Cananga odorata / Ylang Ylang / Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)

Information

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Other Names

Ylang Ylang, Cananga odorata, Macassar oil.

Description

Ylang Ylang essential oil is distilled from the beautiful flowers of the tropical Cananga odorata (Perfume Tree). The tree is planted everywhere in the tropics because of its highly fragrant flowers. Ylang Ylang, meaning "the flower of flowers" has a rich floral, exotic, sweet, oriental, feminine fragrance that is said to have many beneficial properties. The essential oil is widely used in making high quality perfumes, in massage oils and in aromatherapy. One of the most famous perfumes that draws heavily on Ylang Ylang is "Chanel No.5".

Scent

Ylang Ylang has a rich, heavy, floral, exotically sweet odor that has several effects. It is refreshing and calming, but also sensual, seductive and exiting. The fragrance is reminiscent of Jasmine, because of its floral and sweet odor. Perfume-note: Base to Middle.

Aromatic Properties

The scent of Ylang Ylang, like Jasmin and Rose, has long been considered an aphrodisiac. This explains its popularity in the use of making perfume. The fragrance is both stimulating as also relaxing. It is said to release tension, lift depression and generally stabilize mood swings. It relaxes and calms exited emotional states. It minimizes feelings of anger, fears and frustrations, while it fosters feelings of love, security and serenity. Ylang Ylang is recommended by many practitioners in treating sexual disorders, especially when related to stress. Ylang Ylang arouses sensuality, creates erotic and euphoric moods, and induces deep relaxation. Women in the tropics have also used Ylang Ylang in a mixture with coconut oil, for a nice hairtreat.

Contents

Linalol, farnesol, geraniol, geranial, benzyl acetate, geranyl acetate, eugenol, methyl chavicol, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, farnasene.

Synergic Combinations

Blends very well with all citrus oils like Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Tangerine and also Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, Palma Rosa, Vetiver, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and for excitement, with Black Pepper.

Historical

The Perfume tree was introduced in the 19th century to the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Madagascar and Comores by the French. The Comores are called the "Perfume Isles" because, by now, they export 80% of the worlds supply of Ylang Ylang essence. Madagascar is the other major world producer. Ylang Ylang has a long history of use for erotic uses. In middle-eastern cultures women used the fragrance to create a sensual atmosphere in the harems.
In Indonesia the blossoms were thrown on the beds of just married couples, as an aphrodisiac. Ylang Ylang has also a history of being used in the most exquisite perfumes, for example Chanel No.5.

Plant Description

The Cananga Odorata is a South Asian member of the Custard Apple family (Annonaceae). Tall and evergreen, the "Perfume Tree" produces large yellowish flowers on downward drooping branches, all year round. The exquisite star-shaped flowers are gathered shortly after sunrise in either early summer or autumn. After picking they go through a steam distillation process, which lasts several days. The essential oil is extracted in three phases. In the last phase, the oil is the most strong in scent, this is called the third grade. Approximately 1,7 kilo of flowers go into a small bottle of 5ml. The oil is mainly yellow to neutral in color. Peculiarly, when the blossoms of the tree grow in the wild, their scent is not so strong. The more tender care they receive, the more fragrance they will spread.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cananga odorata - Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry
Cananga odorata - Wikipedia