oil spotlight: ylang ylang

Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata) is sourced from a beautiful, drooping, yellow bloom found on the cananga tree. Ylang Ylang is extremely effective in calming and bringing about a sense of relaxation. It may also help with releasing feelings of anger and assist with getting rid of negative feelings. In addition, it has a long history in skin and hair care products - particularly in Asia, where it is used to promote luxuriant hair.
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Another major use for ylang ylang? Romance and love, of course! Ylang Ylang is considered an aphrodisiac and can help boost libido and spark attraction. Use ylang ylang alone or combine with orange in the diffuser, or create a sensual massage oil! For the massage oil, I recommend a ratio of 4:1, using four drops of Ylang Ylang per every one drop of Orange, then add your carrier oil of choice (I use fractionated coconut).

​​Top Five Uses for Ylang Ylang:

• Diffuse to create a relaxing ambiance in your home and foster love for the self and for others
• Add a few drops to your favorite lotion, hair conditioners, or styling agents (it’s great for maintaining moisture in the skin and hair)
• Add a few drops to some epsom salts for a soothing bath
• Apply a few drops at the base of the neck and temples to quiet a busy mind
• Diffuse and apply to vita flex points to enhance a heart opening yoga practice and balance the heart chakra

​Ylang Ylang has properties that ease heartache and promote love (for the self and for others), as well as the potential to help calm the circulatory system where there may be tightness. This makes it the perfect oil to pair with heart opening yoga poses for balancing the Anahata, or Heart Chakra. Join me for one of my aromatherapy yoga classes or Anahata Chakra workshops as we incorporate ylang ylang into a heart opening practice!