＋Relaxing ＋Increase alertness

Ylang ylang contains high levels of benzyl benzoate, linalool and benzyl alcohol that have been shown to produce anxiolytic and calming effects (Zhang et al., 2016). Ylang ylang provides a harmonisation effect by minimizing symptoms of stress-induced anxiety while promoting clarity and increasing alertness.

Research has shown that inhaling ylang ylang affects HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) axis by decreasing glucocorticoid levels and also significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hence highly effective as a relaxant in supporting you during stressful moments (Hongratanaworakit & Buchbauer, 2004).

In another study consisting of 10 healthy volunteers, inhalation of Ylang ylang increases alpha brain waves, which are present in deep relaxation, potentially decreasing stress level (Pujiarti et al., 2012). Therefore, ylang ylang is the perfect ingredient to relieve stress build up in a productive day.

Ylang ylang flowers are picked during early morning hours as strong sunlight rapidly diminishes the oil content. It is harvested when a small reddish tint appears on the base of its yellow petals. Its yellow flowers are steam distilled for the extraction of oil which are available in four grades, namely, extra, first, second and third. Extra grade oil is used in high quality fragrances.

Jung, D.-J., Cha, J.-Y., Kim, S.-E., Ko, I.-G., Jee, Y.-S., Jung, D.-J., Cha, J.-Y., Kim, S.-E., Ko, I.-G., & Jee, Y.-S. (2013, April 25). Effects of Ylang-Ylang AROMA on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men. Effects of Ylang-Ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men. https://www.e-jer.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.12965%2Fjer.130007.

Lizarraga-Valderrama, L. R. (2020, August 29). Effects of essential oils on central nervous system: Focus on mental health. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6854.

Pujiarti, R., Ohtani, Y., Widowati, T. B., Wahyudi, W., Kasmudjo, K., Herath, N. K., & Wang, C. N. (2012). Effect of Melaleuca leucadendron, CANANGA odorata and pogostemon cablin OIL ODORS on human physiological responses. Effect of Melaleuca leucadendron, Cananga odorata and Pogostemon cablin Oil Odors on Human Physiological Responses. http://ejournalmapeki.org/index.php/wrj/article/view/42.

Zhang, N., Zhang, L., Feng, L., & Yao, L. (2016, October 27). The anxiolytic effect of essential oil of CANANGA ODORATA exposure on mice and determination of its major active constituents. The anxiolytic effect of essential oil of Cananga odorata exposure on mice and determination of its major active constituents. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711316301908?via%3Dihub.