You’ll have seen ylang-ylang on the ingredients list of loads of your favourite beauty products, candles, and room fragrances, but what is it? And can it really increase your sex drive?
Ylang-ylang essential oil has a relaxing floral essence, coming from the flowers of the herb Cananga odorata genuine.
Ylang-ylang benefits include: aiding relaxation, lowering blood pressure, and increasing sexual desire.
It mixes well with grapefruit, bergamot, and patchouli oils. Its floral smell has been popular for generations, and is an ingredient in Chanel No. 5.
For an intense relaxation technique, try adding 4-6 drops of ylang ylang essential oil to a bowl of steaming hot water, place and towel over your head, lean over the bowl and breathe in. For a less intense treatment, or for children (over the age of two) or those with sensitive skin, place the bowl in the room but not inhaling directly.
Using essential oils is not suitable for children under two years old.
We do receive commission for purchases made through our links
Ylang-ylang benefits
1 of 10Mystic Moments Ylang-Ylang 3rd Essential Oil, 10ml, £3.95
A pure ylang-ylang essential oil, you can use this with an oil diffuser, or mix with a base oil as a massage oil. You can also add a couple of drops to a bath oil.
2 of 10125g Savon De Marseille Soap, £2.25
If you're looking to reduce your single-use plastics, then buy a bar of soap instead of a bottle of shower gel. This is enriched with shea butter for ultimate smooth skin.
3 of 10Decleor Aroma Night Ylang-Ylang Purifying Night Balm 15 ml, £32.50
Designed for oily/combination skin, smooth on to your face before bedtime for smoother skin (plus take advantage of the relaxing smell to help you sleep, too).
4 of 10Molton Brown Relaxing Ylang-Ylang Bath & Shower Gel, £22
Molton Brown is renowned for beautiful scents, and this one doesn't disappoint.
5 of 10Cowshed Indulge Blissful Rose, Lavender & Ylang-Ylang Body Lotion, 300 ml, £22
Slather your skin in this decadent body lotion – it not only smells divine, but will leave your skin soft and smooth too.
6 of 10Bewell-Manor Ylang-Ylang & Bergamot Triple Wick Botanical Aromatherapy Candle, £25
Fill the room with the smell of ylang-ylang and set the tone for a romantic (read: sexy) evening with your other half.
7 of 10Ylang-ylang Natural Bath Sea Salts, £11.99
Sink into a hot bath with ylang-ylang bath salts to ease tired muscles and get you ready for a good night's sleep.
8 of 10Scentered Sleep Well Aromatherapy Balm Stick, £14.95
Apply this to your pressure points for instant relaxation, or if you have trouble sleeping.
9 of 10Reed Diffuser, £12.99
Enjoy ylang-ylang throughout the home with a diffuser; this one aims to last about 10 weeks.
10 of 10Floral Street Ylang-Ylang Espresso Eau de Parfum, £58
Keep the relaxing scent with you all day by wearing this floral perfume, which also features red rose and jasmine.
7 ylang-ylang benefits
-
Thickening hair
-
Preventing wrinkles & clearing acne
-
Increasing sex drive
-
Lowering blood pressure & improving blood circulation
-
Reduce anxiety
-
Boosting energy
-
Soothing sore muscles
Ylang-ylang has been known for centuries to help thicken hair, boosting the blood circulation in the scalp. Either choose a shampoo and conditioner that features the oil, or add a few drops to your own. Make your own hair conditioning treatment by adding a few drops of oil to coconut oil and apply.
You’ll find ylang-ylang in plenty of cosmetics products, thanks to its abilities to smooth wrinkles and give skin some much-needed TLC. Add a couple of drops to coconut oil and massage into your skin once or twice a day.
Known for its aphrodisiac qualities, ylang-ylang is often used to set the tone for newlyweds.
Its relaxing abilities are probably ylang-ylang’s biggest reputation, and it is used to calm body and mind in times of stress and anxiety. Setting the tone in your home and office with ylang-ylang scent will create a calm atmosphere.
Ylang-ylang provides an instant perk if you’re feeling tired or drained, giving you an instant mood boost.
Massage ylang-ylang into your skin to ease tired muscles, as it is a natural anti-inflammatory. Soak in a hot bath with a few drops of oil to soothe achy legs.