What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil and Why You Should Care?

In this video blog, I will highlight one of my all-time favorite essential oils, Ylang ylang. This sweet-smelling aromatic essence from the flower of the Cananga odorata tree is beloved for its enticing scent and harmonizing mind-body-heart benefits.

In this video blog, I’ve compiled all the details you would want to know about this cherished essential oil. Based on its impressive properities, I think you’ll come to discover why ylang ylang oil has earned such a prominent place within my naturopathic medicine articles and my essential oils database.

Topics include:

  • Ylang ylang’s origins and background
  • The allure of ylang ylang oil in the perfume industry
  • Active compounds in ylang ylang oil
  • Traditional and aromatic uses of ylang ylang oil
  • Clinical trials with ylang ylang oil
  • Ylang ylang oil’s potential impact on memory

As always, all the links to the studies, references, and resources can be found within this accompanying blog.

So, let’s get started.

 

The Origins of Ylang Ylang Oil

Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a tall evergreen tree from the Annonaceae family, reaching up to 100 ft. It features drooping branches and fragrant yellow flowers that can be smelled from 30 ft. away. Native to Indonesia, it is common in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Polynesia.

The flowers are used for the distillation process and are picked at sunrise, when their aroma is the most intense. This fact that the plant’s odor is strongest from dusk to dawn suggests a certain magnetism.

The essential oils extracted are extensively utilized across various industries. In the cosmetic industry, they serve as key constituents of perfumes and fragrances. In the food industry, they are employed as ingredients for aromas and flavors. Additionally, in the pharmaceutical sector, these essential oils are incorporated as active components in antibacterial products. They are also used in aromatherapy.

There are two species of ylang ylang oil (C. odorata and C. latifolia). They have different chemical makeups and their chemotypes (constituents within a species) can vary. For example, C. odorata var. fruticosa, or dwarf ylang ylang, is a variety that is popularly grown in Southeast Asia. Its essential oils come from a small shrub with highly scented flowers and are often used in the perfume industry.

 

The Famous Allure of Ylang Ylang’s Scent and Marylin Monroe

Ylang ylang oil’s odor has made it a popular alluring, feminine signature scent. The perfume industry has capitalized on this. In fact, it classifies ylang ylang into four grades based on its fragrant quality: Extra, First, Second, and Third. The Extra quality oil is higher in strongly odoriferous molecules such as linalool, and this is considered the elite grade in perfumery.

It appears I am in good company with many women who have found ylang ylang’s scent appealing. In fact, this essential oil was deemed to be one of the three ingredients in Chanel #5. This is the well-known perfume of Marilyn Monroe and a preferred perfume of other famous celebrities.

However, ylang ylang oil is much more than a beautiful aroma. It has many therapeutic properties based on its biochemical makeup.

 

Active Compounds in Ylang Ylang Oil

According to an article in the Journal of Experimental Biology, ylang ylang’s most dominant constituent is the monoterpene, linalool. Other major compounds within it belong to the category of sesquiterpenes. Together, these synergistic compounds are calming, neuroprotective, and have immune supportive effects.

According to the above-mentioned research paper, the following predominant compounds make up the ylang ylang oil found in Madagascar:

  • the volatile terpenes benzenoid and phenylpropanoid
  • the monoterpene linalool (19%)
  • two sesquiterpenes, B-caryophyllene (10.7%) and germacrene D (10.3%)
  • more than 20% of other aromatic compounds such as p-methylanisole, benzyl benzoate, methyl benzoate, and benzyl salicylate.

A 2015 article in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported in more detail the complexity of the compounds that make up ylang ylang oil. The authors categorized its composition based on oxygenated and hydrocarbon factions of the oil. These consisted of the following groups:

  • monoterpenes (organic compounds made up of two isoprene units, molecular formula C10H16, can by cyclic)
  • sesquiterpenes (organic compounds of three isoprene units, often have the molecular formula C15H24, can by cylic)
  • aliphatic (organic hydrocarbons with no ring structure)
  • phenylproponids (organic compounds that are biosynthesized from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine)
  • nitrogen bearing compounds

The specific compounds found within each class are listed in this chart.

It’s important to note that as with all oils, distillation technique, plant location, environmental factors, manufacturing, the species, chemotype, and quality and purity of the ylang ylang oil will impact the percentage of its constituents and the effects of the final product.

 

Traditional and Aromatic Uses of Ylang Ylang Oil

According to an article in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, C. odorata has traditionally been used to address malaria, stomach ailments, asthma, gout, and rheumatism.

The essential oil has been utilized to alleviate depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety. It has also been shown to be supportive for skin issues.

Emotionally, ylang ylang oil is often included in blends to promote happiness, gratitude, and self-worth. Additionally, Ylang Ylang is regarded as an aphrodisiac.

I have used ylang ylang oil in my practice to support my clients’ mood, calm their brains and bodies, and enhance their self-esteem.

 

How Does Ylang Ylang Oil Calm the Mind-Body?

Mechanistically, ylang ylang oil has been shown to interact with both the anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory responses of the central nervous system (CNS) to stress. Specifically, it affects the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis by decreasing glucocorticoids in the bloodstream. It also impacts serotonin levels in the brain. These biochemical properties likely account for its calming effect on the nervous system.

 

Clinical Trials with Ylang Ylang Oil

In human studies, ylang ylang oil has the most research on its relaxing effect on the heart, lowering elevated blood pressure, and its systemic calming properties.

One small study with ten volunteers compared the physiological impact of sniffing three different essential oils, a form of tea tree, patchouli, and ylang ylang. The researchers measured effects on various biological markers. The results indicated that ylang ylang (C. odorata):

  • decreased pulse rate
  • lowered blood pressure
  • had a relaxing effect
  • reduced the stress index
  • lowered the stress response in the brain (as measured by increased alpha brain activity)

In another clinical trial with 40 subjects, transdermal application of ylang ylang oil was similarly reported to lower blood pressure and increase skin temperature (a sign of enhanced circulation). The subjective measures of relaxation and calmness also improved.

Additionally, one interesting human study with 29 men demonstrated that the inhalation of ylang ylang oil in a fragranced room for 20 minutes decreased heart rate and lowered blood pressure. The researchers reported on the constituents and their intriguing methods:

We used the Ylang-Ylang oil containing linalool (13.6%), geranyl acetate (5.3%), caryophyllene (1.7%), p-cresyl ether (16.5%), methyl benzoate (8.7%), benzyl acetate (25.1%), benzyl benzoate (2.2%), and other sesquiterpenes (7.4%). In this study, we put 3 drops (0.15 cc) of Ylang-Ylang oil by using a pipette into a warm water (90°C) lamp and created incense. All of the subjects in YYG smelt a fragrance emerging from the lamp for 20 min.

This study caught my attention because of the heating of ylang ylang essential oil. This could cause damage to its constituents. Yet, the presence of the “active constituents” linalool and sesquiterpenes were preserved in their analysis. This likely accounted for the maintained positive benefits.

In another ylang ylang inhalation study, the results further supported its soothing properties. The authors reported the effect to be “harmonization and subjective,” lowering blood pressure while subjects reported remaining alert.

For all these reasons, ylang ylang is one of my go-to oils for supporting the vagal nerve’s parasympathetic activity of “rest and digest.”

 

Can Ylang Ylang Oil Negatively Impact Memory?

It’s clear from its biochemistry and clinical trials that ylang ylang can calm our hearts and heads and modulate our stress patterns.

However, an often-reported study warns that it can negatively impact memory. This study consisted of 144 volunteers assigned to a control condition, peppermint oil, or ylang ylang oil. Compared to peppermint, ylang ylang had a calming effect but also demonstrated a decrease in memory.

This could be due to a variety of factors, but likely is related to perception and nervous system responses. For this reason, I either combine ylang ylang in a blend when cognitive power needs a boost or use it separately during down times.

 

Summary of Ylang Ylang Oil

Ylang ylang essential oil is not just a lovely aromatic ingredient for high-profile perfumes. As an essential oil, it is an amazing, non-toxic scent that is calming to the heart, head, and whole body. It has been shown to support mood, blood pressure, nervous system tone, and certain skin issues. Its aroma can also promote happiness and self-esteem.

For those wishing to relax their minds, support their physical and environmental health, and enhance their allure, I suggest inhaling, applying, and/or diffusing this pleasant aroma daily. (Note safety and proper usage.)

I’d love to hear from you on how you use ylang ylang oil and the benefits you receive from it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn how to nurture your mind, body, heart, and soul.

Sending you many blessings.

 

Interested in Learning More About Essential Oils?

 

Resources:

What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil and Why You Should Care?

In this video blog, I will highlight one of my all-time favorite essential oils, Ylang ylang. This sweet-smelling aromatic essence from the flower of the Cananga odorata tree is a beloved for its enticing scent and harmonizing mind-body-heart benefits.

I’ve compiled all the details you would want to know about this cherished essential oil. Based on its impressive properities, I think you’ll come to discover why ylang ylang oil has earned such a prominent place within my naturopathic medicine articles and my essential oils database.

Topics include:

  • Ylang ylang’s origins and background
  • The allure of ylang ylang oil in the perfume industry
  • Active compounds in ylang ylang oil
  • Traditional and aromatic uses of ylang ylang oil
  • Clinical trials with ylang ylang oil
  • Ylang ylang oil’s potential impact on memory

As always, all the links to the studies, references, and resources can be found within this accompanying blog.

So, let’s get started.

 

The Origins of Ylang Ylang Oil

Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a tall evergreen tree from the Annonaceae family, reaching up to 100 ft. It features drooping branches and fragrant yellow flowers that can be smelled from 30 ft. away. Native to Indonesia, it is common in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Polynesia.

The flowers are used for the distillation process and are picked at sunrise, when their aroma is the most intense. This fact that the plant’s odor is strongest from dusk to dawn suggests a certain magnetism.

The essential oils extracted are extensively utilized across various industries. In the cosmetic industry, they serve as key constituents of perfumes and fragrances. In the food industry, they are employed as ingredients for aromas and flavors. Additionally, in the pharmaceutical sector, these essential oils are incorporated as active components in antibacterial products and they are also used in aromatherapy.

There are two species of ylang ylang oil (C. odorata and C. latifolia). They have different chemical makeups and their chemotypes (constituents within a species) can vary. For example, C. odorata var. fruticosa, or dwarf ylang ylang, is a variety that is popularly grown in Southeast Asia. Its essential oils come from a small shrub with highly scented flowers that are often used in the perfume industry.

 

The Famous Allure of Ylang Ylang’s Scent and Marylin Monroe

Ylang ylang oil’s odor has made it a popular alluring, feminine signature scent. The perfume industry has capitalized on this. In fact, it classifies ylang ylang into four grades based on its fragrant quality: Extra, First, Second, and Third. The Extra quality oil is higher in strongly odoriferous molecules such as linalool, and this is considered the elite grade in perfumery.

It appears I am in good company with many women who have found ylang ylang’s scent appealing. In fact, this essential oil was deemed to be one of the three ingredients in Chanel #5. This is the well-known perfume of Marilyn Monroe and preferred perfume of other famous celebrities.

However, ylang ylang is much more than a beautiful aroma. It has many therapeutic properties based on its biochemical makeup.

 

Active Compounds in Ylang Ylang Oil

According to an article in the Journal of Experimental Biology, ylang ylang’s most dominant constituent is the monoterpene, linalool. Other major compounds within it belong to the category of sesquiterpenes. Together, these synergistic compounds are calming, neuroprotective, and have immune supportive effects.

According to the above-mentioned research paper, the following predominant compounds make up ylang ylang oil found in Madagascar:

  • the volatile terpenes benzenoid and phenylpropanoid
  • the monoterpene linalool (19%)
  • two sesquiterpenes, B-caryophyllene (10.7%) and germacrene D (10.3%)
  • more than 20% of other aromatic compounds such as p-methylanisole, benzyl benzoate, methyl benzoate, and benzyl salicylate.

A 2015 article in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported in more detail the complexity of the compounds that make up ylang ylang oil. The authors categorized its composition based on oxygenated and hydrocarbon factions of the oil. These consisted of the following groups:

  • monoterpenes (organic compounds made up of two isoprene units, molecular formula C10H16, can by cyclic)
  • sesquiterpenes (organic compounds of three isoprene units, often have the molecular formula C15H24, can by cylic)
  • aliphatic (organic hydrocarbons with no ring structure)
  • phenylproponids (organic compounds that are biosynthesized from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine)
  • nitrogen bearing compounds

The specific compounds found within each class are listed in this chart.

It’s important to note that as with all oils, distillation technique, plant location, environmental factors, manufacturing, and the species, chemotype, quality, and purity of the ylang ylang oil will impact the percentage of its compounds and the effects of the final product.

 

Traditional and Aromatic Uses of Ylang Ylang OIl

According to an article in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, C. odorata has traditionally been used to address malaria, stomach ailments, asthma, gout, and rheumatism.

The essential oil utilized in aromatherapy has been intended to alleviate depression, high blood pressure, and anxiety. It has also been shown to be supportive for skin issues.

Emotionally, ylang ylang oil is often included in blends to promote happiness, gratitude, and self-worth. Additionally, Ylang Ylang is regarded as an aphrodisiac.

I have used ylang ylang oil in my practice to support my clients’ mood, calm their brains and bodies, and enhance their self-esteem.

 

How Does Ylang Ylang Oil Calm the Mind-Body

Mechanistically, ylang ylang oil has been shown to interact with both the anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory responses of the central nervous system (CNS) to stress. Specifically, it affects the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis by decreasing glucocorticoid levels. It also impacts serotonin levels in the brain. These biochemical properties likely account for its calming effect on the nervous system.

 

Clinical Trials with Ylang Ylang Oil

In human studies, ylang ylang oil is most studied to have a relaxing effect on the heart, lowering elevated blood pressure.

One small study with ten volunteers compared the physiological impact of sniffing three different essential oils, a form of tea tree, patchouli, and ylang ylang. The researchers measured effects on various biological markers. The results indicated that ylang ylang (C. odorata):

  • decreased pulse rate
  • lowered blood pressure
  • had a relaxing effect
  • reduced the stress index
  • lowered the stress response in the brain (as measured by increased alpha brain activity)

In another clinical trial with 40 subjects, transdermal application of ylang ylang oil was also reported to lower blood pressure and increase skin temperature (a sign of enhanced circulation). The subjective measures of relaxation and calmness also improved.

One interesting human study with 29 men also demonstrated that the inhalation of ylang ylang oil in a fragranced room for 20 minutes decreased heart rate and lowered blood pressure. The researchers reported on the constituents and their intriguing methods:

We used the Ylang-Ylang oil containing linalool (13.6%), geranyl acetate (5.3%), caryophyllene (1.7%), p-cresyl ether (16.5%), methyl benzoate (8.7%), benzyl acetate (25.1%), benzyl benzoate (2.2%), and other sesquiterpenes (7.4%). In this study, we put 3 drops (0.15 cc) of Ylang-Ylang oil by using a pipette into a warm water (90°C) lamp and created incense. All of the subjects in YYG smelt a fragrance emerging from the lamp for 20 min.

This study caught my attention because of the heating of ylang ylang essential oil. This could cause damage to its constituents. Yet, the presence of the “active constituents” linalool and sesquiterpenes were preserved in their analysis. This likely accounted for the maintained positive benefits.

In another ylang ylang inhalation study, the results further supported its soothing properties. The authors reported the effect to be “harmonization and subjective,” lowering blood pressure while subjects reported remaining alert.

For all these reasons, ylang ylang is one of my go-to oils for supporting the vagal nerve’s parasympathetic activity of “rest and digest.”

 

Can Ylang Ylang Oil Negatively Impact Memory?

It’s clear from its biochemistry and clinical trials that ylang ylang can calm our hearts and heads and modulate stress patterns.

However, an often-reported study warns that it can negatively impact memory. This study consisted of 144 volunteers assigned to a control condition, peppermint oil, or ylang ylang oil. Compared to peppermint, ylang ylang had a calming effect but also demonstrated a decrease in memory.

This could be due to a variety of factors, but likely is related to perception and nervous system responses. For this reason, I either combine ylang ylang in a blend when cognitive power needs a boost or use it separately during down times.

 

Summary of Ylang Ylang Oil

Ylang ylang essential oil is not just a lovely aromatic ingredient for high-profile perfumes. As an essential oil, it is also be an amazing and non-toxic scent that is calming to the heart, head, and whole body. It has been shown to support mood, blood pressure, nervous system tone, and certain skin issues. Its aroma can also promote happiness and self-esteem.

For those wishing to relax their minds, support their physical and environmental health, and enhance their allure, I suggest inhaling, applying, and/or diffusing this pleasant aroma daily. (Note safety and proper usage.)

I’d love to hear from you on how you use ylang ylang oil and the benefits you receive from it.

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn how to nurture your mind, body, heart, and soul.

Sending you many blessings.

 

Interested in Learning More About Essential Oils?

 

Resources:

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Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

Thanks Pixabay and Canva.