Essential Oil Database

Photo: Cananga Odorata

Ylang Ylang

Essential Oil

Botanical Name:

Cananga Odorata

Family Name:

Annonaceae

Source Country:

Reunion

Plant Parts Used:

Flower

Extraction Method:

Steam distillation

Major Constituents:

Farnesene, pinene, cadinene, linalool, benzyl acetate, farnesal, geranyl acetate, cresol, eugenol

Botanical Description

Photo: Cananga Odorata

Cananga Odorata is native to tropical Indonesia. It is an evergreen tree commonly known as Ylang Ylang growing up to 25 meters tall. Its green leaves are long and smooth and fragrant yellow flowers bloom all year.

Ylang Ylang means “flower of flowers” and the flowers have been traditionally used for wedding ceremonies.

The oil of Ylang Ylang is used in the perfumery industry.

Photo: Cananga Odorata

Fragrance

Ylang Ylang essential oil has a heavy sweet, floral balsamic scent.

Ylang Ylang essential oil is a pale yellow to amber liquid.

Ylang Ylang blends well with bergamot, black pepper, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, rosewood, sandalwood, vetiver.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Photo: Cananga Odorata

Properties: antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, euphoric, nervine, sedative, stimulant, tonic.

Aids: sleep, relaxation.

Alleviates: acne, anxiety, depression, frigidity, impotence, stress.

Ylang Ylang has traditionally been the scent of romance.

Safety Data

May cause nausea if overused.

Disclaimer:

All healing uses, magical uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education, do not imply a guarantee of effect, and may not be complete or accurate. Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. Aromatherapy is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Pure, medical grade, essential oils & absolutes are for use in aromatherapy and other disciplines of natural healing; and for their fragrance. Essential oils should not be ingested, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should not self administer essential oils. Do not administer essential oils to babies. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin and wash hands after use and before visiting lavatory. Do not use essential oils while in a sauna, steam room, or other humid environment; or while engaged in strenuous exercise.

Massage oil should consist of no more than 3% essential oil(s) to 97% carrier or fixed oil. Absolutes should be blended with no less than 98.5% carrier oil. When adding essential oil to bath water do not use more than 4 drops.

Store essential oils at low room temperature, in a dark place, out of the reach of children, pets and away from foodstuffs.