Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: A Practitioner’s Guide
Overview
From nature to bottle: Steam distilled from the lush, star-shaped yellow blossoms of the Ylang Ylang tree (Cananga odorata).
Ylang Ylang is a deeply romantic botanical celebrated for its intensely hypnotic presence, rich sensory indulgence, and remarkable ability to tranquilize a racing mind.
Where other grounding oils rely on sharp, earthy undertones, Ylang Ylang draws its potency from a complex mixture of aromatic molecules. This intricate chemistry delivers a sweet, creamy exoticism that mirrors the warmth of tropical rainforests.
The Chemistry of Calm
This complex, sun-drenched aroma is built from unique natural compounds working in harmony:
• Linalool: A balancing floral molecule, also found in lavender, that softens inner tension.
• Benzyl Acetate: The component driving the sweet, jasmine-like floral character.
• Germacrene D & β-Caryophyllene: Versatile sesquiterpenes that give the aroma its deep structural complexity.
Distillation Fractions
Because this molecular composition varies naturally with the plant, growing conditions, and distillation methods, the oil is separated into fractional grades. These cuts—Extra, I, II, and III—reflect different stages of the distillation process, capturing shifting balances of the oil's chemistry.
Emotional Benefits
Ultimately, this comforting essence acts as a natural release for emotional tension. It weaves a soft boundary of serene luxury against chaotic thoughts and exhaustion, making it an exceptional choice for melting away daily stress and easing frustration.
Properties of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Traditionally described as:
• atidepressant
• antiseptic
• antispasmodic
• sedative
• tonic
Aromatic & Emotional Benefits
Aromatically, Ylang Ylang is traditionally used to:
Soothe emotional turbulence and dissolve anxious tension: Induces an immediate sense of stillness and emotional security, softening defensive walls and heavy moods to restore a calm, optimistic outlook.
Slow a racing mind and clear chaotic thoughts: Anchors focus and expands internal tranquility, acting as an atmospheric reset button that quiets overactivity and attunes the senses to a peaceful present moment.
Banish creative blocks and dispel internal friction: Melts away mental fatigue and frustration, delivering a rich, indulgent presence that recharges empty energetic reserves and inspires a fluid, creative flow.
French Medical Uses
Anxiety
Arterial Hypertension
Depression
Diabetes
Mental Fatigue
Frigidity
Hair Loss
Reduces Hyperpnea
Insomnia
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Common Uses
-
• Melts heavy mental fatigue
• Dissolves persistent stress tension
• Quiets intense crying spells
• Dissipates low self esteem
• Soothes deep emotional frustration
• Resolves low sex drive -
• Stimulates hair growth
• Combats localized hair loss
• Calms rapid hyperpnea breathing
• Lowers high blood pressure
• Steadies physical bodily equilibrium
• Soothes severe nervous shock
• Calms localized skin problems -
• Restores unconditional self love
• Reclaims profound inner peace
• Inspures vibrant confidence joy
• Filters negative thought patterns
• Harmonizes male female energies
• Dissipates deep seated rage -
• Diffuses ambient domestic tension
• Creates relaxing calming atmosphere
• Establishes deeply peaceful environment
• Invites comforting welcoming space
History
Ylang Ylang has a rich, storied history that bridges traditional ritual with modern botanical science. In Indonesia, the delicate, exotic flowers have long been used to cover newlywed beds as a symbol of intimacy and blessing, while traditional healers utilized the blossoms for protective skin treatments, to soothe insect bites, and to naturally thicken hair.
The medicinal properties of the oil were first formally recognized at the beginning of the 20th century by Garnier and Rechler, French chemists conducting research on the island of Reunion. They discovered that the oil's complex chemistry made it an effective treatment for a wide range of tropical diseases, including malaria, typhus, and intestinal infections. During their research, the pair also noted the oil's profound calming effect on the heart during times of acute physical and emotional distress.
This aligns seamlessly with East Asian medicine, where Ylang Ylang's unique ability to soothe and steady the heart accounts for its primary, time-honored therapeutic action.
Astrological Association
Venus & Neptune
Character
Yin (strong with a soft, radiating Yang)
Element
Earth & Water
Number
2 & 7
Crystals
Rose Quartz — softening defensive barriers, radiating pure compassion, and deeply comforting the emotional body.
Lapis Lazuli — slowing a racing mind, unlocking inner wisdom, and calming psychological overwhelm.
Chrysocolla — drawing out internal friction, pacifying raw nerves, and restoring fluid, peaceful expression.
Amethyst — transmuting anxious tension into spiritual serenity, clearing chaotic frequencies, and anchoring deep peace.
Moonstone — balancing volatile emotional tides, nurturing intuitive flow, and easing transitions.
Rhodochrosite — healing deep heart wounds, reclaiming playful joy, and dissolving heavy emotional blockages.
Celestite — lifting atmospheric heaviness, inviting gentle angelic calm, and quietening mental overactivity.
Chakra Associations
2nd Chakra — Sacral
• Softening rigid emotional control to restore fluid, creative expression.
• Awakening sensory pleasure and reconnecting the self to deep passion.
• Melting away internal friction, frustration, and deep-seated guilt.
• Nurturing inner vulnerability and stabilizing volatile emotional swings.
• Restoring a natural sense of playful warmth and sensual security.
3rd Chakra — Solar Plexus
• Inviting a rich sensory release that dissolves rigid self-control and stress.
• Melting protective armor to transform inner tension into radiant confidence.
• Harmonizing solar plexus emotional turbulence and soothing nervous exhaustion.
• Awaking a playful inner warmth and buoyant, creative joy.
• Anchoring personal power through deep, effortless emotional harmony.
Contraindications & Safety
* Not for use on children under 6.
* Use with caution on children over 6. Dilute with carrier oil.
* Ylang Ylang is potent; use sparingly, especially in leave-on products.
* Dilute before applying to skin. It can cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in some people.
* If you have a heart condition or take medication affecting blood pressure monitor your blood pressure.
Source References
Information supplied from:
The Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley
Healing Drops Wellness practitioner notes
Healing Drops Wellness Blends & Sprays with Ylang Ylang:
Cananga odorata
Steam distilled from flowers. Madagascar.
Main Benefits: Hormone balancer, supports heart and blood pressure.
Aroma: Exotic, sweet, and floral with fruity undertones.
Perfect for: Relaxation and mood lifting.
A deeply exotic, uplifting blend that creates emotional harmony, supports feelings of confidence and clarity, and helps balance all chakra energy centers.
Diffuse it to create a serene, uplifting atmosphere, perfect for meditation, yoga, or anytime you want to restore calm and clarity. This powerful combination of 16 oils was created by naturopathic doctor to balance all chakras (energetic centers), supporting emotional wellness and inner harmony.
A gentle, nurturing blend that promotes calm, emotional healing, and heart-centered connection. Perfect for mothers and babies, mothers-to-be, or anyone reconnecting with their inner child. Encourages serenity, self-love, and the blossoming of new beginnings. Apply to body, add to lotions, or diffuse. Excellent for skin cell renewal and stretch marks.
Formerly called Inner Child
This blend was created by a naturopathic doctor to support emotional balance and mental clarity. It’s helpful for easing anxiety, depression, stress, and hyperactivity—especially in children.
Use aromatically or topically: diffuse, breathe deeply, or apply to feet, temples, neck, or wear as a calming scent throughout the day.
Formally called Calm and Peaceful
Breathe into the gift of right now. This blend is crafted to gently anchor your awareness, helping you step out of old stories and release worries about what hasn’t yet arrived. It softens the noise of past emotions and quiets future-thinking, guiding you back to the only place where true healing happens — the present. Available in 5 mL.
This blend is formulated to support healthy blood pressure levels and promote a calming effect.
Apply 1–2 drops to the heart area, left ring finger, left ring toe, and neck. If the aroma is strong, apply to ankles or feet instead. Reapply every hour as needed, or diffuse for aromatic support. Always monitor your blood pressure while using.
Formerly called Blood Pressure Relief
A deeply grounding blend for inner vision and multidimensional healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Root & Resin helps clear chaotic cellular memory, restore energetic balance, and strengthen your connection to Source and self.
Formerly called Deep Dark Bark
Grounding and protective, this blend is antibacterial, supports respiratory health, and supports spiritual alignment. Allows the crown chakra to open for prayer and meditation.
Formerly called Sacred Woods
A radiant, mood-elevating spray that raises your energetic frequency and opens you to joy, love, and divine connection. Inspires sensuality and spiritual clarity while soothing the emotions and uplifting the spirit. (2 oz | 60 mL)
Chakras supported:
• 6th — Third Eye
• 7th — Crown
Formerly called Uplift
A powerful spray designed to support and accelerate life changes. Opens and balances key energy centers to help you release old patterns and step confidently into your highest potential. (2 oz | 60 mL)
Chakras supported:
• 7th — Crown
• 3rd — Solar Plexus
• 2nd — Sacral
• 1st — Root
Formerly called Transform
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