Monday Spotlight: Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang Ylang is a tall and willowy tree native to Southeast Asia and the Philippines which displays clusters of large star-shaped flowers on downward drooping branches.  The flowers, ranging in color from white to yellow to pink, are steam distilled--about 50 pounds of picked flowers yields 1 pound of ylang ylang essential oil!

Ylang Ylang essential oil can be used medicinally for:

• lowering blood pressure.
• regulating respiration.
• calming heart palpitations.
• soothing the nervous system.
• easing muscle spasms and relaxing tense muscles associated with backache, sciatica, and TMJ syndrome.
• treating irregular periods, menstrual cramps, and premenstrual syndrome
• calming and comforting women going through menopause.
• soothing the inflammation and irritation of psoriasis, eczema, and other types of dermatitis.

Its beauty benefits include:

• treating oily skin by balancing oil production and reducing excessive oiliness.
• fighting bacterial infection to help control acne and blemishes.
• softening and soothing the skin and stimulating new cell growth.
• warding off wrinkles and premature aging because it relaxes facial muscles and releases facial tension that can contribute to lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

Ylang Ylang also has emotional benefits.  It

• is used in Europe to treat depression, emotional exhaustion, insomnia, and nervous tension.
• relaxes and calms excited emotional states.
• subdues anxiety, stress and stress-related disorders.
• reduces worrying and tension and stabilizes moods.
• arouses sensuality, creates euphoric moods, and induces deep relaxation.

If you have decided to take advantage of the benefits of ylang ylang, you can use it in a variety of ways.

• diffuse or inhale directly.
• apply 2-4 drops directly to area of need.
• take as a dietary supplement.

*use sparingly if you have low blood pressure

Try this recipe that uses ylang ylang essential oil for an all over moisturizer--this is my go to body moisturizer (I also use it year round despite the title of "winter skin repair oil").  Interested in purchasing ylang ylang essential oil?  Click here.