May Chang - Wild Crafted (China)

Litsea cubeba

• Plant Family: Lauraceae
• Method of Extraction: The oil is distilled from fruits
• Fragrance Profile: A bright citrus aroma middle to base note.
• Appearance:  Pale yellow
• Contraindications:  Due to the high aldehyde content is a strong skin irritant.  Do not use topically.   Keep away from children. Do not use during pregnancy.
• Chakra:  Resonates with the solar plexus
• Element: Water and wood

Oil of May Chang is a comparatively new essential oil to the West. It is steam-distilled from the pepper-shaped fruits (Cubeba) of this tropical tree.

The strong lemon odour of the main constituent (Citral - 75%) dominates and hence the oil resembles Lemongrass, although it has a rounder and more fruity aroma. While the synonym Litsea Citrata is often given for May Chang, Litsea Citrata is a related species with a lower Citral content.