by Melissa Chichester
Let us introduce you to ylang ylang, the gently invigorating essential oil that is a gift to us from the aptly named “perfume tree.”
Ylang ylang oil is extracted from flowers on the Cananga odorata tree that is native to the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, but also grows throughout the Pacific islands. Inhabitants of the Molucca Islands in Indonesia used ylang ylang as an ingredient in their famous hair oil: Macassar oil, whose popularity eventually spread to Victorian England. In 1960, when asked what she wore to bed, Marilyn Monroe famously replied, “Chanel No. 5.” This iconic perfume was released in 1921 and is still popular today with ylang ylang as one of its top notes.
Ylang ylang oil is distinctly aromatic, but its sweet scent is surprisingly fruity! Because of its versatility, ylang ylang is widely used in perfumery and blends well with citrus scents like grapefruit, floral scents like lavender, and woody scents like sandalwood.
Here are 11 ways to enjoy peaceful ylang ylang oil.
Awaken your senses and uplift your mood with this rejuvenating blend in your favorite aromatherapy diffuser.
Brew tea, and let cool to room temperature. Add all ingredients to a spray bottle and shake until mixed. Mist onto face or a cotton pad, and pat all over the face.
Add all ingredients to a small bowl. Mix well with a spoon, or for a whipped texture, a hand mixer. Slather onto dry skin to replenish moisture, and store in an airtight glass container.
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Massage as needed onto dry arms and legs, paying close attention to knees and elbows. Rinse with warm water and store the remainder in an airtight glass container.
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and rub onto arms and legs as needed.
Revitalize tired skin by mixing all ingredients in a small bowl, and applying to skin. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
Combine all ingredients in your favorite diffuser for a tranquil aromatherapy experience.
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until combined. Add three tablespoons to warm bath water as the tub is filling up to disperse the oils. Soak and relax!
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and massage onto skin after a day in the sun.
Mix all ingredients and dab onto pulse points, including the wrists, behind the ears, inside the elbows, and behind the knees.
After cleansing, mix all ingredients and pat onto skin for overnight hydration.
