Family : Lauraceae
Latin name : Litsea cubeba
Also Known As : Exotic verbena, tropical verbena. Litsea citrata is a related species with lower citral content.
May Chang essential oil is a fabulously uplifting oil from a small, tropical tree in China with lemongrass-scented leaves and flowers. The aroma is like taking the lid off a huge glass jar of sherbet-lemon sweets. It is citrus ( mainly oranges and lemons ) with a hint of spice. Like lemongrass or lemon verbena with a dash of liquorice. Very pale yellow in colour.
The oil is obtained by steam distillation of the small pepper shaped fruits ( cubeba ) of the tree. Although China is the primary producer, some trees are cultivated in Taiwan and Japan.
Similar to lemongrass and melissa.
75% citral, geraniol ( alpha-citral ) and neral ( beta-citral ), limonene.
May Chang is used for the isolation of citral for lemon flavours and for the production of several perfumery materials. Also Vitamin A.
Anti-inflammatory, soothing and calming. Also astringent, antiseptic, insecticide, hypotensive, stimulant and tonic. Good for oily skin like many citrus oils. Also the uplifting qualities help with anxiety and depression. Excellent as a room cleanser.
Possible function as a bronchial dilator to give relief from bronchitis and asthma.
There is research in China on the oil's ability to regulate cardiac arrythmias.
Possible skin irritation in some individuals so always dilute in carrier oil. Tisserand reports adverse skin reaction in 1.5% of population.
Oral use contra-indicated for glaucoma.
basil, bergamot, geranium, ginger, jasmine, lavender, neroli, orange, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, rosewood, ylang ylang
Still slightly unusual. Try Tisserand.
