What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Good For? Benefits & Uses

What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Good For?
Benefits & Uses

OOOH, what is that incredible smell? Often used in perfumery, Ylang Ylang is actually a powerful therapeutic oil that has many valuable uses. To learn all about this fragrant oil and its benefits, including how to use it, keep reading.

What Exactly is Ylang Ylang Oil?

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (pronounced EELANG EELANG) is a rich and exotic floral oil that is steam distilled from the beautiful, tropical Cananga tree. Native to Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Queensland, Vietnam and Thailand, this yellow flowering plant has been used historically in weddings and ceremonies. With an irresistible and intoxicating scent, this is surely one Essential Oil that should be an integral part of your aromatherapy practice.

The benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil are numerous. Whether addressing physical, emotional, or even spiritual issues, this oil is full of over 30 therapeutic constituents! These flowers are picked in the morning when their scent is strongest and distilled right away for optimal scent.
One thing you may have noticed with Ylang Ylang Oil are the different options. Depending on the distillation, you might see I, II, III, Extra or Complete. Ylang Ylang Complete is generally the preferred version with the longest, uninterrupted distillation; it contains the highest amount of benefits. REVIVE carries both Ylang Ylang Complete Essential Oil and Ylang Ylang Certified Organic Essential Oil.

What is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Good For?

When it comes to using Ylang Ylang for its many benefits, you may want to consider the strength of the scent when creating a blend. Used in high amounts, the smell can be a little overwhelming and sometimes even cause headaches.


Physical Uses


When using Ylang Ylang for physical ailments, topical application is best. Here are some of the top uses including some beauty tips.

  • Balance Sebum: nourish and rejuvenate skin- for more info on Essential Oils that are good for dry skin, check out this article.
  • Strong, healthy hair
  • Fight fungal infections
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • PMS symptoms and hot flashes

Emotional/Mental Uses


When addressing mental or emotional concerns, inhalation or topical use can be used.

  • Ease anxiety
  • Self-confidence
  • Reduce depression
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Uplifting

Spiritual Uses


For use in spiritual practice, Ylang Ylang can be applied topically or inhaled.

  • Balances yin and yang
  • Connection
  • Trauma healing
  • Peacefulness
  • Great for all Chakras, especially sacral, solar and heart

Because Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is rich in sesquiterpenes and esters, the compounding relaxation effects really stand out for this oil. Beginning in the body by balancing blood pressure levels and reducing cortisol, this fragrant oil effectively helps to reduce stress levels, calm anger and anxiety, and bring on a more positive mood.  Additionally, it blends really well with other anti-stress oils like these listed here.

How to Use Ylang Ylang for These Benefits

As mentioned above, when utilizing Ylang Ylang for physical issues, it is helpful to apply topically most of the time. For example, if you want to use it in beauty applications, putting a drop or two of the oil into your skin care oil or your shampoo can help as it is put directly where it is needed. The same would be done if you are addressing antifungal or anti-inflammatory situations. Adding a bit of the Essential Oil to your carrier oil will help as the therapeutic benefits of Ylang Ylang penetrate the skin. Another fun way to wear this fragrant oil is to apply it with a carrier oil like a perfume…this is a great option for its romantic properties. To learn more on how to use Essential Oils topically, click here.

For mental, emotional, and spiritual concerns, Ylang Ylang can be used aromatically for almost immediate results. In addition, there may be times when you want to apply topically for these purposes as well. Using Ylang Ylang in your REVIVE diffuser is a great way to breathe in all the goodness it has to offer while making your space smell fantastic at the same time. We also love how easy it is to just inhale a few times straight from the oil bottle itself. As that scent enters your nose, it travels to the limbic system having your body react favorably to the oil and soon you will begin to experience a more positive mood. For other uplifting Essential Oils, this article has some great information.

What Essential Oils Pair Well With Ylang Ylang?

The deep floral scent of Ylang Ylang can be balanced out very well with many Essential Oils. Most citrus oils tend to lighten up the scent and attribute to its uplifting properties. We really love to pair it with Grapefruit oil. Woodsy oils also mix well with Ylang Ylang, try Sandalwood in your next blend to help you relax or even stir up some romantic feelings. Additionally, this Essential Oil pairs well with other floral oils. Lavender, Rose, or Geranium are great choices for fighting depression and encouraging a sense of balance. 

Some of our Favorite Products that Contain Ylang Ylang

For soft, glowing skin, we love REVIVE Skin Health

For better sleep, try REVIVE Sweet Dreams

For balanced emotions, check out REVIVE Glow

For positive energy, try REVIVE Golden

For calm and connection, you need REVIVE Peaceful

Our Favorite Ylang Ylang Recipes

If you are the DIY type, here are few fragrant and fun recipes that use this wonderful Essential Oil.


Beautiful Bloom Diffuser Blend


100 ml Water in your REVIVE Diffuser

Ready for Romance Roll-on

Silky Hair Serum


1 oz Glass Dropper Bottle
Mix all of the ingredients together into the dropper bottle.
Apply onto the ends of clean, wet hair and work up the strands as needed.
 Dry and style hair as usual.

Closing Thoughts on Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Benefits

As you can see, Ylang Ylang is a special oil that addresses so many different issues that you may come in contact with on a regular basis. Whether you are looking to improve your mood, strengthen hair, promote a youthful glow, or encourage connection, REVIVE Ylang Ylang has your back and will smell incredible while sharing its benefits too. 

Backed by third party testing from the most knowledgeable in the industry, you can rest assured that REVIVE’s products are top notch. The oils are sustainably sourced, community focused, and cruelty free which is why REVIVE is the #1 place to find Essential Oil products online.
This is also where you can find some of the best Essential Oil Kits, Roll-ons, Blends, and Diffusers. Additionally, there are some very helpful articles and DIY recipes available on the REVIVE Blog.