Today we have a favorite returning guest post author on Scratch Mommy, Vineetha. Be sure to read her first post about the benefits of eating the WHOLE egg here. Check out her bio at the bottom of this post and follow her. Enjoy! xoxo ~Founder Jess
What is Ylang Ylang?
The Cananga Odonata Tree (commonly known as the Canaga Tree) is a tropical tree native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The Canaga Tree produces gorgeous yellow-green flowers know as Ylang Ylang flowers (pronounced as Ee-lang Ee-lang). Ylang Ylang flowers are known for their distinctive fragrance and are commonly used in the perfume industry. Chanel No. 5 is the most well-known perfume that uses Ylang Ylang as part of their scent profile. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is extracted by steam distilling the entire flower. The oil is useful for dealing with problems such as acne, hairfall, stress, etc.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil has many therapeutic benefits, ranging from its use as a sedative and antidepressant to that of an antiseptic. It is also used as an aphrodisiac. In Indonesia, it is a tradition to cover the beds of newlyweds with Ylang Ylang flowers. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is an excellent ingredient for hair care. Its use dates back to the Victorian age when, in England, it was used as a natural hair growth treatment.
Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil For Hair
Treats Hair Loss
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is an effective natural treatment to reduce hair fall caused by stress and alopecia. Its usage dates back to the Victorian Era when the Victorians added Ylang Ylang to their Macassar hair oil. When it is massaged into the hair follicles, it stimulates hair growth. It is a natural way to treat thinning hair.
Natural Conditioner
When insufficient sebum is produced, the scalp becomes dry and hair becomes thin and brittle. So, for people with dry hair, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil can be used as a natural conditioning agent. It stimulates the sebaceous glands and increases the production of sebum, which keeps the hair healthy and conditioned. The regular use of Ylang Ylang oil is also said to prevent split ends and damage. You could try adding a few drops of Ylang Ylang to our nourishing DIY hair oil recipe!
Reduces Stress
As you may know, stress is a major contributor to hair loss. Most of us live increasingly stressful lives, be it because of work, family, &/or relationships. Among the various benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, one is its use is as a sedative. It is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and relax an individual. The oil’s calming fragrance has a euphoric effect on the nervous system, and reduces anxiety, tension, fear, etc., thus reducing hair fall due to stress.
Repels Head Lice
Dealing with head lice can be a real struggle, and one of the best ways to repel them is by using coconut oil. The oil penetrates the shaft of the hair and its follicles, repelling lice and preventing the eggs from attaching themselves to the hair. When coconut oil is combined with Ylang Ylang Essential Oil and apple cider vinegar, battling lice becomes a much easier task. Ylang Ylang EO is included in many recipes for the treatment of lice.
How To Use Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Hot Oil Hair Treatment
Heat three tablespoons of olive oil and mix with five drops of Ylang Ylang oil. Apply the mixture to your hair and scalp. Wrap a towel around your head and keep it on for 30 minutes. The warm atmosphere created inside the towel will help the oil penetrate the hair follicles on your scalp. This treatment boosts hair growth and development and reduces hair fall. It is also perfect for damage control. The treatment must be repeated every week for best results. Try adding Ylang Ylang to our DIY hair oil recipe (for dry &/or damaged hair), our DIY hair detangling spray recipe, as well as our DIY hair taming spray recipe!
Scalp Massage
Scalp massages are useful for stimulating the hair follicles and speeding up hair growth. Add a few drops of Ylang Ylang EO to the carrier oil of your choice (read our in-depth post about all things carrier oils). Massage your scalp with the mixture at bedtime and rinse it out in the morning. Scalp massages with select essential oils also helps reduce dryness.
Product Additive
Add several drops of Ylang Ylang oil to your bottle of shampoo or conditioner and use it as you normally would. This is an easy way to improve your hair care routine. Check out our DIY Shampoo recipe and our DIY conditioner recipe (and try adding Ylang Ylang Essential Oil to both)!
Hair Spritz Tonic
In a spray bottle, add a few drops of Ylang Ylang oil to warm water. This refreshing spritz can be used any time during the day.
Precautions
- For best results, use high quality, organic &/or wild-harvested, sustainably-sourced essential oils. Although we support a few brands on Scratch Mommy, Mountain Rose Herbs is a favorite (and what Founder Jess uses almost exclusively in her handcrafted Pronounce® Skincare product line)!
- May cause sensitivity, nausea, and headaches if used in excessive amounts.
- It is not recommended for use by pregnant women or children.
- Avoid its use if you have low blood pressure.
- Avoid using on inflamed skin or skin affected by dermatitis.
Here is a quality, certified organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil we recommend.
Being a regular practitioner and adviser of everything related to health, fitness, and yoga, I also have begun to write and contribute to this knowledge ecosystem.
I strongly believe that the organic food you find in your pantry provide the best benefits for good health. Follow me for my best ideas and solutions: Twitter AND Facebook!
Comments 9
Great post! Thanks for all the info. Love your site!
Love your blog, informative and helpful. Love ylang ylang, it smells so good. The benefits of ylang ylnag oil are so many, including treating hair loss and reduce stress. Thank you so much for sharing.
Great article. I can’t wait to try ylang ylang on my hair and I hope it can help my hair grow faster and healthier. Thanks for the helpful tip.
This have provided me with alot of knowledge thank you.
Ylang Ylang also helps with anxiety, hypertension, and depression. It is an amazing oil for hair, skin and overall health.
Really Helpful. Thanks for sharing such informative blog.
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Oh my, we have an ylang-ylang flower in the garden, but I didn’t realize it’s good for the hair. I just knew that it is very fragrant – especially at night!