Ylang ylang: a flower so nice, they had to name it twice. The name means “flower of flowers”. Ylang ylang essential oil falls in the middle of the price range: far less expensive than florals like rose and jasmine, but more expensive than the plentiful lavender.
The ylang ylang tree originally comes from the Philippines, but is grown throughout tropical Asia for use in perfumes and in cooking! The sweet, yellow flower is used in beverages and desserts. Differences in climate can produce different grades of the essential oil that may smell very different from each other! If you are concerned with quality, look for “extra” grade — this is the essential oil produced only from the first run of the plant material through the distillation process. The other grades of ylang ylang essential oil come from second and third runs through the process.
Generally, the scent of the ylang ylang flower is intense, sweet, and floral. It can be overwhelming alone; many people prefer to blend ylang ylang with something a little less intense. Personally, I like to mix floral and citrus scents together — ylang ylang with lemon is one of my favorites.
Ylang ylang is thought to be one of the most relaxing scents available. However, studies have shown that the scent of ylang ylang can stimulate or relax brain waves! So it might be better to characterize this essential oil as a balancing scent. Ylang ylang can help lower blood pressure and ease depression; the sweet scent can relieve symptoms of PMS, stress, and nervousness.
In skin care products, ylang ylang is good for combination skin — it can help balance out oil production. Use ylang ylang essential oil in your hair conditioner to even out oil production there, too. It can also help protect your hair from sun and salt water damage during the summer months or when on that tropical cruise.
Ylang ylang is thought to have aphrodisiac qualities; this sweet, floral scent may leave you and your partner feeling extra-romantic.