The ylang ylang flower can be used to make essential oil and is often added to perfumes, lotions, or soaps. While proponents claim it can be a mood booster and alleviate anxiety, evidence is limited.

Ylang ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree (Cananga odorata). This tropical species is native to countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, such as India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Australia.

Although some people claim that ylang ylang has health benefits, there’s little scientific research backing these claims.

Read on to learn more about ylang ylang.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

In traditional medicine, ylang ylang has been used for:

  • depression
  • anxiety
  • high blood pressure
  • stomach ailments
  • asthma
  • gout

Some people use ylang ylang as an aphrodisiac for sexual stimulation, although its benefits in this area are primarily anecdotal.

Limited scientific evidence supports ylang ylang’s purported health benefits. However, some test-tube and animal studies have shown promise.

While high quality research is limited, there are some possible benefits of ylang ylang, including:

  • Mental well-being: A small 2014 study found that ylang ylang reduced anxiety and boosted self-esteem when it was either applied to skin or inhaled.
  • Pain relief: One 2022 animal study showed that ylang ylang aided in neuropathic (nerve) pain in mice.
  • Fighting bacteria: One in vivo study stated that ylang ylang showed promise in possible treatment of fungal and bacterial diseases.

Although these studies show the potential benefits of ylang ylang, they don’t confirm that it’s an effective treatment for these conditions. You should always speak with a doctor before trying it and don’t use it as a replacement for medication prescribed by your doctor.

Ylang ylang contains several allergens. One of these is isoeugenol, which can be irritating to the skin.

As with any essential oil, do not apply straight (neat) ylang ylang oil to skin. All essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil and patch-tested before using on a large area of the body, face, or scalp.

Ylang ylang is also poisonous to dogs and cats. Do not apply ylang ylang to your pet’s skin, paws, or coat, and make sure not to use it where your pet might lick or inhale it.

Ylang ylang can be purchased as an essential oil. In some instances, it may be labeled according to its ranking during the distillation process:

  • Ylang ylang extract: This is the most powerful scent but dissipates quickly.
  • Ylang ylang number 1, 2, or 3: These have less potent scents, in that order, but are denser and longer lasting. Cananga oil (ylang ylang 3) has the mildest scent.
  • Ylang ylang complete: This oil contains all four scent levels, from extract through to 3.

Ylang ylang can also be found as an ingredient in many commercial products for skin and hair, as well as in scented candles, massage oil, perfumes, and cologne.

Ylang ylang can be mixed with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or almond oil) and used for dry skin care and massage. It can also be rubbed on the scalp to promote oil production and reduce dryness.

Since ylang ylang is irritating for some people, always do a patch test first and wait 24 hours before using. Be sure to:

  • Always dilute it: To use topically, add one drop of essential oil for each teaspoon of carrier oil.
  • Store properly: Store in an opaque, glass container in a cool, dark place.
  • Use and monitor its quality: Ylang ylang has a long shelf life, so you can make several batches to store for a year, or longer. However, never use an oil that has expired or smells rancid.
  • Use with water in an oil diffuser: Ylang ylang can also be inhaled as an aromatherapy treatment by using in a room diffuser.

Ylang ylang has a slightly fruity, sweet floral scent and is a popular ingredient in many perfumes and cosmetic products.

Ylang ylang has several possible benefits, such as helping with anxiety and nerve pain. Anecdotal evidence indicates that its calming effect may also make it beneficial for relaxation and for conditions such as headache. However, high quality scientific evidence is limited.

Ylang ylang contains several allergens and should be used cautiously on skin.