The fragrance of the flower of all flowers is soft, sweet, and erotic, conjuring up images of orchids and almonds. The flagrance stimulates the part of the brain that releases endorphins. It is therefore helpful in reducing pain, as well as in creating euphoric and erotic moods. Ylang-ylang—like rose, jasmine, and grapefruit—raises the spirits, since they all stimulate the same center in the brain. The oil has anti-depressive properties, and it is particularly beneficial for nervous depression that is accompanied by severe tension.

Its effects are calming and antispasmodic, much like valerian. These properties allow dissolution of external as well as internal tension with an additional euphoric effect. Ylang-ylang helps reconcile feelings of anger, rage, and frustration, by replacing them with joy, sensuality, euphoria, inner trust, and peacefulness. An evening bath with ylang-ylang oil helps chase away daily tensions and restore calm and balance.
Ylang-ylang .has the extraordinary ability to relax facial muscles. We pack a lot into these muscles—anger, hate, rage, and frustration. We” keep face,” “grind our teeth.” These expressions eventually become plainly visible in facial contours and create a permanent facial landscape.

The most beneficial cosmetic treatment is a relaxed face. Here a massage with ylang-ylang works wonders. It is also very effective for tension headaches. Again, if the fragrance seems too sweet, tone it down with orange or lemon.
Ylang-ylang oil is a companion to watermelon tourmaline, a wonderful multicolored stone that, when sliced, looks like a slice of watermelon. An emerald green edge surrounds the magenta-colored inside. The tourmaline is a healing stone with strong electrical radiance. If worn, the stone intensifies and supports the effect of the oil. It is effective in reducing nervous exhaustion and blockages in the heart region. It awakens one’s awareness of joy and beauty in life and creation and eases one’s communication with others. It activates, like ylang-ylang, enthusiasm.

Ylang-ylang, taken orally, helps to lower blood pressure and create more rhythmic breathing. Usually, baths or massages are sufficient, since the oil penetrates the skin and thereby increases circulation. Elevated blood pressure and rapid breathing often result from fear, rage, anger, and irritability. Ylang-ylang has also proven beneficial for treating PMS, which is manifested in some women by extreme mood swings that occur just before the onset of menstruation. Here the essential oil is effective when used in combination with clary and neroli in bath or massage oils, or in the aroma lamp. For use in aroma lamps and for bath oils and body lotions.

In its country of origin, ylang-ylang blossoms were immersed in coconut oil until they had absorbed all the fragrance. The oil was used as a body oil to prevent fever and infectious diseases. It was not until later that its antiseptic properties were discovered and used to fight malaria, when quinine was unavailable.

Aromatherapists, however, prefer using essential oils with higher antiseptic powers.
Fragrant coconut oil is very pleasant to use as sunbathing oil, but it has a low SPF. A good alternative (without producing coconut oil from fresh blossoms) is to mix 7 drops of ylang-ylang oil in 3½ fluid ounces of coconut oil.

In the Philippines the oil is also used for hair. Ylang-ylang is very effective when applied before shampooing to treat split ends. The fragrance is a wonderful alternative to the synthetic apple fragrance added to many inexpensive shampoos.
Added to a skin lotion or oil, ylang-ylang has proven to he very beneficial, particularly for oily skin, although it is suitable for all skin types. Its effects are moisture-balancing, softening, and smoothing. Due to plant hormones present in the oil, it rejuvenates skin.

If you mix your own perfume with other essential oils, ylang-ylang will add a special flowery, exotic, and warm note in the oils or lotions. Ylang-ylang has excellent staying power, and other essential oils that evaporate quickly will hold their fragrance longer when ylang-ylang oil is added.