Ylang Ylang — The Flower of Love and Spirit
In the warm night air of tropical gardens, the yellow blossoms of the Ylang Ylang tree release their intoxicating fragrance. Their scent is a song of passion & devotion, a sacred offering carried on the breeze.
Ylang Ylang is a flower of the heart, dissolving walls built by pain & inviting us to love fully—ourselves and others. Its aroma whispers of intimacy & connection, softening fear & opening the spirit to joy.
This essence is both grounding & elevating, a bridge between the body & the soul. To breathe in Ylang Ylang is to remember that love is not only a gift to give but also a state of being to embody.
Botanical & Physical Profile
Botanical Name: Cananga odorata
Common Name: Ylang Ylang
Plant Family: Annonaceae
Plant Part Used: Fresh flowers
Extraction Method: Steam distillation (often fractionated into grades: Extra, I, II, III)
Countries of Origin: Madagascar, Comoros Islands, Indonesia
Color: Pale yellow
Perfumery Note: Base to middle
Consistency: Medium
Aromatic Profile
Top Notes: Sweet, creamy, & intensely floral
Heart Notes: Exotic, slightly fruity, with spicy & jasmine-like richness
Base Notes: Warm, soft, and balsamic with a lingering sensual depth
Overall Impression: Deeply exotic, heady, & romantic; both calming & euphoric
Therapeutic Actions
Deeply calming to the nervous system; reduces anxiety, stress, & nervous tension
Natural mood elevator; can ease feelings of anger, frustration, or sadness
Aphrodisiac qualities; enhances sensuality & intimacy
Balances & regulates oil production in the skin and scalp
May help reduce blood pressure & slow rapid heartbeat during emotional stress
Softens emotional wounds, especially connected to self-worth and love
Blends Well With
Citrus oils: Bergamot, Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon
Florals: Jasmine, Rose, Neroli, Geranium
Woods: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Patchouli
Resins: Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin
Spices: Cardamom, Cinnamon
Modes of Application
Diffusion: Creates a relaxing, romantic, & euphoric atmosphere
Topical: Dilute (0.5–1%) for skincare, massage, or sensual body oils
Bath: Add diluted oil for a deeply calming & heart-opening soak
Inhalation: Helps ease tension & uplift mood
Energetic Work: Anoint heart or sacral chakras during love, creativity, or emotional healing rituals
Energetics
Element: Water + Air
Chakras:
Heart (Anahata): Love, compassion, emotional balance
Sacral (Svadhisthana): Sensuality, creative expression
Emotional Actions:
Opens the heart & cultivates self-love
Dissolves anger, frustration, & self-criticism
Encourages joy, intimacy, & receptivity
Intentions:
For rituals of love, sensual awakening, & emotional healing
To nurture compassion & harmony in relationships
To elevate mood & soothe emotional turbulence
Ritual Affirmation
“My heart is open, my spirit is joyful, and I embody love.”
 
Rituals
1. Heart-Opening Meditation
Anoint the heart center with diluted Ylang Ylang oil.
Inhale deeply & repeat: “I am open to love in all its forms.”
2. Sensual Awakening Diffusion
Diffuse Ylang Ylang with Sandalwood & Sweet Orange before intimacy.
Visualize soft golden light filling the room & your body.
3. Emotional Release Bath
Blend Ylang Ylang with Epsom salts & a carrier oil.
Soak while releasing self-criticism & inviting self-acceptance.
4. Joy and Harmony Ritual
Add Ylang Ylang to a room spray with Bergamot & Frankincense.
Mist your space to foster compassion & connection with others.
 
Safety 
Dilute well before topical use (0.5–1% recommended); can cause skin sensitization if overused.
Its strong aroma can cause headaches or nausea in large amounts—use sparingly.
Avoid during pregnancy unless advised by a professional.
Store in a cool, dark place.