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Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Aroma
Ylang ylang essential oil is a fragrant and sensual oil with a sweet, heavy, exotic aroma.
The plant
The ylang ylang tree is a small tropical tree from the Philippines, Seychelles, Mauritius and Tahiti (the South Sea Islands). It has flowers of pink, mauve and yellow colours.
The extraction
The oil is extracted from the flowers by water or steam distillation. Amour Natural’s Ylang Ylang is ylang ylang III, meaning it’s the oil taken from the third distillation and is an ideal essential oil for perfumery and soaps.
Affects
Ylang ylang’s relaxing and stimulating properties make the oil famous for its calming effect on the mind and body. It is used to reduce feelings of fear and panic as well as an aphrodisiac due to its euphoric effect on the senses. When used in skincare it can balance oil production and traditionally has been used to stimulate hair growth.
History
Ylang ylang essential oil has been used extensively in hair care products. It was used as a primary ingredient in the old fashioned Makassar oil (hence the antimacassars on the back of arm chairs to prevent oil stains). Even to this day, in the South Islands the women keep up the tradition of blending ylang ylang oil with coconut oil to nourish and perfume their hair and the petals are thrown onto the bed sheets of newly wedded couples.
Interesting fact
Ylang ylang is widely used in perfumery. It has an aroma that can be likened to Jasmine, although ylang ylang is a more affordable oil hence its nickname ‘the poor man’s Jasmine’.
Chemical constituents
Benzoic (Acid), Farnesol, Geraniol, Linalool, (Alcohols), Benzyle acetate (Ester), Eugenol, Safrole (Phenols), Cadinene (Sesquiterpene), Pinene (Terpene).
Blending
Ylang ylang essential oil blends well with sandalwood, grapefruit, bergamot, citronella, lemon, orange, and lavender.
