This Beautifully Fragrant Essential Oil Can Ease Anxiety, Soothe Inflammation, and Strengthen Hair

If you’re looking for an essential oil that not only smells amazing but also makes life easier in many ways, you might want to consider grabbing some ylang ylang oil. Along with its sweet floral and fruity fragrance, ylang ylang has been shown to help with anxiety, inflammation, and hair loss!

Ylang ylang flowers are native to the areas around the Indian Ocean, including India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and some parts of Australia. The rich aroma is often used in perfumes, perhaps most famously as a top note in Chanel Number 5 (Buy at Ulta, $82). 

The scent has more perks than simply smelling nice, though. According to studies from the University of San Paulo and Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, applying ylang ylang essential oil to skin or just inhaling it helped participants feel less anxious. Of course, you don’t have to use the pricey perfume to achieve the same results. You can find much cheaper bottles of ylang ylang oil on its own (Buy on Amazon, $9.99) and try giving it a sniff the next time you feel anxiety creeping up.

Ylang ylang essential oil also contains a compound called linalool, which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it a great natural remedy for painful conditions like arthritis or swollen ankles. You can mix a few drops (five to eight should be plenty) with coconut oil, hand cream, or a carrier oil like jojoba to massage into areas that need soothing.

While you’re at it, you can add some drops of ylang ylang to your shampoo, conditioner, or hair masks to strengthen your strands, too. Healthline explains that the oil is especially helpful for those battling dry scalp and brittle hair that breaks easily by stimulating sebum production. This will protect hair from falling out while also creating a smoother, healthier texture. You can also find it included in products like Love Beauty and Planet’s Hope and Repair Coconut Oil & Ylang Ylang shampoo (Buy at Ulta, $8.99) and conditioner (Buy at Ulta, $8.99). 

In summary, ylang ylang essential oil can help boost your mind, body, and beauty — all while smelling wonderfully sweet!