General info
Ylang ylang means "flowers of flowers."
A variety, Cangana odorata macrophyllka (Cannagium odoratum macrophylla) yields Cananga oil, also used in the manufacture of cosmetics and soap, flavoring of foods as gelatins and puddings.

Properties
Sedative, antidepressant, and nervous system tonic.
The oil extracted from fresh flowers has a floral fragrance.

Distribution
Cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Parts used
Flowers.
The oil is distilled from freshly harvested flowers.

Uses:
Folkloric
Oil Used for a variety of infectious and skin diseases, acne and scalp conditions.
Sedative and antidepressant.
Reduces sebum in oily skin.
Use for insect bite.
Thought to decrease blood pressure.
Others
Oil is used as a fragrance for cosmetics (1% in perfumes), soaps and hair preparations.
Oil also used as flavoring agent in foods and beverages.
Also regarded as an aphrodisiac. In some Asian countries, the flowers are laid out in matrimonial beds.

Safety
Probably safe in the amount found in foods.
No known interactions with herbs and other dietary supplements.

Availability
Wild-crafted.
Cultivated for ornamental use.