Ylang-ylang, a scent with aphrodisiac properties?

Ylang-ylang has a fragrant aroma that awakens multiple sensations. It is used in many perfumes for its oriental or floral touches and combines very well with fruity or woody aromas.

The ylang-ylang or cananga flower, whose Latin name is Cananga Odorata, is a tree native to India and the Philippines that has also spread to countries in the intertropical zone, especially in Central and South America.

It has very large and showy flowers that are used in perfumery and cosmetics from which its essence is extracted. The flowers are green to yellow flowers in the shape of a starfish.It has a very sweet and pleasant characteristic aroma: notes of gum and cream and a background of jasmine or neroli. Its essential oil is obtained by distillation of these flowers, and up to 3 distillations can be obtained, on which its purity depends.

Many therapeutic properties are attributed to this essential oil; one of its uses is aromatherapy and it is believed to improve hypertension as well as the effects of depression, anxiety, tachycardia and panic attacks. It is also used in skin treatments; specifically to improve acne.

Aphrodisiac properties are attributed to ylang-ylang; it is not proven if it works by itself or if perhaps the aroma it exhales and the softness it produces on the skin, is already reason enough to cause attraction.

In Indonesia, ylang-ylang flowers are spread over the bridal bed of a married couple to bring good luck to the union. It is also used in the Philippines as a necklace to adorn religious images.

One of the perfumes that uses the essence of ylang-ylang is the Eau de Parfum "Do Not Disturb" by Vilhelm Parfumerie or Eau Moheli by diptyque -an ode to the island Mohéli , one of the three islands that make up the Comoros-.