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Ylang Ylang

Botanical Name: Cananga odorata

Anatomical areas: Brain, skin, nervous system, circulation, sexual organs, adrenals, immune system.

Allopathic uses: Hypotensive, antiseptic (intestinal), anti-depressant, sedative (nervous), nervine, euphoric, stimulant (circulatory and adrenal and thymus glands) aphrodisiac, sebum regulator, tonic.

Indications: Oily skin, hypertension, depression, nervous tension, insomnia, impotence, frigidity.

Holistic uses: In Chinese medicine, Yang energy, fire element. Strong energy, masculine types – male or female. Works on 2nd to 3rd chakra. Removes or reduces feelings of  anger and rage, anxiety, and low self-esteem.  Promotes love and peace.

Contraindications: Non-toxic, non-irritant. Overuse can cause nausea or headache. The oil is often falsified with cocoa butter or coconut oil. To test, leave a sample in the freezer for a short while; if it has been thickened and becomes cloudy, it has probably been adulterated.

Blending: Blends well with bergamot, sandalwood, jasmine, lemon, neroli, nutmeg, rose, rosewood, tangerine, tuberose, vetiver.  Excellent fixative.

Chemical Components: Alpha pinene, benzoic acid, cadinene, caryophllene, cresol, eugenol isoeugenol, 5-7% linalyl acetate, 8-1% linalyl benzoate, and 30-32% linalool, geraniol and trace amount of farnesol.

Characteristics: Yellowish color. Syrupy consistency. Voluptuous, exotic, intense sweet, jasmine-like. Can be overpowering and heavy.

Extraction: Distillation or solvent extraction from flowers.