This Or That? Ylang Ylang Oils
Walk through the aromatherapy aisle at your local health foods store and you’re likely to catch a whiff of Ylang Ylang essential oil. This potently floral, exquisitely beautiful oil has captured the attention of many essential oil users for decades. But so has one question–what’s the difference between Ylang Ylang’s many varieties?
In today’s blog, we’ll share our musings on all things Ylang Ylang and delve into the similarities and differences between each Ylang Ylang variety. Read on to discover more.
What Is Ylang Ylang Essential Oil?
Native to SouthEast Asia and popular in natural perfume, Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a fast-growing tree that flowers year-round. Ylang Ylang flower (pronounced, ee-layng ee-layng) is also referred to by its genus, Cananga.
Its yellow, fragrant flowers undergo steam distillation in fractions, or different lengths of time, producing varying grades of Ylang Ylang essential oil. It is one of few plants that can produce unique oils from fractional distillation.
Distillers of Ylang Ylang most often choose when to fraction their distillation based on that batch’s specific gravity–or density of a liquid compared to the density of another liquid. While there are no rules or benchmark characteristics of Ylang Ylang fractions, there are distinct generalizations that can be made about each grade. Let’s discuss what those are.
What’s The Difference Between Ylang Ylang Oils?
At Edens Garden, we offer three out of five of the floral fractions–Ylang Ylang Extra, Ylang Ylang I and Ylang Ylang Complete–but you can also find Ylang Ylang II and Ylang Ylang III on the market.
Ylang Ylang Extra
Ylang Ylang Extra is the first of five fractions and is distilled for about 30 minutes to an hour. It is often the most favored of the five in perfumery for its refined, complex aroma. It is the highest in linalool, geranyl acetate and benzyl acetate, making this variety of Ylang a superior sedative and muscle relief for tension, spasms and soreness.
Ylang Ylang I
Ylang Ylang I is the second fraction, directly following Ylang Ylang Extra, and is distilled for approximately three hours. It contains a balanced amount of Ylang’s most common constituents, making it a good choice for easing anxiety as well as boosting mood. This variety has a sweeter, greener aroma than other fractions.
Ylang Ylang Complete
Ylang Ylang Complete can refer to Ylang oil that is the product of 6 hours of distillation or a blend of fractions. At Edens Garden, we offer a Ylang Ylang Complete that’s been distilled for 6 hours. It contains a high amount of heavier aromatic molecules like beta-caryophyllene and germacrene, giving it an aroma that’s deep and floral with fruity notes. This variety is often chosen for its aphrodisiac and skin care benefits.
What Can I Mix With Ylang Ylang?
Ylang Ylang essential oil is one of the most potent–meaning a little goes a long way. It adds an intensely sweet and floral note to almost any blend, and pairs well with oils like Jasmine, Peppermint, Clary Sage, Lavender and Geranium.
Its many benefits also make it a great addition to blends that assist with everyday issues. In fact, we’ve sprinkled it into many blends for its wonderful aroma and powerful effects.
Here are some of our favorite oils to blend with Ylang Ylang to achieve maximum benefits.
Sleep
Together, Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Chamomile can make falling asleep (and staying asleep) a breeze. Add these oils in equal proportions to your essential oil diffuser or try Good Night–a blend in which all of these oils guest star.
Better Mood
To enhance your mood, try adding a creamy, rounded note to Ylang Ylang, like Vanilla or Peru Balsam or try Vanilla Ylang Ylang essential oil blend. Diffuse Vanilla Ylang Ylang during playful moments or to help create a symbiotic atmosphere.
Aphrodisiac
To enhance its sultry aroma, add a few drops of Clary Sage or Geranium to Ylang Ylang to awaken sensual energy. Dilute your blend in Fractionated Coconut oil to craft a soothing massage oil. Alternatively, try Aphrodisiac or Love synergy blends, which both highlight this floral favorite.
Anxiety Relief
Anxiety management is necessary, but not always easy to achieve. Thankfully, studies have shown that Ylang Ylang can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiousness. Pair Ylang Ylang with Lemongrass and Sweet Orange to ease anxiety, or try Lemongrass Ylang Ylang and Stress Relief essential oil blends in a diffuser.
This or That?
When it comes to 100% pure essential oil varieties, there are an endless amount of options at Edens Garden, which can make deciding which to try a little challenging. That’s why we created the This or That series–to help you understand the differences and similarities between essential oil varieties and make choosing (or grabbing them all) an educated decision. Read more about the differences between our Orange, Frankincense, Lavender oils and more on our blog.
Sources:
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Ylang Ylang. https://salvatorebattaglia.com.au/essential-oils/42-ylang-ylang
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Effects of Ylang-Ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3836517/
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About the Author, Jenna Jones
Jenna Jones is the Chief Marketing Officer of Edens Garden. Jenna’s background in journalism led her to investigate the world of essential oils, and what she discovered inspired her. She joined the team in 2016, spurring Edens Garden into a leading source for aromatherapy education.
This article was reviewed by our Lead Aromatherapist,
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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2 comments
Brenda K
These “This or That?” posts are so helpful — thank you! Now I’ve got new inspiration for using the Ylang Ylang oil I just reloaded on (also picked up the Lemongrass-YY blend to try)…and finally know how to pronounce it properly.
Vincelle Robinson
August 25, 2021 at 7:36 am
Ylang Ylang Complete is my favorite of the five on the market. Edens Garden’s smells beautiful. I also love the Good Night blend. Such a gentle, soothing, and relaxing scent.