Constituents

• Sesquiterpenes: Alpha farnesene

• Terpenic alcohols: Linalool (55%)

• Sesquiterpen alcohols: Farnesol

• Terpenic esters: Geranyl acetate (5%),  benzyl acetate (10%)

• Phenol: Methyl paracresol (15%)

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Energetics/ Organoleptics

• SMELL: complex, rich, bright and deep scent with floral, spicy, balsamic, fruity, woody and medicinal notes with a hints of rubber, custard, jasmine and neroli.   

• TASTE: floral, light, rich, lychee, jasmin, sweet

• COLOR: pale yellow

• FEEL:  somewhat oily liquid

• NOTE: base

• ENERGETICS: cooling, clearing heat from the heart, when severe nervous tension leads to palpitations, hypertension and tachycardia

• ELEMENTS: wood and fire

• TCM: ylang ylang regulates the Qi and harmonizes the Shen. It also helps to spread the Liver Qi. Whenever the Liver Qi is constrained and we experience disharmony of the Shen, we may experience feelings of moodiness, anxiety, irritability, restlessness and insomnia

• CHAKRA: Ylang ylang oil helps strength the sacral chakra by promoting sexuality and our creativity. It also supports the solar plexus chakra by promoting self-confidence and nurtures the heart chakra by promoting love.

• Ylang ylang helps to create a feeling of peace and dispels anger, which is often a hindrance to meditation, healing and all spiritual activities. Ylang ylang will allow you to transform your anger and become mindful of how you are affecting others. It promotes the capacity for growth and deepening of relationships

• Ylang ylang also helps us to confidently deal with our fears and to recognize whether or not they are appropriate or useful.

Contradictions

• Ylang ylang oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and sensitizing. Excessive use may cause nausea or headaches.

• Tisserand & Young state that there is a moderate risk of skin sensitization and caution should be exercised on persons with hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin and children under 2 years of age.

• According to IFRA guidelines, the maximum dermal use level for ylang ylang is 0.8%.  Tisserand & Young confirm that there is no clear consensus on which constituent is responsible for the risk of skin reactions. They suspect isoeugenol.

• Opdyke states that when ylang ylang oil was tested at 10% dilution on 25 human volunteers, it was not irritating.

• Non-toxic, non-irritant,

• Can cause sensitization in some individuals with hypersensitive skin

• Overuse may cause headaches.

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History

• Cananga odorata, known as the cananga tree is a tropical tree that is native from India, through parts of Indochina, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, to Queensland, Australia.

• Ylang ylang originates from South East Asia, although it is now native in Burma, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Islands. It was introduced to the tropical countries of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the French colonies of the Indian Ocean

• The history of ylang ylang oil is very recent. The unusual name ylang ylang comes from the vernacular ‘Alang-Ilang” which means "a flower of all flowers.", and describes the hanging or fluttering nature of the flowers in the slightest wind.

• The Philippine legend tells about a married couple who had everything in their life except children. In a dream, the gods came to them and promised to grant them a daughter, provided that the girl should never touch a man once she matures. The girl was named Ilang ("Flower"). She grew to be a true beauty, and there was no lack of men asking to marry her, but her parents guarded her in order not to break their agreement with the gods. One day when the parents were not at home, Ilang went to her garden to collect a bouquet of flowers. Unexpectedly, there appeared a young man who for a long time had been in love with her. He held her by her hand and said, "I love you, be my wife." Instantly the girl disappeared, turning into a small tree with very fragrant flowers. "Ilang! Ilang!" cried the young man. Since that day, it is said that the young man continues to wander the magic garden, calling out her name throughout eternity.

• The ylang ylang industry can be traced to a specific individual. Around 1860, a sailor named Albert Schwenger found himself stranded in Manila. Enchanted by the scent of the flowers he conceived the idea of a field still on a wheel cart. With this still, he set out traveling the countryside distilling ylang ylang in small quantities.

• The essential oil of C. odorata is used in foods and beverages, perfumes, topical skin care products, soaps, massage oils, and aromatherapy products. 

• In the Philippines, Ylang Ylang flowers were considered good for driving away malicious spirits.

• In Indonesia, it was prized as an aphrodisiac and the flowers were scattered on the beds of the newly married.

• Ylang Ylang oil was recommended for women in harems to heighten sexual appeal.

• In China, the clothes of people who could afford it were sprayed with Ylang Ylang oil before storing them in chests.