Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata)
- HymnConnected
- Jan 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 15

Ylang Ylang essential oil, traditionally known for its romantic appeal has a calming and balancing aroma for a smooth and happy heart. Sixteenth-century European explorers were enchanted by the exotic fragrances of ylang ylang and other indigenous flora. In 1860, a sailor named Albert Schwenger distilled ylang ylang for the first time in Manila. Passionate about the flower's captivating scent, Schwenger traveled across the country, personally collecting the finest specimens for distillation. Later in the nineteenth century, religious missionaries and French colonists introduced ylang ylang to several islands in the Pacific and Indian Ocean, including Comoros.
Ylang ylang gained worldwide fame in 1921 when it became a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5, one of the most iconic perfumes. Perfumer Ernest Beaux incorporated its floral and exotic fragrance, marking the beginning of its widespread use in luxury perfumery.
Ylang ylang is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The name "ylang ylang" comes from the Tagalog word "ilang" meaning "wilderness," reflecting its natural habitat. However the name is sometimes translated as "flower of flowers". In ancient cultures, ylang ylang flowers were used in various rituals and ceremonies. In the Philippines, they were used to make ceremonial garlands for weddings and religious events. In Indonesia, ylang ylang petals were scattered on the beds of newlyweds to invoke love and fertility. Ylang Ylang is said to be a representative of the heavenly realm and it's biggest gift is Joy. It's scent is, to this day, one of the most popular notes in perfumery. Magickal uses: Ylang ylang is celebrated for its calming and soothing properties, making it perfect for spells focused on healing and harmonizing relationships, it is a common ingredient in reconciliation spells.
This flower is linked to feminine energy and is frequently utilized in spells concerning fertility, motherhood, and abundance. It is believed to awaken sexuality and enhance the female side, often featuring in feminine and fertility spells.
The exotic scent of ylang ylang is thought to foster love and romance. It is commonly included in love spells, attraction oils, and romantic baths to enhance intuition and deepen spiritual connections. Additionally, it is often used in sex magick, particularly for its metaphysical healing properties related to sexual abuse or when one is detached from the body due to an overactive mind.
The calming essence of ylang ylang makes it an excellent choice for creating potions and blends that promote serenity and inner peace. It can be utilized in meditation and relaxation rituals to soothe the mind and body, making it a valuable ingredient in serenity and relaxation spells.
Ylang ylang is also employed to cleanse and purify spaces, effectively removing negative energies and creating a harmonious environment.
Thanks to its beneficial properties for hair and skin, ylang ylang is frequently included in beauty recipes, treatments, and spells. Ylang Ylang's element is water, it's energy is feminine and it's planet is Venus.
Aroma: Romantic, , sensual, sweet, floral, full-bodied, sedative. Middle to Base notes. Adds harmony to a blend.
Extraction: Ylang ylang essential oil is steam distilled from flowers picked early in the morning to ensure a higher oil yield. The process begins within the first hour of distillation, resulting in a high-quality oil. These flowers are sourced from trees grown on the exclusive Finca Botanica Aromatica farm in Ecuador, which practices organic, regenerative farming. Young Living, the company behind this farm, is also involved in numerous conservation projects in the area, contributing back to nature. Constituents: Germacrene D, (E,E)-alpha-farnesene, Benzyl acetate, Geranyl acetate, Beta-caryophyllene, Benzyl benzoate, Linalool, Para-cresyl methyl ether, Methyl benzoate, Benzyl salicylate.
Suggested uses: Apply Ylang Ylang to your wrists and neck for a calming, full-bodied, floral fragrance that you can enjoy throughout the day.
Add to your facial serum or moisturizer to promote the appearance of radiant, glowing skin.
Add it to lotion or V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex and use for a massage.
Dilute with coconut oil and apply it to hair for a deep-conditioning treatment.
Add it to a hot bath to create a relaxing atmosphere to help you unwind after a long day. Apply on Thymus or areas of concern. Use in magick rituals to support wellbeing. Anoint with ylang ylang for more joy in your life. This is a photosensitive oil, avoid contact with sunlight after applying to skin.
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Disclaimer: The information provided by Hymn.Connected is for personal information and interest only. It is not intended to offer professional medical advice or treatment for any condition. You should not use our this advice to treat health conditions or to self-diagnose. We recommend that you consult your doctor or specialist if you have any health concerns whatsoever.
All of our advice has been provided on the basis that there are no known contra-indications to treatment. If you have any health problems or are taking any medication you should seek advice from your healthcare provider prior to using aromatherapy.
Please note that Hymn.Connected accepts no liability for misuse of essential oils or other products or for any reliance on the information provided by us via our website or other social media channels.
Safety Advice: Essential oils are highly concentrated. Their potency must be respected, they can be toxic if used incorrectly. Please note that the upcoming list does not constitute a complete safety reference. If you are uncertain, please contact a licensed aromatherapist for more advices.
Essential oils are flammable liquids.
Keep out of the reach of children.
If you have a medical condition and are taking any medication or undergoing any type of medical treatment you should check with your doctor and a qualified aromatherapist to ensure that it is safe to use aromatherapy in conjunction with your prescribed treatment.
Certain essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy. Please seek professional advice prior to using aromatherapy whilst pregnant.
Always consult a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils with babies and children.
Avoid all contact with the mouth area and eyes.
Essential oils should never be applied undiluted to the skin as they can cause irritation (there are only a couple of exceptions to this rule i.e. Lavender and Tea Tree). Follow all recipes and methods carefully and do not increase the amount of essential oil quoted.
Certain essential oils (i.e. spices, warm oils) can cause skin irritation for people with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin we recommend performing a small patch test prior to using any new oil or product.
A few essential oils such as Bergamot and other citrus oils are phototoxic which means they can cause skin sensitisation and skin discolouration in bright sunlight. These oils should be not be applied to the skin before direct exposure to sunlight.