Ylang Ylang
Essential OilCananga odorata
Origin: Philippines, Madagascar, Indonesia
About
An intensely floral, exotic oil with pronounced sedative and euphoric properties. It should be used sparingly ā even at low dilutions it can be overwhelming and cause headaches in some people. Particularly useful for tension, anxiety, and blends with romantic intent.
The star-shaped flowers of the ylang ylang tree have been woven into bridal beds in Indonesia for centuries, where the oil is considered an aphrodisiac and romantic tradition. It is a key note in the classic perfume Chanel N°5 and is produced in significant volume in Madagascar.
Benefits
- āCalming and euphoric
- āLowers blood pressure
- āEases anxiety and nervous tension
- āTraditionally used as an aphrodisiac
- āRegulates sebum for hair and skin
Pairings (29)
A serious therapeutic mismatch ā ylang ylang is deeply sedating and hypotensive while peppermint is stimulating and cooling. Their competing effects can cause disorientation and headaches.
Rosemary is a central nervous system stimulant while ylang ylang is a profound CNS depressant. Their opposing pharmacological actions create unpredictable effects.
Both are intensely heady, heavy florals that can cause headaches and nausea when combined at higher dilutions. Keep total concentration under 1% and ensure good ventilation.
Ylang ylang's intensely sweet, heady floral note can clash aromatically with lemongrass's sharp citrus and may cause headaches at higher doses.
Ylang ylang's extremely intense, heady floral scent can easily overpower bergamot and may cause headaches if both are used at standard concentrations.
Both are intensely sweet floral oils and combining them risks an overpoweringly heady fragrance; use with extreme restraint and careful balancing.
Ylang Ylang is itself a known sensitiser and its intense floral scent clashes dramatically with Clove Bud's heavy spice, creating both aromatic and safety concerns.
Ylang Ylang's intensely floral character can easily overpower Cedarwood's woody subtlety ā use at very low ratios and with care to avoid headache.
Ylang ylang's intensely sweet, heady floral aroma can easily overpower basil ct. linalool and combined use may cause headaches or sensitisation in some clients.
Ylang ylang's intensely floral, narcotic quality can easily clash with and overpower the sweet anise character of methylchavicol basil.
Ylang ylang's intensely sweet floral note clashes aromatically with black pepper's dry spice and both can cause headaches or sensitisation if over-used.
Ylang ylang's intensely sweet floral scent can easily dominate and clash with cypress's fresh crispness; use only in very small proportions.
Ylang ylang's intensely sweet floral scent can easily dominate and clash with spruce's crisp forest profile; careful low-ratio use is required.
Neem's intensely pungent sulphurous odour completely overwhelms the delicate sweetness of ylang ylang ā the blend will be therapeutically valid but aromatically compromised. Only combine if the therapeutic goal outweighs the aromatic outcome.
Ylang Ylang's intensely sweet, heady floral aroma clashes significantly with Tea Tree's sharp medicinal note and the combination can be overwhelming.
While aromatically compatible, ylang ylang's intensely heady floral character can easily overpower lavender and may cause headaches or nausea if overused ā keep proportions low.
Ylang ylang can cause headaches and sensitisation in high concentrations; use sparingly with grapeseed and ventilate well.
Ylang ylang's intensely sweet floral aroma can clash with olive's earthy character, and ylang ylang's known sensitisation and headache risk requires careful dilution.
An exotic, sensual pairing used in perfumery and romantic massage ā patchouli grounds ylang ylang's heady sweetness into a balanced, aphrodisiac blend.
Ylang ylang's intensely floral, exotic character pairs magnificently with sandalwood in sensual, emotionally balancing, and aphrodisiac blends.
Properties
- Aroma
- intensely floral, sweet, exotic, heady
- Max Dilution
- 2%
Contraindications
- ā Use at very low dilution ā can cause headaches in high amounts
- ā May lower blood pressure excessively with medication
- ā Avoid in pregnancy
- ā Sensitisation risk in some individuals