Ylang-Ylang essential oil
Botanical (and family):
Cananga odorata var. genuina. Family Annonaceae.
Distribution:
Indonesia, Philippines, Madagascar and Comores.
Description of plant:
A small tropical tree with pink, mauve or yellow fragrant flowers. The finer oil is taken from the yellow blooms.
Extraction:
Water or steam distillation from the freshly picked flowers.
Charactersitics:
A yellowish oily liquid of sweet-floral and balsamic-woody odour, with a tenacious and very sweet, balsamic undertone.
MIDDLE TO BASE NOTE
Odour effects:
Exotic, heady, relaxing.
Cautions:
Excessive use may lead to headaches and nausea.
Main chemical constituents:
Methyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, geranyl acetate - 15%
Beta-caryophyllene, cadinene, farnesene, germacrene, humulene - 40%
Pinenes - 1%
Farnesol, geraniol, linalool, benzyl alcohol - 20%
Methyl Eugenol, eugenol, safrole, p-cresyl-methyl ether - 10%
Properties and indications:
MIND
Regulates adrenaline flow and relaxes nervous system, resulting in a feeling of joy. Could ease feelings of anger, shock and fear.
BODY
Hormonal balancer, and a tonic to the womb. Antidepressant and aphrodisiac qualities are well known. Useful with rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat and could reduce blood pressure.
SKIN
Has a balancing action on sebum, so is effective for dry and oily skins. Has a tonic and stimulating effect on the scalp.
Other uses:
Extensively used in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes, also for fixative qualities. Used as a flavour ingredient in alcoholic and soft drinks.