Quick Summary

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is a plant known primarily for its essential oils used in aromatherapy and cosmetics. Current scientific evidence on its clinical effectiveness is limited and mostly preclinical or exploratory. It is historically used in traditional medicine, but robust human clinical trials specifically on Ylang Ylang are lacking.

What is it

Ylang Ylang is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, valued for its fragrant flowers. The essential oil extracted from these flowers is widely employed for its scent in perfumery and cosmetic products. It also features in traditional herbal practices, particularly in aromatherapy.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, Ylang Ylang essential oil has been used to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and enhance mood. It has also been incorporated in body care rituals for its pleasant fragrance and purported calming properties.

Active Compounds

The essential oil of Ylang Ylang contains various aromatic compounds, including linalool, geraniol, caryophyllene, and benzyl acetate. These constituents contribute to its distinctive fragrance and are thought to underlie some of its biological effects.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Potential anxiolytic effects and mood improvement

    Evidence level: Preclinical and limited clinical evidence

    A pilot clinical study using Ylang Ylang aromatherapy as part of body contact care in suicide prevention indicated potential benefits in reducing suicide attempts when combined with other interventions (Amadéo et al., 2020). Reviews of aromatherapy highlight possible psychological benefits including anxiety relief. However, specific, robust clinical evidence for Ylang Ylang alone remains insufficient.
  • Use in aromatherapy and cosmetics for fragrance and possible calming effects

    Evidence level: Established traditional use and cosmetic industry application, limited clinical evidence

    Ylang Ylang essential oils are extensively utilized in cosmetics for their fragrance qualities (Sharmeen et al., 2021). Aromatherapy literature recognizes essential oils, including Ylang Ylang, as potentially beneficial for psychological well-being, though mechanisms and clinical validation require further research.

Side Effects

Safety data specific to Ylang Ylang essential oils or extracts in humans are sparse. Aromatherapy is generally considered relatively safe when used properly, but essential oils including Ylang Ylang may cause local skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. No serious adverse effects tied specifically to Ylang Ylang have been documented in the studies reviewed.

Drug Interactions

There is no documented clinical evidence on drug interactions specific to Ylang Ylang at this time.

Who Should Avoid It

No specific contraindications for Ylang Ylang have been reported in human clinical evidence. However, general precautions for essential oils and aromatherapy apply. People with sensitive skin or allergies to fragrances should exercise caution.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Caution

There are no data available on the safety or contraindications of Ylang Ylang during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caution is advised due to the lack of evidence.

Evidence Limitations

The majority of evidence for Ylang Ylang comes from preclinical studies, traditional use, or research on essential oils used in combination or general aromatherapy. High-quality randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews focusing exclusively on Ylang Ylang are lacking. Variations in study design, small sample sizes, and methodological constraints limit the ability to draw firm conclusions about its efficacy and safety. More rigorous clinical research is needed to clarify its potential benefits and risks.

References

  • Amadéo S, Nguyen NL, Teai T, Favro P, Mulet A, Colin-Fagotin N, et al. Supportive effect of body contact care with ylang ylang aromatherapy and mobile intervention team for suicide prevention: A pilot study. 2020. Europe PMC, PMID: 32883150
  • Sharmeen JB, Mahomoodally FM, Zengin G, Maggi F. Essential Oils as Natural Sources of Fragrance Compounds for Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals. 2021. Europe PMC, PMID: 33514008
  • Caballero-Gallardo K, Quintero-Rincón P, Olivero-Verbel J. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Holistic Strategies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Integral Wellbeing. 2025. Europe PMC, PMID: 39942962
  • de Sousa DP, de Almeida Soares Hocayen P, Andrade LN, Andreatini R. A Systematic Review of the Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Essential Oils in Animal Models. 2015. Europe PMC, PMID: 26473822

Last Reviewed

2024

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbal supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health conditions, or are taking medications.