DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTIONNames: Ylang-ylang, cananga tree, ilang-ilang, kenanga (Indonesian), fragrant cananga, Macassar-oil plant or perfume tree.
Botany: Cananga odorata is a fast-growing tree of the custard-apple family, Annonaceae, which grows to an average height of 12 m. It is native to tropical Asia (especially Indonesia and Philippines).
Product: Ylang-ylang oil obtained by steam distillation or water and steam distillation of the flowers freshly picked early in the morning.
Biochemistry:
Ylang-ylang oil contains d-α-pinene, linalool, geraniol, sesquiterpenes, acids, and phenols (eugenol and isoeugenol).
USES
Ylang-ylang is extremely effective in calming and bringing about a sense of relaxation. It is said to relax facial muscles, and a massage with ylang-ylang eases tension headaches.
Ylang ylang oil is extensively used as a fragrance components in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes (especially floral and heavy oriental types), with maximum use level of 1% reported in perfumes, while the lower grades are used an scenting soaps and detergents.
TOXICOLOGY
Data from one source indicate ylang-ylang to be non-irritating to mouse skin, slightly irritating to rabbit skin, and non-irritating and non-sensitising to human skin; no phototoxic effects were reported.
