Rediscover serenity with Ylang Ylang

Ylang-ylang is a tropical tree belonging to the Annonaceae family. It grows mainly in tropical regions of Asia, Latin America and Africa, and is known for its fragrant flowers. Ylang-ylang essential oil is extracted from the tree's flowers and is used in perfumery and skincare products, as well as in certain aromatherapy practices. The ylang-ylang tree is also used in traditional culture for its medicinal properties and as an ornamental plant.

Where does this tree come from ?

Ylang-ylang is native to the tropical regions of Asia, Latin America and Africa. It has been introduced to other tropical regions around the world, notably South America, West Africa and the Caribbean.

The history of ylang-ylang use dates back to antiquity. In Asia, it was used in religious rituals and wedding ceremonies, and the leaves were used to create banners and floral decorations. Ylang-ylang essential oil was also used in skin care and perfumery products.

Over time, ylang-ylang became popular in other parts of the world for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Today, it is cultivated in tropical regions of many countries and is used in a variety of skin care and perfumery products.

Composition of Ylang Ylang oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the ylang-ylang tree by steam distillation. It contains a variety of aromatic compounds, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and esters. Among the most common compounds found in ylang-ylang essential oil are benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, linalool and geraniol.

Ylang-ylang essential oil is often diluted with other essential oils or vegetable oils before being used in skin care and perfumery products. It is also used in certain aromatherapy practices, where it is inhaled or applied to the skin for its therapeutic properties.

Properties of Ylang Ylang oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil is known for its many therapeutic properties. It is often used in skin care products for its moisturizing and soothing properties, and is also used to treat hair and nails. In aromatherapy, ylang-ylang essential oil is used for its calming and soothing properties, and is often used to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Numerous studies have also suggested that ylang-ylang essential oil may have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it a popular product for treating skin problems such as acne and fungal infections. However, it is important to note that there is little quality research on the medicinal properties of ylang-ylang essential oil, and it is recommended that you speak to a health professional before using it for therapeutic purposes.

Indications for ylang-ylang essential oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil is used for its calming and soothing properties in aromatherapy, and is often used to help reduce stress and anxiety. It is also used in skin care products for its moisturizing and soothing properties, and is sometimes used to treat hair and nails.

In addition, ylang-ylang essential oil is often used to treat skin problems such as acne and fungal infections, thanks to its presumed antimicrobial and antifungal properties. However, it is important to note that there is little quality research on the medicinal properties of ylang-ylang essential oil, and it is recommended to speak to a health professional before using it for therapeutic purposes.

How to use ylang-ylang oil

There are many ways to use ylang-ylang essential oil. Here are just a few examples :

• Inhalation : you can inhale ylang-ylang essential oil by putting it on a handkerchief or adding it to an essential oil diffuser.

• Massage : you can use ylang-ylang essential oil by diluting it with a vegetable oil and using it to massage the skin.

• Bath : you can add a few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil to your bath to benefit from its soothing properties.

• Skin care products : you can use ylang-ylang essential oil in skin care products such as lotions, creams and massage oils.

It's important to note that ylang-ylang essential oil should always be diluted with a vegetable oil before being applied to the skin, as it can be irritating when used pure. In addition, it's advisable to do a skin patch test before using ylang-ylang essential oil on a large area of skin, to make sure it doesn't cause irritation.

Home recipes using ylang-ylang oil

Here are some homemade ylang-ylang essential oil recipes you can try :

• Soothing massage oil : Mix 10 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil with 30 ml of vegetable oil of your choice (such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil). Use this massage oil to massage your body and enjoy its soothing properties.

• Moisturizing face lotion : In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (such as sweet almond oil or jojoba oil) with 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil. Apply the lotion to your face and massage gently until completely absorbed.

• Relaxing bath : Add 6 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil to your warm bath to benefit from its soothing properties. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil for an even more relaxing effect.

• Nourishing hair mask : In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (such as argan oil or coconut oil) with 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil. Apply the mask to the hair and leave on for around 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

It's important to note that ylang-ylang essential oil should always be diluted before use on the skin, as it can be irritating when used undiluted. It is also advisable to perform a skin patch test before using ylang-ylang essential oil on a large area of skin, to ensure that it does not cause irritation.

Precautions for use of Ylang Ylang oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, there are a few precautions to bear in mind when using it :

• Dilution : ylang-ylang essential oil should always be diluted with a vegetable oil before being applied to the skin, as it can be irritating when used undiluted. In general, a dilution of 1-3% is recommended for topical use.

• Skin patch test : it is recommended to perform a skin patch test before using ylang-ylang essential oil on a large area of skin, to ensure that it does not cause irritation. To do this, apply a small amount of diluted oil to an area of skin that is not very sensitive (such as the crease of the elbow), and wait 24 hours to see if any redness or irritation appears.

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding : it is recommended to avoid using ylang-ylang essential oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding, as there is insufficient research to determine whether it is safe at these times.

• Drug interactions : it is possible that ylang-ylang essential oil may interact with certain drugs, particularly those metabolized by the liver. If you are taking medication, it is advisable to speak to a health professional before using ylang-ylang essential oil.

Contraindications of Ylang Ylang essential oil

There are a few contraindications to consider when using ylang-ylang essential oil :

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding : it is recommended to avoid using ylang-ylang essential oil during pregnancy and breast-feeding, as there is insufficient research to determine whether it is safe at these times.

• Children : it is recommended to avoid the use of ylang-ylang essential oil in children under 6 years of age, as there is little data on its use in children.

• Epilepsy : it is recommended to avoid using ylang-ylang essential oil in people with epilepsy, as it can potentially trigger convulsions.

• Hypersensitivity : if you are allergic or sensitive to ylang-ylang flowers or other plants in the Annonaceae family, we recommend that you avoid using ylang-ylang essential oil.

Scientific research on ylang-ylang

Ylang-ylang is an aromatic plant native to tropical Asia and Latin America, widely cultivated for its fragrant flowers. Its essential oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics and skin care products, as well as in certain traditional medical practices.

Scientific research has been carried out into the properties of ylang-ylang and its possible health benefits. For example, it has been suggested that ylang-ylang may have antimicrobial properties, making it a useful tool in the fight against infection. Other studies have also suggested that ylang-ylang may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which could be beneficial in relieving pain and inflammation.