CANANGA - essential oil
The Balinese call this cousin of Ylang Ylang - Sandat
The cananga tree is a tropical tree that originates in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. It is also called the fragrant cananga, Macassar-oil plant, perfume tree, Mata‘oi (Cook Islands), Mohokoi (Tonga), Moso‘oi (Samoa), Moto‘oi (Hawaii), and Mokosoi/Mokasoi/Mokohoi (Fiji).
Is it Ylang-Ylang or Cananga?: Cananga (Cananga odorata var. macrophylla) is a tall tree which produces flowers almost identical to those of ylang-ylang. In fact, the two plants are so similar, and produce such similar essential oils, that some suppliers (mistakenly) sell cananga essential oil as ylang-ylang essential oil.
Both ylang-ylang and cananga are members of the Annonaceae plant family; they also both belong to the same genus – Cananga. Even their species is confusing; both are odorata species. The small distinguishing feature that separates these two very similar plants 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. This is simply a “lower”rank than that of a species in the botanical ranking system, and it helps to separate out the subtle differences between each plant.
The chemical components of each oil also vary. Cananga contains more of the chemical constituent Beta-caryophyllene, which is soothing to the skin and promotes normal nervous and immune function. Cananga essential oil is often used as a milder alternative to ylang ylang for those who find the scent too intense. The Difference Between the Essential Oils as perfumes: Ylang-ylang essential oil is a more floral oil than cananga essential oil. Therefore, those that find the heady aroma of ylang-ylang essential oil too much may prefer the aroma of cananga essential oil.
Health benefits
• Insect bites
• Hypertension (lowers blood pressure)
• Anxiety, depression, stress relief, insomnia
• Skin: acne, irritation, anti-septic, anti-infectious
• Improves blood circulation, therefore toxin elimination
• Anti-malarial
Warning: Cananga oil may cause skin sensitisation in sensitive individuals.