Organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Fragrance: Sweet, heavy, exotic and floral aroma

Botanical Name: Cananga odorata var genuina

Emotional Effect: Reducing anxiety, promoting self-confidence, and helping with sleep

Method of Extraction: Steam Distillation of the Flowers

Country of Origin: Madagascar

Ylang ylang is a deeply relaxing essential oil. Studies have shown it can lower blood pressure whether you breathe it in, or absorb it via the skin. It also increases skin temperature, helping muscles relax. 

Ylang ylang is so deeply relaxing in fact that it's not what you want to use if you need to be mentally alert! In one study with 144 participants, subjects were assessed for cognitive performance when breathing in either peppermint, ylang ylang, or no aroma. While peppermint enhanced memory, ylang-ylang impaired it and lengthened processing speed. In terms of subjective mood, peppermint increased alertness and ylang-ylang decreased it, but significantly increased calmness.

So, if you are about to walk into an exam, probably pass on the ylang ylang! However, if you want to unwind after a stressful week, it's a fabulous choice.