Ylang-Ylang Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Ylang ylang, Cananga, Flower of flowers
A rich, sweet floral oil for sensual love, self-love and easing tension.
- Intentions
- Love, Peace, Confidence
- Element
- Water
- Planet
- Venus
- Day
- Friday
- Parts used
- Flowers, steam-distilled oil
- Scent
- Heavy, sweet, tropical floral
How to use it
- Self-love bath
Mix one drop into a tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented bath gel before adding it to the tub. Soak while you name three things you appreciate about yourself.
- Venus candle
On a Friday, anoint a pink candle with a little diluted ylang-ylang, from the middle out, while you focus on warmth and connection in your relationships.
- A little goes far
Diffuse just one or two drops with lavender in a ventilated room, away from pets. Too much can feel heavy, so start small. Pair it with a pink candle when you want a soft, loving mood.
Works well with
History and folklore
Ylang-ylang comes from the star-shaped yellow flowers of the Cananga tree, native to the Philippines and Indonesia and now grown widely in Madagascar and the Comoros. In Indonesia the petals are traditionally scattered on the bed of newlyweds. Its scent became a staple of Victorian hair oils and later of classic perfumes. Witches use it in love and attraction work, and also simply to soften stress and help you feel at home in your own skin.
A rich, sweet floral oil for sensual love, self-love and easing tension.
- Intentions: Love, Peace, Confidence
- Element: Water
- Planet: Venus
- Day: Friday
- Parts used: Flowers, steam-distilled oil
- Scent: Heavy, sweet, tropical floral
Safety: Never swallow essential oils. Always dilute before skin contact (about 1-2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) and patch test first. Keep away from pets, especially cats, and out of reach of children. Ylang-ylang can sensitize skin, and strong amounts can cause headache or nausea, so use very little.
How to use it
- Self-love bath. Mix one drop into a tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented bath gel before adding it to the tub. Soak while you name three things you appreciate about yourself.
- Venus candle. On a Friday, anoint a pink candle with a little diluted ylang-ylang, from the middle out, while you focus on warmth and connection in your relationships.
- A little goes far. Diffuse just one or two drops with lavender in a ventilated room, away from pets. Too much can feel heavy, so start small. Pair it with a pink candle when you want a soft, loving mood.
Works well with: Pink Candle, Rose Quartz, Friday, Venus, Jasmine
Folklore
Ylang-ylang comes from the star-shaped yellow flowers of the Cananga tree, native to the Philippines and Indonesia and now grown widely in Madagascar and the Comoros. In Indonesia the petals are traditionally scattered on the bed of newlyweds. Its scent became a staple of Victorian hair oils and later of classic perfumes. Witches use it in love and attraction work, and also simply to soften stress and help you feel at home in your own skin.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.