The Many Uses of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Whenever you ask an aromatherapist or herbalist what their favorite essential oil is, the vast majority will respond with a plant like lavender or peppermint, which is both pleasant to the nose and beneficial in both culinary and medical applications. When you mention the essential oil of Ylang Ylang, though, many people will glance at you with a respectful expression. There are some herbal treatments and essential oils that have an air of mystery surrounding them, such as frankincense, which has a rich biblical history and is still used in spiritual practice, or chamomile, which sees frequent use in the house for its calming and comforting properties.

Ylang Ylang, on the other hand, has the distinction of being both enigmatic and ethereal, as well as being both useful and practical. Ylang Ylang, also known as the “Queen of Incense” due to its purported benefits for feminine well-being and health, is a powerful chemical used in aromatherapy, health, and spiritual practices. Cananga odorata is the scientific name for this evergreen shrub that produces the delightfully fragrant blooms used to extract the essential oil from the plant.

It is also referred to as the “perfume tree,” and it is native to tropical Asia, specifically the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean. The herb was highly esteemed in antiquity, and it is still considered fairly scarce in health food stores today. The benefits of Ylang Ylang oil are many. Which brings us to our next question: what are the benefits and applications of Ylang Ylang essential oil?

Health Benefits of Ylang Ylang

In traditional medicine, Ylang Ylang has been used to cure a number of physical disorders and conditions for hundreds of years. These include everything from healing skin irritations and insect bites to treating more serious conditions such as malaria and digestive problems. The following are some of the ways in which Ylang Ylang essential oil uses are helpful for overall health.

Lowers heart rate and blood pressure

Due to the effectiveness of Ylang Ylang essential oils in these areas, natural remedy specialists advise people with low heart rates and low blood pressure to avoid using them altogether. The effectiveness of inhaling essential oil of Ylang Ylang in a closed room for 20 minutes in order to lower blood pressure in healthy males was recently investigated by researchers. It was not only the usual blood pressure cuff used, but also a 12-lead EKG that was used to evaluate the results. The findings reveal that there was a significant difference between the control group and the test group. In addition, those exposed to the oil had a lower heart rate than those in the control group. Infusions of Ylang Ylang with other comparable herbs such as lemongrass, lavender, or chamomile, can generate a powerful soothing effect that can help to slow down these parasympathetic nervous system actions.

Diabetes

Healers used Ylang Ylang to treat diabetes in the past, long before the advent of contemporary diabetic medications. A number of studies have demonstrated that terpenoid derivatives and flavonoids extracted from the flower buds of C. odorata can inhibit the activity of aldose reductase, an enzyme that converts glucose to sorbitol. This technique aids in the prevention of complications associated with diabetes, such as eye problems and tissue necrosis.

Topical treatment

Ylang Ylang oil, like tea tree oil, has a wide range of anti-inflammatory characteristics useful for treating a variety of skin issues. Aside from that, Ylang Ylang oil, like cinnamon oil, might work on biofilm on slippery surfaces, acting as an anti-microbial as well as an antibacterial agent. An investigation into natural treatments for Staphylococcus aureus found that the herb Ylang Ylang was one of the top three herbal cures tested. It killed 80% of bacteria that were resistant to antibiotics. This is one of the more practical uses of Ylang Ylang oil in modern medicine.

Soothe inflammation

As previously stated, Ylang Ylang has an inhibiting effect on areas of inflammation, which is a major contributor to the breakdown of human tissues and the sudden emergence of a variety of diseases and disorders. In a study testing the antioxidant effects of essential oils, researchers found that the oil of Ylang Ylang had significant anti-inflammatory qualities. A popular remedy for anxiety-induced inflammation, there is anecdotal evidence that Ylang Ylang is a relaxing and anti-anxiety agent when applied topically on the skin.

Relaxation and stress reduction

When used in aromatherapy, users have long recognized Ylang Ylang for its ability to relieve anxiety and stress. Following the findings of a study conducted in 2006, researchers discovered that massaging for 5 minutes over the abdomen with a 20% solution of Ylang Ylang in sweet almond oil caused a noticeable drop in blood pressure and an increase in skin warmth, or circulation improvement. In addition to these bodily reactions, the oil had an immediate impact on the participants’ sentiments and emotions: they reported feeling more calm and relaxed than they had in the past.

Insect repellent

It appears that the smell of Ylang Ylang is not particularly appealing to biting insects. Along with its usage as a mosquito repellent in places of the world where mosquito-borne diseases such as the Zika virus are prevalent, Ylang Ylang essential oil also seems to kill the eggs and larvae of biting insects, making it an excellent choice for pest control. It can also be used to cure head lice successfully.

Sexual function

While the above uses are well-known to herbalists and natural remedy specialists, those who use it in spiritual practices also know of Ylang Ylang for sexual function and as an aphrodisiac. Over the years, it has been utilized in fertility rites to considerably enhance the female experience during sex as well as to minimize the anxiety associated with sex, allowing for greater relaxation.

Whether this is the truth or not, it is not well recognized at this time. When used to improve feminine function and fertility, Ylang Ylang does indeed work to reduce anxiety and increase circulation, which are all necessary during satisfying sexual activity. As a result, it is more likely that these are the mechanisms at work when using this oil to improve feminine function and fertility.

Adverse Effects

When it comes to natural therapy, there is no such thing as a completely risk-free treatment because an allergic reaction or unpleasant effect is sometimes observed with the use of particular essential oils, especially if the sensitivity was not previously recognized. Use of the wrong amount and way of applying essential oils can make anyone’s skin irritated. This can happen even if the person is not allergic to them.

While experts say Ylang Ylang is safe when used topically and used in aromatherapy, you should only use small amounts as a food ingredient. Some believe that cooking or ingesting Ylang Ylang reduces its potency, while others believe the opposite. One should note, however, that memory function and alertness might be impacted in some people, along with increased drowsiness in others. For those who are sensitive to essential oil concentrates, it has a potent enough effect on the nervous system to work in a similar manner to alcohol. As a result, they should not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous because it could slow down their reflexes.

How to Prepare Ylang Ylang

As with any essential oil, how it is prepared and utilized will depend on what it is being used for. One can use essential oils directly on the skin, but it is important to remember that these are highly concentrated extracts of powerful plants, and too much use can result in skin irritation or allergic reaction. Instead, it is better to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil of some kind, or in an aromatherapy diffuser, in order to gain the necessary benefits. Ylang Ylang quality essential oil can be quite expensive, and these are also cost effective methods to ensure that your supply lasts a long time. However, consider some of the following options when using essential oil of Ylang Ylang:

Incense or diffuser

Ylang Ylang is best utilized in aromatherapy, and it is quite potent when inhaled in the air. A few drops of essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser, or purchasing manufactured incense that contains the herb’s essential oil, are two of the most convenient methods to reap the herb’s aromatherapy advantages. On the other hand, use of burned incense should be in a well-ventilated location due to the fact that using too much might cause irritation to the lungs.

Body oil

The topical application of the essential oil is the second most popular method of utilizing the oil. The essential oil can be mixed with a neutral body oil or carrier oil such as almond oil or coconut oil (3 to 5 drops per tablespoon) and then massaged into the skin. Leaving it on overnight, even in a carrier oil, is not recommended because there is a chance of skin irritation, even in a carrier oil. It should only be used with the intention of rinsing it off within a couple of hours after application.

Essential oil

Ylang Ylang can be applied directly to the skin tone with two or three drops on the wrist and neck, or behind the ears, in the same way that any other essential oil should be used in moderation and only twice or three times each week. You may also use a few drops to warm up your bath water for a relaxing dip.

Flavoring in beverages

Ylang Ylang is most commonly used topically and in aromatherapy, but it can also be used as a culinary component in a variety of dishes and beverages. Add two drops to a cup of tea flavored with a complementary flavor, such as orange or bergamot, and drink immediately after. However, don’t use too much because it can cause gastric discomfort if used in large amounts.

Points to Keep in Mind

Ylang Ylang is a volatile oil that degrades quickly in warm conditions and must be stored carefully in order to remain effective. Keep it in a cool, dry place in a dark, opaque bottle away from direct sunlight. The product should last for about a year under these conditions. Nevertheless, before incorporating it into a routine, always test its effectiveness and usefulness, especially if it has been sitting on a shelf for a long time.

If you plant to use diffuser, mix the essential oil with water rather than utilizing on its own. When applied topically, it is better to use a diluted solution. There are various chemical constituents in Ylang Ylang known to cause allergic reactions in some people, so use it with caution and in moderation. If you have never used it before, and wish to use it topically, test it on a small patch of skin first and observe the area for 48 hours to check for signs of reaction. Before using it in a diffuser, inhale the fumes from the storage bottle a few times to see if they irritate your nasal and airway passages.

Final Word

Ylang Ylang essential oil benefits are many, and it is a powerful, calming herb that can be used to promote physical and emotional well-being in a variety of ways. In addition to encouraging relaxation and anxiety reduction, the pleasant and fruity aroma of this oil helps to reduce inflammation and hyperactivity of the nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated that it is effective in the treatment of anxiety, high blood pressure, and rapid heart rate, and some data suggests that it may be effective in the treatment of inflammation and tension headaches. When searching for Ylang Ylang essential oil, make sure to buy a high-quality oil that will last for a long time and use it with care.

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