Ylang ylang essential oil is a spicy, exotic oil that is stimulating and uplifting. Essential oils have been used around the globe for centuries. They are used for both pleasure and medicinal purposes. Because essential oils are volatile, meaning they can evaporate into the air, especially when added to hot water, they can be breathed in through your respiratory system or applied topically.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils and resins from plants have been used globally since Biblical times. In Egypt, high priests recorded the medicinal uses of essential oils on paper. Records show that the Chinese used aromatic herbs and massage over 2000 years ago. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, essential oils were, and still are, used in massage and on pressure points to correct underlying imbalances and improve health.
When inhaled or applied topically, aromatherapy can have a local effect on your sinuses, nasal passages and lungs. They can even enter your blood circulation through being inhaled, which will then have a biochemical effect on your entire body. Topically, essential oils work by penetrating your skin to affect an area locally and by penetrating your skin a small amount can enter your bloodstream, affecting your whole body.
When applied topically, essential oils are absorbed through your olfactory nerve in your nose, affecting your brain and nervous system. These various pathways can affect your health both mentally and physically. The study of Aromatherapy – the medicinal use of essential oils – falls under the new science called Psychoneuroimmunology, which is the study of the interaction of your psyche, nervous system and immune system. Science has shown that when you have a positive outlook and feel relaxed, your immune system works better.
How To Use Essential Oils
- Inhaled through steam inhalation, humidifiers, diffusers, and vaporizers
- Added to a carrier oil and applied to your skin directly or as a hot or cold compress
- Spritzed onto objects like pillows, bedding and furniture
- Added to infusers, potpourri and candles to enhance the odour of an indoor space
- Applied to the skin as perfume
- Used as a gargle or mouth wash, added to toothpaste, soaps, cleaning solutions, lotions and creams, face and body spray
- Added to baths, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, hand and foot baths and saunas
What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?
Ylang Ylang is an exotic, spicy-smelling oil whose aroma is both uplifting, stimulating and relaxing. It comes from the flowers of a tall tropical tree cultivated in Madagascar, Sumatra and Comores. Historically, it's been mostly known as an aphrodisiac. In fact, Indonesians spread this flowers petals on the beds of newlywed couples. Today, however, Ylang Ylang is used for many other medicinal purposes.
What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Used For?
Ylang Ylang calms and uplifts your mood and mind. To relieve anxiety, fears, depression, stress and tension, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or 8 – 10 drops in your bath water.
As an aphrodisiac, use 2-3 drops in a diffuser or 8 – 10 drops in your bath water. You can also dab a bit of the oil on the back of your neck.
This oil increases circulation and reduces blood pressure. Mix 2 – 3 drops in 1 oz of carrier oil, like Sweet Almond Oil and use it for a full body massage.
Ylang Ylang even stimulates hair growth. Mix this oil with a carrier oil and massage into scalp. Leave on for 20 min, then shampoo out. Repeat 3 – 4 times weekly for a few months.
Ylang Ylang Applications
Topically: in a carrier oil like Jojoba, Sweet Almond or Grape Seed Oil:
- for hair growth
- for increased circulation
- to lower blood pressure
- as an aphrodisiac
- for fear, panic, depression, stress and tension
In a bath, diffuser or humidifier:
- As an aphrodisiac
- For fear, anxiety, depression, stress and tension
Works synergistically with:
- Lavender and Sandalwood, Grapefruit and Bergamot – for stress and tension
- Rosemary, Lavender, Tea tree and Geranium– for hair loss
- Cypress, Geranium. Lemon and Ginger – for increasing circulation
