Homers Herbs

What can we help you with?
< All Topics
Print

Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata syn. Canangium odoratum)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Annonaceae
  • Common Names: Ylang-Ylang, Perfume Tree, Cananga
  • Parts Used: Flowers, essential oil

Description

Cananga odorata is a fast-growing tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and the Philippines. The highly aromatic flowers are distilled into ylang-ylang essential oil, which is widely used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. The oil is known for its calming, aphrodisiac, and circulatory-supporting properties.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in traditional Southeast Asian medicine as a relaxant and aphrodisiac.
  • Traditionally employed to promote skin and hair health.
  • Applied as an aromatic treatment for emotional balance and stress relief.

Constituents

  • Linalool
  • Geranyl acetate
  • Caryophyllene
  • Benzyl acetate
  • Farnesene

Actions

  • Nervine (calming)
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
  • Antidepressant
  • Antispasmodic
  • Skin tonic

Medicinal Uses

1. Stress and Anxiety Relief:
Ylang-ylang is known for its calming effect, helping to reduce tension, anxiety, and nervousness.

2. Circulatory and Heart Health:
Traditionally used to support healthy circulation and lower high blood pressure.

3. Skin and Hair Care:
Used in cosmetic applications to balance oil production, soothe irritation, and promote hair growth.

4. Aphrodisiac and Emotional Balance:
Often used in aromatherapy to enhance sensuality and uplift mood.

5. Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief:
Applied topically to relieve muscle tension and spasms.

Preparation and Dosage

Aromatherapy Use:

  • Diffuse 3-5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil in a diffuser for relaxation and mood enhancement.

Massage Oil:

  • Dilute 5-10 drops of essential oil in a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or almond oil) for topical application.

Bath:

  • Add 5-7 drops of essential oil to bathwater for relaxation and skin nourishment.

Hair and Skin Application:

  • Add a few drops to shampoos, lotions, or facial oils for skin and scalp benefits.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Generally considered safe in low amounts but consult a healthcare provider before use.
  • Skin Sensitivity: May cause irritation in sensitive individuals; always perform a patch test before topical application.
  • Low Blood Pressure: Ylang-ylang may lower blood pressure, so use with caution in hypotensive individuals.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Southeast Asian Medicine: Warming and harmonizing; balances emotions and enhances circulation.

Combinations

  • For Stress Relief: Combine with lavender and chamomile.
  • For Circulatory Support: Combine with rosemary and ginger.
  • For Hair and Skin Health: Combine with jojoba oil and rosehip oil.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Flowers are collected early in the morning when fragrance is most potent.
  • Drying: Fresh flowers are steam-distilled to extract the essential oil.
  • Storage: Store essential oil in a dark, cool place in an airtight container.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Cananga odorata’s anxiolytic, hypotensive, and mood-enhancing properties, supporting its traditional use in aromatherapy and wellness applications.

Ylang-Ylang remains a cherished herb in aromatherapy and herbal medicine, particularly for emotional well-being, circulatory health, and skincare.