Common Name: |
Ylang-Ylang |
Other Names: |
Ilang-ilang, Macassar oil tree. |
Botanical Name: |
Cananga odorata syn. Canangium odoratum |
Genus: |
Cananga |
Family: |
Annonaceae |
Native Locations: |
Comores, Java, Madagascar, Phillipines, Reunion, Sumatra, India, N Australia |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, moist soil in sun, with high humidity. Remove the terminal bud when the tree is 2m (6ft) tall, after about three years. Plants flower when young, and in cold areas may be grown in containers under glass, using soil-based potting mix. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown when ripe at 21°C (70°F). |
Harvest: |
Flowers are picked at night and dried for infusions, or distilled for oil. |
Height: |
10-30m (30-90ft) |
Width: |
4-8m (12-25ft) |
Hardiness: |
Min. 15-18°C (59-64°:F) |
Extraction: |
Steam Distillation |
Parts Used: |
Flowers |
Color and Odor: |
The essential oil is clear with a hint of yellow. It has an intensely sweet and heady scent with an exotic and voluptuous quality. |
Background: |
The flowers are used by the native women of Indonesia to perfume their hair. Ylang-ylang is often mixed with coconut oil; this concoction was sold as the famous "Macassar" hair oil during the Victorian era. The flowers are also spread on the beds of Indonesian newlyweds on their wedding night.. |
Properties: |
Evocative, euphoric, sedative, hypotensive, aphrodisiac. An antiseptic, sedative herb that relieves tension, lowers blood pressure, and reduces fever. It is reputedly an aphrodisiac. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for malaria and fevers. Externally for skin irritations, conjunctivitis, boils, and gout, and in baths for impotence and frigidity. Ylang-ylang is important in aromatherapy for treating tachycardia, rapid breathing, hypertension, gastrointestinal infections, and psycho-secual complaints. |
Uses: |
- Circulatory SytemValuable for reducing high blood pressure and an abnormally fast heart rate.
- Respiratory SystemExcellent for slowing down abnormally rapid breathing.
- Reproductive SytemUseful in cases of impotence and frigidity.
- Nervous SystemIndicated for stress-related disorders.
- SkinHas a soothing effect and is typically good for the face and oily skin types. Ylang-ylang balances the secretion of sebum.
- EmotionsPacifies the mind, dispelling stubborness and anger and creating a feeling of peace. Dissipates jealousy and soothes frustrations. Ylang-ylang is excitingly sensuous and is iffective against introversion or emotional coldness, promoting confidence.
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Blends: |
Economic Uses: |
Distilled oil (cananga oil) is used in perfumery and cosmetics, and with coconut oil in Macassar hair oil; also in the food industry, especially in peach and apricot flavorings. |
Bibliography: |
Aromatherapy Blends and Remedies by Franzesca Watson Copyright ©: 1995 Thorsons, Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. pp.178-179 Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 151-152 |
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