🏝️Filipino Traditional Medicine

Ylang-ylang

Cananga odorata

About Ylang-ylang

Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is a herb used in the Filipino Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Stress, Anxiety, Libido, and Headache, among 1 other condition it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, used both internally and topically.

Botanical background

Cananga odorata, known as the cananga tree (Indonesian: kenanga, Filipino: ilang-ilang), is a tropical tree that originates in Indonesia, which in the early 19th century spread to Malaysia and the Philippines. It is valued for the perfume extracted from its flowers, called ylang-ylang /ˈiːlΓ¦Ε‹ ˈiːlΓ¦Ε‹/ EE-lang-EE-lang (a name also sometimes used for the tree itself), which is an essential oil used in aromatherapy. The tree is also called the fragrant cananga, Macassar-oil plant, or perfume tree....

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts Β· bothLeaves Β· both
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Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Ylang-ylang in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
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Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3Γ— daily
  • Pack dried Ylang-ylang into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
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Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3Γ— daily
  • Grind dried Ylang-ylang into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
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Topical / Poultice

1–2Γ— daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Ylang-ylang or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
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Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2Γ— daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Ylang-ylang.
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
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Herbal Bath

2–3Γ— per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Ylang-ylang in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Ylang-ylang in our references β€” the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Ylang-ylang itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Use Caution

This herb is associated with calming/sedative activity. CNS-active herbs are generally used cautiously and short-term in pregnancy rather than as a routine remedy β€” this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Sedative herbs can cause infant drowsiness via breast milk β€” generally used cautiously and briefly, watching the baby for excess sleepiness or poor feeding.

Children

Use Caution

Sedative herbs are dose-sensitive in children, whose smaller body size makes effects less predictable β€” start low and use short-term under guidance.

Contraindications

  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) β€” may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Warnings

⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants

May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May have a calming/sedative effect

Watch for: Benzodiazepines, sleep medications, other sedative herbs, and alcohol

Combined CNS-depressant effects can cause excessive drowsiness or impaired coordination.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Various global regions

Climate

Varied

Habitat

Cultivated in traditional medicinal gardens, botanical gardens, and herb farms worldwide

🌿 To see Ylang-ylang growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier β€” never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs β€” certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient β€” verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Ylang-ylang, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products β€” quality varies enormously.