• Introduction
• Medicinal Uses and Indications
• Available forms of the herb
• Side Effects/ Precautions

Introduction

Ylang ylang is both a plant and an herb. Ylang ylang (pronounced EE-lang EE-lang) is a tropical tree native to Asia, or the flower of the tree and the essential oil produced from the flowers. The tree is the Cananga odorata, and the oil is extensively used in making perfumes and in aromatherapy.
The scent of ylang ylang, like jasmine and rose, has long been considered an aphrodisiac. This may account for its popularity in perfume blends. Of course, the so-called aphrodisiac scents also simply smell wonderful, which may be why they are attractive to the opposite sex.

Medicinal Uses and indications
Ylang ylang is thought to reduce anxiety and perhaps even relieve depression. Sexual dysfunction or simple lack of interest might be addressed with a cautious use of ylang ylang oil in an aroma lamp or blended in a massage oil. It may also be used in perfume recipes that call for jasmine.
It’s other medicinal uses are to treat malaria, soothe insect bites and generally fight in infections. It antiseptic qualities were valued but it was also recognized as an aphrodisiac and a tonic to the nervous system. In the past, the flowers were mixed with coconut oil to perfume and condition the body and hair.

Available forms of the herb

The herb is available in oil and perfume forms only.

Side effects/Precautions

In aromatherapy, ylang ylang is used for its stress-relieving properties -- a few drops of ylang ylang oil in a hot bath can melt the day's cares quickly away. Some people find the scent overpowering, however, and it may cause headaches in people sensitive to heavy floral scents.

Can cause headaches and Nausea if used in excess. The owner of AromaWeb has experienced headaches from lengthy use of Ylang Ylang.

Source
 [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 104.]
Shirley Price, The Aromatherapy Workbook (Hammersmith, London: Thorsons, 1993), 54-5.]

Copyright © 2007 

 The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information of the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is making in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs of compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse or other authorized health-care practitioner and to check product information (including package insert) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interaction and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.