Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang ylang oil is extracted from the extremely aromatic flowers of Cananga tree. This tree is a member of the custard-apple family, Annonaceae. Cananga tree is indigenous to Philippines and Indonesia. This fragrant tree is widely cultivated in Madagascar, Java, Comores, Sumatra and the Reunion. The name of this plant ‘Ylang ylang’ means ‘Flower of flowers’. Most of the trees in this plant family grow up to an average height of 12 m. The leaves of this evergreen tree are oval, pointed and glossy in nature. The color of the leaves vary from bright green to deep green with wavy margins. These leaves measure about 13 to 20 cm long. The most impressive part of this aromatic tree is its flowers. The Ylang ylang flowers have six narrow petals with long stalks. The colors of the flowers vary between mauve, greenish yellow to pink. These star shaped flowers are strewn upon the bed on wedding nights in Indonesia.
Ylang ylang oil is extracted from the rich aromatic flowers of this tree. These freshly picked flowers are water distilled or steam distilled for extracting the fragrant oil. Since the oil is extracted from the very first pressing, it is also called as ‘complete’ or ‘extra’ oil. Ylang ylang oil is sweet smelling, aromatic, mesmerizing, floral and tender in nature. This floral oil blends well with sandalwood oil, bergamot oil, lavender oil and grapefruit oil. The Ylang ylang essential oil is extracted from the Cananga flowers after separating them into various grades like extra grade and grade 1, 2, 3. According to these grades the distillates are obtained and the oils are categorized for use at various levels.
Latin name: Cananga odorata var. genuina.
Alternative names: Ilang-ilang, Perfume tree, Cananga tree, Fragrant Cananga, Ylang-ylang, Macassar-oil tree.
Ylang ylang tree is a natural habitat of the rainforest areas. It grows well in the native acidic soils. It prefers full to partial sunlight for its fertile growth. The Ylang ylang essential oil contains caryophyllene, methyl ether, benzyl acetate, linalool, geranyl acetate, sesquiterpenes, methyl benzoate and p-cresyl. Ylang ylang essential oil has sedative, antiseptic, antidepressant, hypotensive and aphrodisiac properties.
Uses: Ylang ylang oil is used in aromatherapy and the perfume industry. This oil is used in the treatment of palpitation, hypertension, skin disorders, high blood pressure, mood swings of premenstrual syndrome, depression, motion sickness, anxiety and insomnia. Ylang ylang oil is powerful 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. Ylang ylang oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. It balances the production of sebum of the skin and helps in maintaining a healthy skin. Ylang ylang oil has been effective in treating split ends, wrinkles and few other aging problems.
