The sweet little sister of the Lemongrass fragrance, Litsea Cubeba is a citrusy-scented plant that is also known as the Mountain Pepper or May Chang. Smell it once and it may become your new favorite natural citrus scent with so many uses in natural cleaning recipes, natural bodycare, perfumery, and aromatherapy. Litsea Cubeba / May Chang is a member of the Lauraceae family, native to regions of Southeast Asia and grows as a tree or shrub. Although grown extensively in Japan and Taiwan, China is the largest producer and exporter. The tree bears petite white and yellow flowers, which bloom from March to April each growing season. The fruit, flower and leaves are processed for essential oil, and the timber can be used for furniture or construction. Most essential oil used in aromatherapy is usually coming from the fruit of the plant.
Benefits and Uses
- Make yourself a fresh Ginger root tea add Litsea Cubeba essential Oil infused Honey – Here at the lab we like to infuse a few drops into 1 cup of raw honey. This Ginger Litsea Cubeba Tea will be a potent digestive aid!
- Auric Cleanse- Add a few drops on your hands and snap your fingers all around your body for a warm, citrusy fresh – uplifting energy enhancement.
- Diffuse a few drops for a refreshing and stimulating quick pick-me-up (relieves fatigue and blues). The scent is very uplifting yet calms the nervous system.
- Acne and breakouts- Mix 7-12 drops of Litsea Cubeba in a 1 Oz bottle of jojoba oil and dab it all over your face twice a day to cleanse the pores and reduce inflammation.
- Potent disinfectant and insect repellant which makes a wonderful household cleaner. Use it on its own or combine it with Tea Tree oil by infusing a few drops into water and use it as a spray mister spray to wipe down & cleanse surfaces.
Blends Well With
Basil, bay, black pepper, cardamom, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, coriander, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, ginger, grapefruit, juniper, marjoram, orange, palmarosa, patchouli, petitgrain, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, vetiver, and ylang ylang
Precautions
This oil may interact with certain drugs, may cause skin allergies, and is potentially teratogenic. Avoid while pregnant. Never use essential oils undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children.
Before using topically, perform a small patch test on your inner forearm or back by applying a small quantity of diluted essential oil and apply a bandage. Wash the area if you experience any irritation. If no irritation occurs after 48 hours it is safe to use on your skin.