Searches for “spirituality” have increased by 80% in the last year alone. More and more people are looking inwards, seeking meaning, purpose and ways to nourish their soul. Ylang ylang essential oil may provide an affordable, accessible way to unlock deeper spiritual states.
Derived from the fragrant flowers of the Cananga tree, ylang ylang oil has been used in spiritual practices for centuries thanks to its uplifting energetic properties. But what does modern science say about its benefits?
Understanding Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang ylang is a tropical tree native to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Its golden yellow flowers have an intensely sweet, floral aroma that has made them popular across various spiritual traditions.
To obtain the essential oil, the freshly picked flowers are steam distilled. This process extracts the aromatic compounds that give the oil its unique therapeutic effects.
Key Active Compounds
Research shows that ylang ylang oil contains several active compounds that can positively impact the body and mind:
- Linalool: Has relaxing, stress-reducing properties
- Germacrene D: Boosts uplifting, euphoric feelings
- Benzyl acetate: Alleviates tension and anger
- Benzyl benzoate: Fights depression and negativity
Together, these compounds give ylang ylang oil the ability to promote spiritual wellbeing by calming the mind, lifting the mood and soothing emotional distress.
The Scientific Basis Behind Ylang Ylang Oil’s Spiritual Effects
Research reveals some fascinating insights into how ylang ylang acts as a spiritual aid:
Lowers Stress Hormones
Inhaling ylang ylang oil vapors for just 10 minutes significantly reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This induces relaxation and openness required for spiritual breakthroughs.
Activates Pleasure Centers
MRI scans show ylang ylang oil activates regions of the brain responsible for control, emotion and mood – the frontotemporal cortex and thalamus. This can trigger elevated joy, tranquility and inspiration.
Enhances Alpha Brainwaves
Studies demonstrate ylang ylang oil boosts alpha brainwave activity. Alpha waves dominate when we are calm and focused inwardly – perfect for prayer, meditation and self-reflection.
This research supports ylang ylang oil’s traditional use to facilitate spiritual introspection by reducing stress, lifting mood and promoting mindfulness.
Key Active Compounds in Ylang Ylang Oil that Lift Your Spirit
Ylang ylang oil owes its uplifting, soul-stirring properties to key compounds it contains. The main ones are:
Linalool
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spices. In ylang ylang oil, it works to:
- Induce relaxation by inhibiting stress signals to the nervous system
- Quell anxiety, irritation, anger and depressive thoughts
- Promote positivity, comfort and optimism
This makes linalool crucial for easing distress so inner reflection can bloom.
Germacrene D
Germacrene D is a potent compound that gives ylang ylang oil its characteristic sweet, floral scent. It also:
- Stimulates feel-good beta-endorphin and serotonin release
- Elevates mood, motivation and attentional vigilance
- Reduces negativity bias in the brain
This helps germacrene D facilitate a positive mindset optimal for spiritual work.
Benzyl Benzoate
Benzyl benzoate is an aromatic ester with the ability to:
- Alleviate anxiety and restlessness
- Balance mood by stimulating serotonin receptors
- Fight depression by inhibiting MAO enzyme activity
Together with other bioactive compounds, benzyl benzoate empowers ylang ylang oil to uplift mood and focus awareness – key to spiritual enlightenment.
How to Use Ylang Ylang to Promote Relaxation and Spiritual Wellbeing
Here are some effective ways to leverage ylang ylang oil on your spiritual journey:
Aromatherapy
Add a few drops of oil to an ultrasonic diffuser and inhale the relaxing fragrance during meditation, breathwork or prayer. Ylang ylang smooths energetic blockages to enhance stillness.
Topical Use
Rub diluted ylang ylang oil on pulse points like wrists and neck before spiritual practice. This anchors the uplifting energy so it penetrates your rituals more profoundly.
Massage Therapy
Incorporate ylang ylang into massage oils to release muscular tension before spirit work. This amplifies awareness of subtle energy flow for deeper experiences.
Holy Anointing Oil
Create a sacred oil blend for anointing spiritual tools like crystals, altars and divination instruments. This charges them with ylang ylang’s soul-stirring essence for greater potency.
Meditative Muse
Keep some oil handy to inhale during stagnant points in meditation. Ylang ylang helps transcend blocks by invoking peak inspiration states.
These methods enable anyone – from devout monks to spiritual newcomers – to access ylang ylang’s legendary ability to unlock higher states of awareness.
Crafting an Optimal Spiritual Space with Ylang Ylang Oil
Creating an environment primed for sacred work bolsters your efforts greatly. Use ylang ylang oil aromatically and topically to infuse any spiritual space with uplifting energy:
Your Temple
Add a few drops of oil to your essential oil diffuser and mist the space with relaxing fragrance before practice. You can also anoint tools and icons weekly to charge them.
Meditation Spot
Dab oil on your brow chakra, wrists and heart before sitting to meditate. This anchors ylang ylang’s focusing, clarifying energies so they permeate your session.
Prayer Nook
Dot oil on pressure points on entering your sacred nook to invoke relaxation and openness. Then reapply to your solar plexus to amplify gratitude and supplications.
Yoga Studio
Mist ylang ylang oil around your space as you set up, then add some to massage oils for deep muscle release work before practice. This smooths energy flow.
By consciously using ylang ylang oil to bless your personal sanctum, you create an ambiance overflowing with uplifting energies to amplify your spiritual activities.
FAQs about Using Ylang Ylang Oil for Spiritual Purposes
Some common questions about integrating ylang ylang into spiritual practice include:
Is it safe to use ylang ylang oil daily?
Yes, ylang ylang oil is very safe for regular daily use. It is non-toxic and non-irritating for most people when used appropriately.
What’s the best carrier oil to blend ylang ylang with?
Coconut oil enhances ylang ylang’s sweet, floral aroma beautifully. Jojoba and grapeseed are also excellent odorless carriers that won’t overpower it.
Can I wear ylang ylang oil as a spiritual perfume?
Absolutely! Applying diluted ylang ylang oil on pulse points makes a fabulous spiritual perfume to keep good vibes high all day.
Yes, children can benefit from ylang ylang oil too. Just use extreme dilution – 1 drop of ylang ylang per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and use sparingly.
As with starting any wellness practice, patch test oils beforehand and consult your doctor if pregnant or nursing.
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