Ylang Ylang

Botanical Name:                   Cananga odorata
Synonym:                              Unona odorantissimum, flower of flowers
Botanical Family:                  Annonaceae (Compositae)
Country of Origin:                 Madagascar, Phillipines
Plant Part:                             Flowers
Extraction Method:               Distillation
Characteristics:                    Sweet, floral, heady, exotic, hypnotic
Properties:                             
Anti depressant, antiseborrhoeic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, nervine, sedative
Chemical Constituents:      
Linalool, geranyl acetate, caryophyllene, p-cresyl methyl ether, methyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, other sesquiterpenes

Indications:
 
Mind & Spirit:                                   
 
Relieves tension, anxiety, panic and shock
Deeply relaxing, euphoric and an aphrodisiac 
Balancing effect on the hormones lifting negative moods
 
Body:             
           
Reduces rapid breathing and heart beat
Lowers high blood pressure
Treats PMS and frigidity
Balances sebum, promotes healthy hair.
 
Contraindications:  Excessive use can cause headaches, may be an irritant to sensitive skins.  Non toxic
Note:                       Base
Odour Intensity:      2
Blends well with:                  
Bergamot, grapefruit, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, mandarin, neroli, orange, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, tangerine, vetiver
 
Traditions:                 
Ylang Ylang was used by the Islanders of Tropical Asia to treat insect bites, inflamed skin, protect their hair and ward off fever and infection.
 
In Indonesia, the flowers are spread on the bed of newlyweds on their wedding night.
 
In the Molucca Islands, an ointment is made from Ylang Ylang in coconut for cosmetic and hair care purposes.  In the Victorian Age, the oil was used in a popular hair treatment:  Macassar Oil, due to its stimulating effect on the scalp and encouraging hair growth.