Self Esteem
A 2014 study found that topical application and inhalation of Ylang ylang essential oil significantly altered self-esteem. Subjects who used the oil consistently over a 3 month period were measured to have higher levels of perceived self-esteem than control subjects. [i] This study suggests that Ylang ylang essential oil might help with occasional feelings of low self-worth. Feeling down on yourself? Try diluting Ylang ylang oil and apply to wrists and soles of feet.
Stress and Hypertension
A study on 83 prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects found that the inhalation of an essential oil blend containing Ylang ylang had immediate and continuous effects on blood pressure levels and stress reduction. Subjects in the experimental group were given an essential oil blend to inhale that was composed of Ylang ylang oil as well as lavender, marjoram and neroli oil. Researchers concluded that the essential oils may help control hypertension by producing relaxation effects. [ii] Feeling stressed out after a bad day? Try diffusing Ylang ylang oil for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Epilepsy
Dr. Tim Betts of Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital in Birmingham, UK studied the effects of essential oils on treating patients with epilepsy. He found Ylang ylang to be an effective part of the treatment plan for dealing with seizures.[iii] Note that Betts states that his research did not involve a controlled study and so further research is needed, but the initial results are encouraging.
All-Natural Bug Killer
The essential oils found in plants are considered to be the “life blood” of the plant. Their function is similar to the hormone system of the human body. Another job that these aromatic compounds do is to defend the plant against outside predators, such as insects. A study published in 2014 in the journal Parisitol Research looked at Ylang ylang specimens grown in Colombia and found that they demonstrated insecticidal activity against Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti Rockefeller larvae. [iv] This suggests that Ylang ylang may be an effective all-natural bug killer and a safe alternative to insecticides made of toxic chemicals.
The Fight Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Overuse of anti-biotics has led to the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria--a serious problem for many hospitals. Biofilms formed by bacterial cells are considered to be associated with anti-biotic resistance. Lab studies have shown that Ylang ylang is effective in combating the biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus[v] and also Klebsiella pneumoniae.[vi] Researchers suggest that these findings could lead to the development of a new way to fight drug-resistant bacteria, involving a combination of nanoparticle technology and essential oils such as Ylang ylang. The resulting technology could be used to create coatings for medical equipment, (such as catheters) that will help reduce the problem of antibiotic-resistant microbes. [vii]
Ylang ylang is:
✔ OK for topical use (but NOT for kids under 2 years of age)
✔ OK for diffusing
✔ OK as a dietary supplement (but NOT for kids under 6 years of age)
✔ OK for use on animals (always consult your veterinarian first)
✗ NOT ok for pregnant moms because it is a uterine stimulant
Tip: Ylang Ylang Oil: An all Natural Beauty Product
The fragrance of Ylang ylang is considered to be part of the allure of the perfume Channel No. 5. Why not smell great without all the toxic ingredients of a synthetic perfume? Dab some diluted Ylang ylang oil on your wrists and at your neckline the next time you want to create a romantic mood.
Want shinier, healthier hair? Or need a treatment for thinning hair? Ylang ylang is commonly used in Asia for creating lustrous hair. Try adding a drop or two of Ylang ylang oil to some jojoba oil in the evening and rub onto scalp for two minutes when your hair is damp. Wrap your head in a towel to increase absorption. Shampoo out in the morning. For best results, repeat a few nights each week for a few months.
This article is part of our "Living the Essential Life" series by Danielle McElroy. Danielle is an oil enthusiast who enjoys living the natural life with her cat in a cozy cottage in the Boonies. We are very fortunate to have Danielle as a part of our team applying her excellent research skills to the field of aromatherapy and essential oils. She shares more research and essential oil tips on her Facebook page.
For full abstracts of the studies cited above, please see our Research Page.
[i]Gnatta JR, Piason PP, and Lope Cde L, et al. Aromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: a pilot study. Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2014 Jun;48(3):492-9.
[ii]Kim IH, Kim C, and Seong K et al. Essential oil inhalation on blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:984203. doi: 10.1155/2012/984203. Epub 2012 Nov 19.
[iii]Betts, Tim. Use of aromatherapy (with or without hypnosis) in the treatment of intractable epilepsy—a two-year follow-up study. Seizure 2003; 12: 534–538 doi:10.1016/S1059-1311(03)00161-4.
[iv]Vera SS, Zamrano DF, and Mendez-Sanchez SC, et al. Essential oils with insecticidal activity against larvae of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitol Res. 2014 Jul;113(7):2647-54. doi: 10.1007/s00436-014-3917-6. Epub 2014 Apr 30.
[v]Lee K, Lee JH, and Kim Sl, et al. Anti-biofilm, anti-hemolysis, and anti-virulence activities of black pepper, cananga, myrrh oils, and nerolidol against Staphylococcus aureus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2014 Nov;98(22):9447-57. doi: 10.1007/s00253-014-5903-4. Epub 2014 Jul 16.
[vi]Bilcu M, Grumezescu AM, and Oprea AD et al. Efficiency of vanilla, patchouli and ylang ylang essential oils stabilized by iron oxide@C14 nanostructures against bacterial adherence and biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains. Molecules. 2014 Nov 4;19(11):17943-56. doi: 10.3390/molecules191117943.
[vii]Ibid.
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