BOTANICAL NAMELitsea cubeba

Litsea cubeba is a small plant 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.

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 not be used as an alternative in terms of therapeutic potential.

STRENGTH OF AROMA:Medium

PLANT PART:pepper like fruits

EXTRACTION METHOD:Steam Distilled

ORIGIN: Australia

COLOUR: Yellow

CONSISTENCY: Light

NOTE: Top

USES:

Litsea Cubeba (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.

BLENDS WELL WITH

Basil, Bergamot, Geranium, Ginger, Jasmine, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood and Ylang-Ylang.

HISTORY:

Litsea cubeba essential oil has been used historically in both Japan and Taiwanas an alternative to lemongrass or the more costly lemon verbena.

CAUTIONS:Possible skin irritant.