Essential oil with a powerful and recognizable smell, Ylang-Ylang gives a boost to tired organisms. In cases of sexual fatigue in particular, its aphrodisiac virtues are no longer in doubt. Furthermore hypotensive, people suffering from tachycardia or hypertension will find Ylang-Ylang essential oil a natural way to relieve these disorders. Through its heart rate regulating effects, Ylang Ylang also helps calm anxiety attacks or excessive stress. Latin name: Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson formed genuina. Distilled part: flowers
This article was updated on 15/05/2023Precautions for use
Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil is relatively flexible in use. It can in fact be used by everyone except pregnant women under 3 months as well as infants under 3 months. Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil must, however, be used with caution, particularly in skin application, for which dilution in a vegetable oil is recommended. Likewise, when diffusing, it is preferable to dilute Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil in other essential oils.
Authorized users
Possible ways of use
Risks of use
Other precautions
Medical advice
Seek medical advice before use for people with asthma.
Skin application
Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil is sensitizing to the skin, so it must be diluted to 20% in a vegetable oil before any skin application. If the smell is considered too strong, dilute the Ylang Ylang essential oil to 10%.
Ingestion
The use of Ylang Ylang orally in a therapeutic setting is very rare and poorly documented. This essential oil can, however, be used in cooking but in very small doses due to its very strong taste, and diluted beforehand in a fatty (oil, cream, yogurt, milk) or sweet (syrup, honey) material.
In broadcast
Do not diffuse pure: dilute to 10-15% in other essential oils.
Contraindications
May cause headaches or even nausea if the dose is too high.
Allergenic components
Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil contains allergenic biochemical components:
- linalool (2 to 16%)
- benzyl benzoate (≤ 12%)
- geraniol (≤ 5%)
- farnesol (≤ 5%)
- benzyl salicylate (≤ 4%)
- eugenol (≤ 0.9%)
- benzyl alcohol (≤ 0.5%)
- isoeugenol (≤ 0.3%)
Note: It is preferable to test the essential oil before using it (two drops in the crook of the elbow for at least 24 hours to check that there is no reaction).
Properties of Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil
Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil is highly concentrated in monoterpene alcohols and carbides, as well as geranyl acetate. These different molecules give it the following main properties:
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calming, sedative, relaxing ++++ (esters):
ylang Ylang essential oil acts on the secretion of serotonin and dopamine, hormones triggering an effect of well-being. This would be due to its benzyl benzoate content. Geranyl acetate, another ester present in Ylang Ylang, has a harmonizing effect on the autonomic nervous system, responsible for the expression of certain symptoms of stress (accelerated heart rate, sweating, etc.). In addition, a study conducted in 2018 on mice under stress proved that Ylang Ylang reduces the level of cortisol (stress hormone) in the blood.
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spasmolytic, analgesic +++ (linalool, esters):
thanks to its calming, relaxing and anxiolytic properties, Ylang Ylang essential oil promotes muscle relaxation. It would also have a direct relaxing effect on the muscles via the cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) pathway. Ylang Ylang is also analgesic: according to a study by Borgonetti et al. (2022), its potency in cases of acute and chronic nerve pain is comparable to that of morphine, a painkiller substance used in hospitals.
-
aphrodisiac +++ (linalool, esters):
complete Ylang Ylang essential oil is traditionally used to promote letting go and calm anxiety, which is beneficial during intimate moments. Thanks to its sensual odor and its linalool and ester content (including benzyl benzoate and geranyl acetate), Ylang Ylang is calming, anxiolytic and relaxing.
-
hypotensive, cardiac regulator +++ (esters):
studies have been able to demonstrate that Ylang Ylang inhaled and cutaneously significantly reduces blood pressure and heart rate in subjects under stress, thanks to its calming and anxiolytic properties. Indeed, bouts of stress can lead to palpitations and increased heart rate, which increases blood pressure.
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hair tonic, sebum regulator ++ (monoterpene alcohols):
thanks to its monoterpene alcohol content, Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil acts as a regulator of sebum production, that is to say, it ensures that it is not produced neither too little nor not enough sebum in the epidermis, scalp and hair.
But also these secondary properties:
- anti-inflammatory
- pest control
- anti-oxidant
- anti-infectious
- skin tonic
In case of Dull hair, Hair loss
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
From 6 years old. By skin, dilute 3 drops in 5 mL of vegetable oil of your choice depending on the hair type (Jojoba or Hazelnut for oily hair, Castor or Mustard against hair loss, Argan or Coco for dry hair, etc.). If the odor is too strong, reduce the number of drops of Ylang Ylang.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. A few drops of the following mixture massage into the scalp one hour before shampooing.
- 5 drops of Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 5 drops of Juniper essential oil
- 10 drops of Rosemary cineole essential oil
- 2 teaspoons of Macadamia vegetable oil
Source: Zahalka, JP (2015). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions du Dauphin.
In case of Palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
Reserved for over 6 years old. Through the skin, place 1 drop of Ylang Ylang on the inside of the wrists, then take deep breaths, as soon as the need arises, in case of stress. For massage on the plexus and for sensitive skin, dilute 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil. Repeat up to 3 times per day as needed.
Does not replace treatment for hypertension or heart rhythm disorders.
Use in synergy
Reserved for adults. Repeat twice a day, with a one-week break after 3 weeks of use. Does not replace treatment for hypertension or heart rhythm disorders. With the doctor's approval, and in the event of a stress peak, apply 5 drops of this mixture by massage on the solar plexus and/or the inside of the wrists:
- 30 drops of Shelled Marjoram essential oil
- 10 drops of Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil
- 30 drops of True Lavender essential oil
- 20 drops (1 mL) of Argan vegetable oil
More details : essential oils against hypertension.
Against the Loss of libido, Sexual fatigue
Efficiency: ++++
Simple use
For adults only. Dermal, dilute 1 drop of Ylang Ylang in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massage on the lower spine, twice a day for 10 days. For a massage on a larger surface, do not hesitate to dilute the essential oil in a larger quantity of vegetable oil.
Use in synergy
For men. To be renewed for 1 week. Place 4 drops of the mixture on the lower back morning and evening.
- 15 drops of Ginger essential oil
- 15 drops of Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 15 drops of Fragrant Verbena essential oil
- 15 drops of Cinnamon essential oil
- 160 drops of Hazelnut vegetable oil
More details : essential oils against loss of male libido.
For women. To be renewed for 1 week. Place 5 drops on the lower back, twice a day.
- 20 drops of Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 10 drops of Neroli essential oil
- 10 drops of Rosat Geranium essential oil
- 160 drops of Hazelnut vegetable oil
More details : essential oils against loss of female libido.
In case of' Anxiety, anxiety, stress
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for ages 6+. Through the skin, 1 drop of Ylang Ylang essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massage onto the solar plexus and the inside of the wrists. When inhaling, breathe directly above the bottle.
From 3 years old, and for pregnant women over 3 months old. Same use as above, but by diluting the Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil to 10% in a vegetable oil (1 dose of essential oil for 9 doses of vegetable oil).
From 3 months. Same use as above, but diluting the Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil to 5% in a vegetable oil (1 dose of essential oil for 20 doses of vegetable oil).
Whole Ylang Ylang or Petit Grain Bigarade?
Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil will be very effective thanks to its calming property, but petit Grain Bigarade essential oil is the reference in this field. Inhaled: 1 pure drop on the wrists to inhale deeply, 3 times a day, until improvement. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use. In diffusion: pour the number of drops indicated on the instructions. Broadcast in blocks of 30 minutes maximum.
Use in synergy
Reserved for ages 6+. Using the skin, apply 1 drop of the mixture to the solar plexus and 1 drop to the inside of each wrist. Repeat the operation 2 to 3 times a day as needed. For prolonged use or for sensitive skin, dilute in vegetable oil:
- 90 drops of Petit Grain Bigarade essential oil
- 30 drops of Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 30 drops of Lemongrass essential oil
More details and other users: essential oils against stress.
Against the Sleep problems, Insomnia
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for ages 6+. Through the skin, 1 drop of Ylang Ylang essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massage onto the solar plexus and the inside of the wrists.
From 3 years old, and for pregnant women over 3 months old. Same use as above, but by diluting the Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil to 10% in a vegetable oil (1 dose of essential oil for 9 doses of vegetable oil).
From 3 months. Same use as above, but diluting the Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil to 5% in a vegetable oil (1 dose of essential oil for 20 doses of vegetable oil).
Use in synergy
From 3 years. Apply 2 to 3 drops of the mixture to the inside of the wrists and the solar plexus at bedtime, and breathe:
- 4 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil,
- 13 drops of Ravintsara essential oil,
- 13 drops of Sweet Orange essential oil,
- Top up with 10 mL of vegetable oil.
Source: Chevalier c., Dupuy Lafon v. (2022). emotions stress sleep. grancher editions
Complete Ylang Ylang or Roman Chamomile?
Ylang Ylang essential oil can be effective against insomnia, butroman Chamomile essential oil is even more effective. It can be used from the age of 3 months in diffusion for example, 10 minutes before bedtime or cutaneously, 1 drop diluted in 9 drops of vegetable oil, massage on the solar plexus and/or the soles.
In case of Emotional shock
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for ages 6+. Cutaneously, dilute 1 drop of Ylang Ylang essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massaging onto the solar plexus and the inside of the wrists.
From 3 years old, and for pregnant women over 3 months old. Same use as above, but by diluting the Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil to 10% in a vegetable oil (1 dose of essential oil for 9 doses of vegetable oil).
Complete Ylang Ylang or Roman Chamomile?
Ylang Ylang essential oil is effective in cases of emotional shock, but Roman Chamomile essential oil is even more so. From 3 years old, cutaneously: 1 drop diluted in 9 drops of vegetable oil, massaged onto the solar plexus and/or soles of the feet.
Against the Pain of nervous origin
Efficiency: +++
Simple use
Reserved for ages 6+. By vskin goose, 1 drop of Ylang Ylang essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil, massage on the solar plexus, the inside of the wrists or the painful area
From 3 years old, and for women more than 3 months pregnant: same use as above, but by diluting the Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil to 10% in a vegetable oil (1 dose of essential oil for 9 doses of vegetable oil).
From 3 months. Same use as above, but diluting the Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil to 5% in a vegetable oil (1 dose of essential oil for 20 doses of vegetable oil).
Complete Ylang Ylang or Roman Chamomile?
Ylang Ylang essential oil is effective in cases of nerve pain, but the essential oil of Roman chamomile is even more so. It can be used from the age of 3 months via the skin: 1 drop diluted in 9 drops of vegetable oil, massaged on the solar plexus and/or the painful area.
Other famous applications of Complete Ylang Ylang
Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil is used on many occasions, particularly linked to its general tonic property. For the majority ofthe following uses it will be effective, but without necessarily being the best essential oil. We therefore indicate to you the best replacement for Complete Ylang Ylang for the following different problems.
Asthenia, Fatigue
Complete Ylang Ylang is not effective for this type of fatigue, it is better to useblack Spruce essential oil in case of physical fatigue: 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil applied to the lower back at the kidney level, 3 times a day. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.
Stretch marks
Ylang Ylang Complete effective but… It is better to use thegeranium Rosat essential oil against stretch marks: cutaneously, 1 drop in 4 drops of vegetable oil on the affected areas, twice a day, until improvement.
How to recognize a good Complete Ylang Ylang essential oil?
Botanical characteristics
- Latin Name: Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson forma genuina
- Botanical family: Annonaceae
- Part used: flowers
- Country of origin: Comoros, Madagascar.
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.920 to 0.950
- Refractive index at 20°C: 1.495 to 1.513
- Rotational power at 20°C: -50 to -30
- Flash point: 78
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: liquid
- Color: pale yellow to dark yellow
- Odor: flowery, characteristic.
Biochemical characteristics
- germacrene D: 13 to 24%
- β-caryophyllene: 5 to 17%
- trans trans α farnesene: 2 to 16%
- linalool: 2 to 16%
- p-cresyl methyl ether: 0.1 to 16%
- benzyl acetate: ≤ 14%
- benzyl benzoate: 3.5 to 12%
- geranyl acetate: 1 to 12%
- methyl benzoate: 0.1 to 9%
- farnesyl acetate: 0.5 to 5%
- benzyl salicylate: 1.2 to 4%
- farnesol: 0.1 to 4%
- geraniol: 0.2 to 3%
Complete Ylang Ylang, I, II or III?
There are different qualities of Ylang Ylang essential oil, corresponding to the different fractions of the distillation of the flowers. They will all present different physicochemical properties. We will find:
- ylang Ylang Extra: it is the most fragrant, it is very popular with perfumers... But it is also the most expensive!
- ylang Ylang Première (I): from the first distillation fraction
- ylang Ylang Second (II): from the second distillation fraction
- ylang Ylang Third (III): from the third distillation fraction
- complete Ylang Ylang or Totum: resulting from complete distillation, which lasts on average 18 hours. It contains all of the aromatic molecules of the plant, which makes it more interesting for therapeutic use.
We tell you about it in video
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Bibliography
Publication: Burdock, G.A., & Carabin, I.G. (2008). Safety assessment of Ylang–Ylang (Cananga spp.) as a food ingredient. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), 433–445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.105
Publication: Cha, J., Lee, S., & Yoo, Y. (2010). Effects of Aromatherapy on Changes in the Autonomic Nervous System, Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity and Aortic Augmentation Index in Patients with Essential Hypertension. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, 40(5), 705. https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.5.705
Publication: De groot, ac, & schmidt, e. (2017). essential oils, part vi. dermatitis, 28(1), 14–21.
Publication: Holt, S. (1999). Natural Approaches to Promote Sexual Function: Part 2: Stimulants and Dietary Supplements. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 5(5), 279–285. https://doi.org/10.1089/act.1999.5.279
Publication: Hongratanaworakit, T., & Buchbauer, G. (2004). Evaluation of the Harmonizing Effect of Ylang-Ylang Oil on Humans after Inhalation. Planta Medica, 70(7), 632–636. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-827186
Publication: Hongratanaworakit, T., & Buchbauer, G. (2006). Relaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption. Phytotherapy Research, 20(9), 758–763. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1950
Publication: Tan, LTH, Lee, LH, Yin, WF, Chan, CK, Abdul Kadir, H., Chan, KG, & Goh, BH (2015). Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/896314
Publication: Zhang, N., Zhang, L., Feng, L., & Yao, L. (2016). The anxiolytic effect of essential oil of Cananga odorata exposure on mice and determination of its major active constituents. Phytomedicine, 23(14), 1727–1734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2016.10.017
Publication: Ghédira, K., & Goetz, P. (2018). Ylang ylang. Phytotherapy, 16(1), 59–63. https://doi.org/10.3166/phyto-2018-0005
Publication: Zhang, N., Zhang, L., Feng, L., & Yao, L. (2018). Cananga odorata essential oil reverses the anxiety induced by 1-(3-chlorophenyl) piperazine through regulating the MAPK pathway and serotonin system in mice. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 219, 23-30.
Publication: Borgonetti, V., López, V., & Galeotti, N. (2022). Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook. f. & ; Thomson) essential oil reduced neuropathic-pain and associated anxiety symptoms in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 294, 115362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115362
Work : Baudoux, d. (2017). aromatherapy. dunod.
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Zahalka, J. (2017). Complete Aromatherapy Dictionary. Editions du Dauphin.
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About these tips
This aromatherapy article was written by Théophane de la Charie, author of the book “Treat yourself with essential oils”, accompanied by a multidisciplinary team made up of pharmacists, biochemists and agronomists.
La Compagnie des Sens and its teams do not encourage self-medication. The information and advice provided comes from a reference bibliographic database (books, scientific publications, etc.). They are given for information purposes, or to suggest avenues for reflection: they should in no case replace a diagnosis, consultation or medical follow-up, and cannot engage the liability of the Compagnie des Sens.