How these beautiful Ylang Ylang flowers participate in our Calming Salve
Ylang Ylang (pronounced “Ee-lang Ee-lang”) is a yellow flower that grows on the Cananga Odorata tree. The name Ylang Ylang originates from the Philippines and it means “the flower of flowers”.
Cananga Odorata is also known as the perfume tree due to its distinctly fragrant flowers. This tree is native to much of tropical Asia, but nowadays is grown all over the world and harvested for its oil.
Natives have been using Ylang Ylang oil for centuries. Today, the Ylang Ylang oil is seen as a versatile essential oil and is commonly used for its many therapeutic properties and rich scent.
Because of its many benefits, we have included Ylang Ylang essential oil in our Calming & Anxiety Relief Salve. It pairs great with CBD, making it a perfect choice for our salve. To learn all about this oil and its many benefits, keep reading!
What is Ylang Ylang essential oil?
First of all, what are essential oils?
Essential oils are aromatic liquids derived from plants typically through the process of steam distillation. These fragrant substances are chemically pure plant compounds and highly volatile. They have found widespread usage in aromatherapy and dermatology.
Not all Ylang Ylang oil is made the same. Ylang Ylang essential oil is labeled according to its ranking during the distillation process. There are five grades of the Ylang Ylang essential oil that are created through the distillation of the Cananga Odorata flowers:
- Ylang Ylang Extra
- Grade I
- Grade II
- Grade III
- Complete
This means the oil can be extracted up to five times from the flowers. Each grade is collected at an increasing interval of time.
Ylang Ylang Extra contains the strongest scent, however, it dissipates quickly. Ylang Ylang Grade I, II, III have less powerful scents (in decreasing order) but are more concentrated and longer-lasting.
The Ylang Ylang oil is yellow with a floral, sweet, slightly fruity scent. You may recognize the scent from the famous perfume Chanel No. 5 that uses Ylang Ylang as one of its main ingredients. Also, the aroma of Ylang Ylang is described as soothing.
Moreover, Ylang ylang essential oil contains up to 161 individual compounds including linalool, a compound rich in antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. The many benefits of Ylang Ylang oil can be obtained either by ingestion, aromatically, or topical application.
Fun fact: Ylang Ylang flowers release their most potent fragrance at night. That’s why they are hand-picked at sunrise to preserve their potent properties and aroma.
The benefits and uses of Ylang Ylang essential oil
Stress and anxiety relief
A few studies have shown promising results that support the calming and relaxing effects of Ylang Ylang.
A study published in the Korean Society of Nursing Science found that Ylang Ylang may be effective in combating stress and anxiety as it effectively reduces psychological stress responses and serum cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone and it helps regulate our mood, motivation, and fear.
Moreover, a 2006 study showed evidence that the usage of Ylang Ylang essential oil in aromatherapy may relieve depression and stress. The sedative effects of Ylang Ylang are also supported by a 2008 study that found that the aroma of Ylang Ylang increases the feeling of calmness.
More recently, a small pilot study conducted in 2014 showed promising results in the usage of Ylang Ylang essential oil for reducing anxiety and boosting self-esteem.
Fun fact: There is a song from the famous french singer FKJ named Ylang Ylang. The song is named Ylang Ylang because it’s supposed to be as relaxing as the flower.
Immunity booster
Research has shown that Ylang Ylang contains several active compounds such as O-Methylmoschatoline, liriodenine, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid.
These compounds are found to exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities. In turn, they may help improve our immunity and lower inflammation, which is a leading cause of many diseases.
Decreases and regulates blood pressure and heart rate
The Ylang Ylang essential oil might benefit people who suffer from high blood pressure.
According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, the inhalation of Ylang Ylang aroma may significantly decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, the study found that the participants who used this essential oil exhibited a slower heart rate.
These findings are also supported by other studies published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing and the Wiley Online Library.
Promotes better sleep
As we mentioned above, Ylang Ylang has shown promising results in reducing stress, anxiety, cortisol levels, as well as heart rate. Therefore, this essential oil can help relax the body and mind, allowing users to be in the optimal condition for falling asleep faster.
Moreover, a recent study showed that the sleep quality of participants that used essential oils like Ylang Ylang before going to sleep increased. The study suggests that when used aromatically, Ylang Ylang can potentially improve your sleep quality.
Helps with several skin conditions
Ylang Ylang exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Studies show that Ylang Ylang oil is composed of many active compounds called terpenoids. These isolated terpenoid derivatives may act as promising therapeutic agents in the treatment of several skin disorders.
Recent research suggests that this essential oil might help clear acne, balance the skin’s sebum production, treat eczema and dermatitis, and even heal insect bites.
Aphrodisiac properties
In Indonesia, Ylang Ylang petals are scattered on the beds of newlyweds because it is believed that the flower has aphrodisiac qualities.
While there is no direct scientific link between Ylang Ylang and sexual experience, there is evidence that this essential oil induces a relaxing effect and self-esteem boost. This state of relaxation is needed to foster sexual desire. Therefore, Ylang Ylang may help with sexual stimulation by acting as an aphrodisiac.
Side Effects of Ylang Ylang
As with any essential oil, Ylang Ylang should not be applied full strength on the skin as it may cause irritation. Ylang Ylang is usually mixed with other oils and should always be patch tested before applying it on a large area of skin.
The sedative effect of Ylang Ylang has been shown to inhibit alertness. Make sure to first use the oil when you are in a comfortable and safe environment to notice how your body and mind respond to it.
In addition, Ylang Ylang is poisonous to cats and dogs, so keep it away from them.
How to use Ylang Ylang essential oil
There are three ways you can use the Ylang Ylang essential oil:
1. Aromatically
Ylang Ylang can be inhaled by using an aromatherapy diffuser or simply by sprinkling a few drops of oil in a tissue.
Via inhalation, the essential oil aroma stimulates the brain’s limbic system in a way that triggers positive emotions and all the benefits that accompany it.
2. Ingestion
Ylang Ylang is deemed safe by the FDA and has shown no adverse effects when used as a food additive. The oil is commonly used in the food industry as a flavor ingredient. In small quantities, it may be safe to put a few drops of Ylang Ylang in your coffee or tea.
However, you should always consult with a health professional before taking it internally as there is no data on consuming this essential oil in larger quantities for medicinal purposes.
3. Topical application
If you choose to buy pure Ylang Ylang essential oil, it’s necessary to dilute it first. Before applying it directly to the skin, all essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil. Carrier oils, also known as base or vegetable oils, are used to dilute essential oils so they do not irritate the skin. This is a necessary safety practice. It’s recommended to use a 1:1 dilution ratio.
Our Calming & Anxiety Relief Salve doesn’t require any dilution, it’s ready to be used! Simply rub the salve into your skin, breathe deeply, and enjoy the calming effects.
As with any new product you introduce to your skincare routine, you should first perform a skin sensitivity test. Apply the product to a small area in your arm before using it on a large or sensitive area of the skin.
Using Ylang Ylang in combination with CBD
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural, non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis Sativa plant. This popular cannabinoid is known for its many health benefits, including relaxation and managing anxiety.
Combining essential oils with CBD and other products is thought to create a synergistic effect: the effects of a blend are greater than the sum of individual products. The blends are considered to be a form of art, where each ingredient is carefully selected to provide a holistic therapeutic effect.
That’s how we have hand-picked each ingredient for our Ylang Ylang and CBD-infused Calming & Anxiety Relief Salve. With 500mg of pure CBD isolate sourced from premium U.S. hemp and a variety of essential oils including Ylang Ylang, this product aims to help you release stress and anxiety. All the while promoting better sleep and nourishing your skin.
