The essential oil of Ylang-Ylang is extracted by steam distillation of fresh flowers of the Ylang-Ylang tree, which bears the scientific name Cananga Odorata and is commonly found in the rain forests of certain Asian and South Pacific Islands like Indonesia, Philippines, Java, Sumatra, Comoro and Polynesia.

It is considered an effective antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative. It has a positive effect on immune health, blood flow and emotions, making it a natural remedy for the endocrine, cardiovascular, reproductive and digestive systems. In foods and beverages, ylang ylang oil is used as a flavoring and preservative. In product manufacturing, it’s used as a fragrance for cosmetics, household cleansers, hair products and soaps.

Benefits of Ylang Ylang Oil

Antidepressant: This is one of the oldest known medicinal properties of Ylang-Ylang and it is a part of the essential oil as well. It fights depression and relaxes both the body and soul, thereby driving away anxiety, sadness, and chronic stress. It also has an uplifting effect on mood and induces feelings of joy and hope. It may be an effective treatment for those undergoing nervous breakdowns and acute depression after a shock or an accident.

Antiseborrhoeic: Seborrhoea or Seborrhoeic Eczema is a horrible disease that is caused due to malfunctioning sebaceous glands. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil can be beneficial in curing this inflammatory situation and reducing the skin irritation and redness by regularizing sebum production and treating the infection itself.

Antiseptic: Any wounds like cuts, abrasions or burns comes with the chance of the wound becoming septic from various bacterial infections. Essential Oil of Ylang-Ylang can help to avoid both sepsis and tetanus by inhibiting microbial growth and disinfecting the wounds. This property of Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil protects your wounds from infections from bacteria, virus and fungus. It also helps to speed up the healing process of the wound.

Aphrodisiac: The Essential Oil derived from Ylang-Ylang can really activate the romance within couples and can improve your sexual life. This can be very beneficial for those people who have lost interest in sex due to tremendous work load, professional stress, depression, or the effects of pollution. Essential oils like Ylang-Ylang can really help you find your sex drive.

Hypotensive: This oil is a very effective agent for lowering blood pressure. In recent times, since high blood pressure is a major health epidemic among both the young and the old, and the drugs for lowering it having serious adverse side effects on the health, Ylang-Ylang oil can be an easy and natural solution. It has no adverse side effects on health, if taken in prescribed quantities.

Sedative: This oil sedates or calms nervous afflictions, stress, anger and anxiety, while inducing a relaxed feeling.

Nervine:  A health booster for the nervous system, Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil strengthens the nervous system and repairs any damage it may have suffered. Furthermore, it also reduces stress on the nerves and protects them from developing a number of nervous disorders.

Other Benefits

Ylang-ylang essential oil can be used to cure infections in internal organs such as the stomach, intestines, colon, and urinary tract. It is also good for people suffering from insomnia, fatigue, frigidity and other stress related conditions. It is extremely effective in maintaining moisture and oil balance of the skin and keeps the skin looking hydrated, smooth, and young.

Few Words of Caution

Some cases of sensitivity, nausea and headache have been observed when taken in excessive amounts. Otherwise, when taken in recommended doses, it is non-toxic and is not reported to cause any irritation.

Blending

The Essential Oil of Ylang-Ylang makes very good blends with essential oils derived from bergamot, grapefruits, lavender and sandalwood. 

References:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-ylang-ylang-essential-oil.html

http://draxe.com/ylang-ylang/