Recent research into Ylang Ylang oil shows it may benefit those suffering from alcohol-induced liver damage.
While this highlights valuable potential uses for this essential oil, it’s best known for several other benefits. Keep reading to discover more about this interesting essential oil and where it comes from.
What Is Ylang Ylang?
Ylang Ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) oil comes from the greenish-yellow flowers of Cananga Odorata Genuina. The Cananga tree hails from the tropical forests of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Australia.
It’s best known for its wonderful, deep, floral aroma. The smell of Ylang Ylang is reminiscent of neroli, jasmine, banana, creamy custard, and rubber.
Due to this pleasant combination of aromas, it’s widely used in the fragrance and beauty industry. Thus, it’s earned the name, Queen of Perfumes.
At night, the flowers exude their rich perfume to attract moths, which pollinate the flowers. So, to capture the fragrance at its best, farmers harvest the blooms at sunrise.
They steam distill them right away to capture the essence at its best. The oil from this distillation usually makes its way into bottles of perfume.
After this first distillation, processors can extract even more oil from the flowers with further distillation.
It takes about 200 pounds of flowers to create just 33 to 66 fluid ounces of oil.
Other products containing Ylang Ylang include soap, cologne, lotion, and even food flavoring. In Southeast Asia, it’s used to flavor sweets, drinks, ice cream, and chewing gum.
Does Ylang Ylang Have Healing Benefits?
Apart from its newly discovered purifying properties, Ylang Ylang is a highly-prized essential oil. It has several reported health benefits.
Studies show that inhaling Ylang Ylang has a mildly sedative effect since it reduces diastolic and systolic blood pressure as well as the heart rates of healthy men.
It also contains linalool, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
What Is Ylang Ylang Used For?
Ylang Ylang is proven to reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem when applied topically or via inhalation. In the field of aromatherapy, it’s said to promote thinking and memory.
The gorgeous smell of Ylang Ylang has the added benefit of refreshing your home’s interiors when used in a diffuser. You can find out more about this here.
In some places, practitioners pound the flowers into a paste and use them as an inhalant to treat asthma. In Asia, dried flowers seem to work well against malaria symptoms, too.
It’s also used for treating fungal infections like Candida albicans (yeast infections) and as part of a treatment for head lice. It’s also a popular type of aphrodisiac in some cultures.
Embrace What Comes Naturally
As studies progress, more evidence is coming to light about the real benefits of essential oils like Ylang Ylang. As such, these treatments are becoming popular among health-conscious people wanting alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
This trend toward embracing ancient knowledge is often a healthier and safer option for both mental and physical health. Remember, it’s best to consult with a doctor before you embrace any kind of home remedy, though.
Are you keen to discover more ways to look and feel your best? Browse our website for more health and beauty tips.
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