Botanical Name Litsae cubeba
Plant Part Derived from the small, pepper like fruits
Extraction Method Steam
Origin Australia
Description Litsea cubeba are small plants found in tropical areas. The leaves are typically a vibrant green with a pleasant, lemon like smell. It produces small, pepper-like fruits from which the essential oil is extracted.
Color It has a yellow color.
Common Uses May Chang is most valued for its calming and anti- inflammatory properties. Other therapeutic uses often found with litsea cubeba include as an astringent, antiseptic, insecticide, hypotensive, stimulant and tonic.
Strength of Aroma Litsea cubeba has a medium strength aroma
Blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Geranium (all), Ginger, Jasmine (all), Rose (all), Rosemary (all), Rosewood and Ylang-Ylang.
Aromatic Scent Litsea cubeba essential oil has a crisp, citrus smell. It has been compared to lemongrass and lemon verbena. It is considered sweeter and softer than lemongrass and a possible fragrance alternative to the costly lemon verbena, though it should be used as an alternative in terms of therapeutic potential.
History Litsea cubeba essential oil has been used historically in both Japan and Taiwan for reasons listed above.
Cautions Possible skin irritant.