Ylang-Ylang essential oil | Cananga odorata

Traditional use: Ylang-ylang is a plant that has long been present in the culture of countries around the Indian Ocean. In Ayurveda – the traditional medicine of India – ylang-ylang has been used as a remedy for many ailments, e.g. to relieve symptoms of malaria and to heal wounds. In Indonesia, on the other hand, Canaga odorata flowers are spread on the bed of newlyweds, as they symbolize love and work well as an aphrodisiac. The ylang-ylang owes its delicate floral and fruity aroma to the presence of essential oil, which not only stimulates the senses, but is also widely used in aromatherapy. This oil has a beneficial effect on mood, as it introduces a calm atmosphere conducive to deep relaxation. Therefore, it is especially recommended for people who experience chronic stress and often feel fatigue. What’s more, it supports the work of the immune system, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect and fights pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, it is worth noting that it is particularly effective against the formation of acne, and in addition, it perfectly moisturizes the skin. The biologically active compounds it contains exhibit antioxidant properties, thus preventing premature aging of the skin. Ylang-ylang oil also has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, as it strengthens it and prevents hair loss. All these properties prove how much this rich aroma, which comes straight from the exotic lands of southern Asia, has to offer.

Occurrence: Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) is a plant belonging to the family Annonaceae. It is classified as a small tree or shrub and reaches a height of 10-12 meters. It has light gray, smooth bark and long, overhanging branches. Ylang-ylang also has distinctive, oblong flowers with curled tips of light green color sometimes turning to shades of yellow.

The plant is naturally found in the southeastern regions of Asia, primarily on the Indian and Indochina Peninsulas, as well as in the Malay Archipelago and northeastern Australia. It is also grown in countries with equatorial climates. The oil available in our store is obtained from the flowers of the Cananga odorata plants from Madagascar.

Biochemistry: Ylang-ylang essential oil contains a number of active compounds responsible for its aromatic richness and a wide range of health-promoting properties. Of these, the most noteworthy are linalool (accounting for about 20% of the total), geranyl acetate, benzyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, P-methyl cresol, (E)-caryophyllene and germacrene-D.

The oil available in our store is obtained by steam distillation from the flowers of Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata var genuina) originating from Madagascar. As a result, each drop contains an optimal concentration of active ingredients and a bouquet of aromas unique to this plant.

Fun fact: The intriguing common name of ylang-ylang – comes from the word “ilang,” which means “wildness” in Tagalog language. The people of the Philippines called the plant this way, referring to its natural habitat.