Cananga Oil
Cananga tree, also known as perfume tree, is a member of the custard-apple family, Annonaceae. This fragrant tree is indigenous to Philippines and Indonesia. Generally, most of the members of this plant family grow up to an average height of 12 m. Cananga oil is extracted from this evergreen tree. The leaves of this tree are oval, pointed and glossy. The color of the leaves vary from bright green to deep green and have wavy margins. The leaf surface is glossy and it measures about 13 to 20 cm long. The Cananga flowers have six narrow petals with long stalks. The color of the flowers vary between greenish yellow to pink. These star shaped flowers bear the sweet fragrant essential oils. Yet another species of Cananga odorata is Cananga fruticosa. This species can be called as a dwarf Cananga as it grows as a concise shrub. This small tree also bears rich flowers that are highly scented. The celebrated essential oil of Cananga is extracted from the sweet smelling Cananga flowers through steam distillation method.This floral oil has a mesmerizing aroma with plenty of health benefits.
Latin name: Cananga odorata/ Cananga fruticosa
Alternative names: Ilang-ilang, Perfume tree, Cananga tree, Fragrant Cananga, Ylang-ylang, Macassar-oil tree.
Cananga tree is a habitat of the rainforest areas. This tree grows well in the native acidic soils. It requires full to partial sun for its fertile growth. The Cananga essential oil contains methyl ether, linalool, sesquiterpenes, geranyl acetate, benzyl acetate, p-cresyl, caryophyllene and methyl benzoate. The essential oil is extracted from the Cananga odorata flowers through steam distillation of the flowers after separating it into various grades like extra grade and grade 1, 2, 3. According to these grades the distillates are obtained. Cananga essential oil has sedative, antiseptic, antidepressant, hypotensive and aphrodisiac properties.
Uses: The Cananga essential oil is used in the perfume industry and in aromatherapy. This oil is trusted to treat skin disorders, high blood pressure, motion sickness, anxiety, depression, mood swings of premenstrual syndrome, palpitation, insomnia and hypertension. It is effective in controlling high blood pressure, reducing rapid breathing and rapid heart beat. With its special aphrodisiac properties, this oil is often used in treating certain disorders of the male reproductive system. Cananga oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. It balances the production of sebum of the skin and helps in maintaining a healthy skin. Wrinkles of the facial skin and split ends are also treated with the floral powers of this essential oil.
