Often referred to as "poor man's jasmine", ylang ylang is the essential oil produced by the flower of the Cananga odorata, a huge evergreen tree native to southeastern Asia.

Unlike other herbs, ylang ylang can be distilled multiple times with each distillation yielding oil of a slightly different chemical makeup. In the US, those grades are referred to as premier, extra, I, II and III. Premier grade is produced from the first distillation and is so expensive that it's rarely sold here. Ylang Ylang extra is produced during the second distillation and is generally considered the best quality for aromatherapy. Grades I, II and III are correspondingly less expensive but shouldn't necessarily be considered inferior.

Often you'll see the designation "Complete" but, in fact, "complete" ylang ylang is just a blend of grades extra, I and II. Some aromatherapists feel that the "complete" variety offers the best value for the money.

Ylang ylang is distilled from the flower of the Cananga odorata.

Traditional Herbal Uses

Traditionally, ylang ylang was considered a powerful aphrodisiac. It also is believed to help with symptoms of PMS.

In Chinese medicine, ylang ylang is considered cooling and is used to relieve stress.

Aromatherapy Uses

Ylang ylang is considered by aromatherapists to be an aphrodisiac. Aromatherapists believe it helps ease fears of sexual inadequacy.

Ylang ylang is also considered an important oil for symptoms of PMS and the accompanying mood swings many women experience.

Aromatherapists believe that, especially for women, ylang ylang exerts a calming effect on the nervous system and eases feelings of anger, disappointment and fear. Ylang ylang is often used as a substitute for the more expensive jasmine.

Blending With Other Essential Oils

Ylang ylang is an extremely important essential oil due to its ability to anchor perfumes and blend with a variety of other scents. It blends especially well with spicy wood oils like sandalwood, with citrus oils like orange, and with other floral oils.

Ylang ylang is considered a base-note or anchor.

Safety & Warnings

Ylang ylang is generally considered safe but headaches and nausea have been reported, especially by people who work with it in large amounts.