Ylang-ylang essential oil helps improve the structure and appearance of aging skin. Ylang-ylang has a toning effect and can balance the production of sebum. It is antiseptic and a sedative. Ylang-ylang can be used on all skin types and is helpful when treating stubborn boils, acne, eczema, and other skin irritations.

When used as a facial toner, best results are achieved by combining ylang-ylang with seaweed extract. When used as a moisturizer, ylang-ylang essential oil may be mixed with almond oil and rose water (rose essential oil is even better but very costly).

Ylang-ylang essential oil is often used to relax the nerves. The scent helps the body to overcome stress, frustration, anger, panic attacks, anxiety, fear, and shock by balancing the blood pressure, decreasing adrenaline production, and regulating breathing patterns. Ylang-ylang essential oil counteracts depression, stabilizes mood swings, and can bring about feelings of euphoria.

The scent is soothing with a floral base note that becomes more powerful when mixed with other oils. A recipe for beautifully scented facial cleansing oil combines one cup of apricot kernel oil, one half cup of walnut oil, one tablespoon of avocado oil, and one half teaspoon of ylang-ylang essential oil. Shake gently and apply to face (with cotton ball) using upward strokes.

Ylang-ylang is also used as an aphrodisiac. It can help rejuvenate and restore passion. Ylang-ylang calms the heart and helps stop palpitations. It reduces fever, balances hormones, encourages hair growth on the scalp, fights dry skin, clears oily skin, and is a good treatment for postnatal depression.

Ylang-ylang is excellent in massage oil. Use after a caesarian delivery and on the stomach during recovery from food poisoning. Ylang-ylang massage oil can also help improve the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Filipinos mix the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree (Canaga odorata) with coconut oil and use the thick paste as protection against saltwater and snakebites. In Indonesia, ylang-ylang flowers are spread on the bed of newlywed couples

Ylang-ylang trees flourish in the tropical regions of Java, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Madagascar. They grow in full or partial sun, and prefer the acidic soils of native rainforests. Ylang-ylang trees can be cultivated in temperate climates under greenhouse conditions but full potential should not be expected in these conditions.

Ylang-ylang leaves are long, smooth and glossy, and the branches droop like a willow. The evergreen trees bear exotic yellow flowers that produce an extraordinary scent. The sweet, sensual ylang-ylang essential oils are extracted by steam distillation for use in aromatherapy, perfumes (including Chanel N. 5), and fine cosmetics. Ylang-ylang is known as the “flower of flowers”.

*Overindulgence can bring on headache or nausea – use in moderation. As with all herbal and over-the-counter products, discontinue use if irritation develops. Ylang-ylang essential oil may be used neat as a perfume, but keep away from the eyes. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicines.