Plant Profiles
Ylang Ylang Flower
Cananga odorata
Latin Name
Cananga odorata
Herb Class/Action
• Aphrodisiac
• Nervine relaxant
• Antidepressant
• Hypotensive
• Skin tonic
Parts Used
Fresh flowers (steam-distilled for essential oil)
Flavors
Floral, sweet, exotic (primarily aromatic)
Energetics
Cooling, moistening, harmonizing
Traditional Benefits
Native to tropical Asia and the South Pacific, ylang ylang flowers have long been used in traditional medicine and rituals to enhance sensuality, calm the heart, and beautify the skin. In Indonesia, the petals are spread on wedding beds to symbolize love and relaxation. In folk remedies, they were used to treat nervous tension, high blood pressure, and skin irritation.
A Natural Allergy Ally
Ylang ylang’s calming and anti-inflammatory properties help ease allergy-related anxiety, skin reactivity, and stress-triggered immune responses. When diffused, it can promote deeper breathing and reduce tension-induced symptoms.
A Herb for Seasonal Support
Especially beneficial during emotionally intense or dry, hot seasons, ylang ylang helps cool the body, soothe irritability, and restore emotional equilibrium. It supports hormonal balance and relaxation when the nervous system feels overstimulated.
How It Works
Ylang ylang is rich in linalool, germacrene, and benzyl acetate—compounds that relax the nervous system, uplift the mood, and balance sebum production in the skin. It lowers stress-induced blood pressure, enhances libido, and nourishes both dry and oily skin conditions.
Best Ways to Use It
Tinctures/Extracts: Not typically used internally—best as essential oil.
Herbal teas: Not used as tea; flowers are best applied aromatically or topically.
Topical applications: Add to facial oils, body butters, or massage oils to soothe the skin, balance hormones, and calm the senses.
Fun Fact
Ylang ylang means “flower of flowers” in Tagalog. Its essential oil is a prized top note in luxury perfumes—especially the original Chanel No. 5.
A Herb for Modern Use
Ylang ylang flower is a soothing, sensual ally for today’s stress-filled world. Whether used to calm anxious energy, balance skin, or inspire self-love rituals, it remains a floral treasure for heart, body, and mind.