil uses

Grab your band-aid and a bit of ylang ylang oil.

Ylang ylang may help your wound heal properly. It contains an agent that prevents rapid cell growth, promoting healthy and regulated healing. The flower contains isoeugenol, an anti-inflammatory agent. A study suggests the same agent provided a healthy environment for wounds to heal. Consequently, this promoted healthy and proper wound healing.

7. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil for Healthy Skin and Hair Growth

positive woman near pink wall | ylang ylang essential oil skin benefits

Ylang ylang may help regulate sebum production in your skin and scalp, making it ideal for dry skin types. But those with rather oily skin may want to steer clear of this ingredient.

By nourishing from the scalp, ylang ylang may help your hair grow healthy and damage-free.

As ylang ylang is also known to be a skin sensitizer, I advise against DIY-ing your own hair care and hair growth serum.

8. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil as a Treatment for Overactive Bladder

young woman sitting on bed suffering from stomach ache | ylang ylang skin benefits

A study suggests that ylang ylang may be a good alternative to current anticholinergics, typically given to those suffering from overactive bladders. The researchers found that the oil had a relaxing effect on the bladder muscles when directly applied to the muscles.

While this shows that ylang ylang has potential therapeutic value, it will take more clinical studies to prove its medical usefulness.

9. May Combat Malaria

face mask on blue background | ylang ylang essential oil benefits

In Indonesia and Vietnam, ylang ylang is one of the folk remedies used to treat malaria-like symptoms and malaria. And a study seems to have proven that these tropical countries were on to something. A Vietnam study found that ylang ylang exhibits antiplasmodial activity against malaria.

10. Antiarthritic Properties

two people standing in forest | ylang-ylang essential oil benefits

As an extension of its anti-inflammatory properties, studies suggest that ylang ylang may also be an antiarthritic agent. The isoeugenol in ylang ylang helps relieve symptoms of arthritis, reducing swelling and stiffness. It also exhibited some analgesic activity, helping relieve pain.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Side Effects

All that glitters is not gold. Alternative medicines and natural treatments are growing in popularity, but a natural product is not automatically good. Even ylang ylang poses some negative side effects.

  • A Photosensitiser – Ylang ylang is a known photosensitiser, leaving your skin sensitive when the application is followed by exposure to UV rays. Before applying products that contain skincare, conduct a patch test. If after 24 hours you do not experience skin issues, you may proceed to use it but still with an air of caution.
  • An Allergen – Isoeugenol, the same compound that grants ylang ylang its therapeutic potential, is a common allergen. A review of essential oils found that ylang ylang is almost certain to cause atopic dermatitis.
  • Negative effect on cognitive function – A study discovered that ylang ylang may actually impair your memory and lengthen your processing speed.

Application of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

  • Store in a dry, cool area in an opaque bottle to shield it from the sun.
  • Check for the smell and color of old products.
  • If you will apply it topically, combine it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil.
  • Use with an oil diffuser. Breathe in and reap its benefits!
  • If you are taking any medication, consult first with your doctor as some essential oils may harmfully interact with your medication.

Isoeugenol, its greatest power, maybe its greatest weakness. It's a common allergen that may Purchase essential oils only from reputable and trusted brands. If you want to mix your own essential oil, make sure to do thorough research. And always combine with plenty of carrier oil. Avoid self-medicating, consult your doctor to avoid interaction with your medication. Patch test before applying topically!

There's so much more to learn about ylang ylang. But what research we have now shows the endless potential of the dainty yellow flower.

You don't need science to prove that a sweet aroma that can lift your mood!

Itching to purchase your ylang ylang essential oil? Share with us your experience in the comments section below! We'd love to hear from you.

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