Description:
Cananga is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It also grows on the islands of the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, as well as in Australia. It is commonly grown in Madagascar, Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and the Comoros Islands.

Cananga oil is extracted from mature freshly harvested Cananga odorata flowers. The oil content is about 0.5 to 2%.

It has a quite high economic value in the world market. Cananga and ylang-ylang are members of the family Annonaceae. Both are belonging to the same genus “ Cananga”. This is very surprising that their species are also similar and both are “odorata” species. The only distinguishing feature that differentiates these two is in the addition of the words var. genuina to ylang ylang’s botanical name and the addition of var. macrophylla to cananga’s botanical name.

Cananga Essential Oil is sometimes used as a substitute for Ylang Ylang Oil in the fragrance industry. Cananga Oil is a little bit similar to Ylang Ylang Oil, but it is less floral. Both Cananga oil and Ylang Ylang oil have different chemical compositions and their therapeutic uses are also different. In perfumery, it is used as a middle note.

Odor profile:
Floral, sweet, and slightly woody

Major Constituents:
Caryophyllene, Linalool, delta-Cadinene, Geranyl acetate, germacrene, and Para-cresyl methyl ether

Application:
~ The presence of beta-caryophyllene and germacrene both are antioxidants and their presence indicates the oil is a powerful antioxidant and cellular health-supporting properties.
~ Cananga oil is valued for its fragrance and application in the manufacturing of skincare products.
~ Cananga essential oil can be used in insect bites also.

Aromatherapy:
The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to remove anxiety, depression, and stress. It is believed to relieve high blood pressure and normalize sebum secretion for skin problems. It is also considered to be an aphrodisiac.