| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Litsea cubeba |
| Pronunciation | LIT-see-uh koo-BEE-buh |
| Common Names | May Chang, Mountain Pepper, Chinese Pepper, Tropical Verbena |
| Plant Family | Lauraceae (Laurel Family) |
| Plant Part Used | Small pepper-like fruits |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
| Origin Regions | China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia |
Description
Litsea essential oil, also known as May Chang, is a bright, lemony, and uplifting oil distilled from the small fruits of the Litsea cubeba tree — a tropical evergreen native to Southeast Asia. Its scent is fresh, sweet, and sparkling, often described as “a softer, fruitier cousin of Lemongrass or Lemon Verbena.” Litsea’s cheerful aroma makes it a beloved ingredient in aromatherapy, perfumery, and natural cleaning blends alike.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Litsea cubeba was valued for its digestive, calming, and restorative effects. Its seeds and fruits were used in herbal preparations to ease fatigue, promote relaxation, and encourage emotional balance. Today, its essential oil is prized for its ability to refresh the mind, cleanse the air, and inspire positivity — a natural aromatic antidepressant that radiates sunshine and serenity.
Physically, Litsea oil supports respiratory and immune health thanks to its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often used in skincare for oily or acne-prone complexions, as it helps purify the skin while uplifting the mood. Emotionally, Litsea brings clarity and calm, dissolving nervous tension and overthinking.
Spiritually, May Chang represents joy through stillness — a reminder that peace doesn’t always come from slowing down the world but from finding brightness within it. Its aroma opens the heart and helps reconnect to gratitude, confidence, and emotional lightness.
In essence, Litsea essential oil embodies sunlight distilled into scent — balancing energy with calm, clarity with warmth, and freshness with emotional ease.
History & Background
| Era / Region | Traditional Use | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient China | Herbal medicine | Used for digestive support, fatigue, and calming the mind |
| Southeast Asia | Household & ceremonial | Used for cleansing spaces and uplifting energy |
| 20th Century | Perfumery & aromatherapy | Became popular as a natural lemon fragrance alternative |
| Modern Use | Cleansing & emotional support | Found in natural soaps, candles, and mood-brightening blends |
Litsea’s lemony aroma earned it the nickname “Oil of Tranquility” in parts of Asia — capturing its dual gifts of clarity and calm.
Aroma Profile
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Aroma Type | Fresh, lemony, sweet, fruity, and slightly herbal |
| Scent Strength | Medium to Strong (Top to Middle Note) |
| Blends Well With | Geranium, Lavender, Cedarwood, Frankincense, and Rosemary |
Litsea adds brightness and harmony to blends, making it a favorite for both diffusers and natural body care formulations.
Chemical Composition
| Compound | Approx. % | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Citral (Geranial + Neral) | 70–85% | Cleansing, antimicrobial, uplifting |
| Limonene | 5–10% | Energizing, detoxifying, cheerful |
| β-Myrcene | 1–4% | Relaxing, anti-inflammatory |
| Geraniol | 1–3% | Floral sweetness, balancing |
| Linalool | 0.5–2% | Calming, harmonizing |
With its high citral content, Litsea offers both strong purifying action and mood-brightening effects — a rare balance of cleansing and comfort.
Cautions & Safety
| Type | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Internal Use | Not for internal use. |
| Topical Use | Dilute to 0.5–1.5%. Can irritate sensitive skin. |
| Pregnancy / Children | Use caution; avoid with infants. |
| Photosensitivity | Non-phototoxic. |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dark place; use within 1–2 years. |
Due to its high aldehyde content (citral), Litsea may cause skin sensitivity — always dilute and patch test before topical use.
Uses & Application Steps
Litsea essential oil is used for clarity, balance, and emotional renewal, making it ideal for both home and wellness applications.
Aromatic Use
- Diffuse 3–4 drops to promote joy and calm focus.
- Inhale deeply to reduce stress and mental fatigue.
- Blend with Bergamot and Frankincense for a balanced, cheerful atmosphere.
Topical Use
- Dilute 1 drop in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) carrier oil before applying to skin.
- Apply (diluted) to temples or chest for relaxation and clarity.
- Use in skincare for oily or congested skin — mix with Tea Tree and Lavender.
Massage or Bath Use
- Mix 3–5 drops with 1 tablespoon carrier oil for tension relief massage.
- Add to warm bathwater for emotional release and rejuvenation.
- Combine with Cedarwood and Patchouli for grounding yet uplifting body oil.
Emotional & Spiritual Use
- Diffuse to cleanse emotional heaviness and restore balance.
- Apply (diluted) to pulse points to calm nerves and uplift spirit.
- Use during meditation or yoga for focus, gratitude, and heart-opening energy.
Further Reading & External Links
| Source | URL |
|---|---|
| AromaWeb — Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Essential Oil Profile | https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/litsea-cubeba-essential-oil.php |
| Eden Botanicals — Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Essential Oil | https://www.edenbotanicals.com/litsea-cubeba.html |
| Florihana — May Chang Organic Essential Oil | https://www.florihana.com/us/essential-oils/178-litsea-cubeba-organic-3700343010952.html |
| Plant Therapy — May Chang Essential Oil | https://www.planttherapy.com/products/may-chang-essential-oil |
| PubChem — Citral Compound Summary | https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/638011 |
Citations & References
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
- PubChem Database — Citral (CID: 638011).
- IFRA Standards, 2024 Update.
- AromaWeb — Litsea Cubeba (May Chang) Essential Oil Profile.
- Eden Botanicals — Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil Data Sheet.
Conclusion
Litsea (May Chang) essential oil radiates joy, purity, and tranquil energy. Its sparkling lemony aroma uplifts the spirit, clears the mind, and soothes emotional tension — making it one of aromatherapy’s most balancing citrus oils.
Emotionally, it promotes lightness and gratitude. Physically, it purifies and refreshes the body and skin. Spiritually, it inspires clarity and peace, reconnecting the senses to brightness and simplicity.
Litsea reminds us that clarity and calm are not opposites — they are companions. Through its bright scent, it teaches the art of gentle joy: to shine brightly, peacefully, and without strain.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any essential oil. Conduct your own research by reviewing all citations and references listed above.