Essential Oil Focus: Litsea Cubeba

Litsea Cubeba essential oil also goes by the common name: May Chang. It is commonly distilled by steam from the leaves and flowers. Mainly produced in China.

I like to think of this as a cross between Lemon and Lemongrass as far as the aroma goes. It has that strong lemony citrus scent, with a slight green - tea like undertone. Not as green as lemongrass. In Cold Process soap, Litsea sticks like a dream. If you want those citrus notes without worrying about the fleeting nature of citrus oils - then you should try Litsea. Either alone, or as an anchor to the citrus oils.

Aromatherapy benefits: Reported to be slightly antiseptic and astringent.
Considered to be an uplifting oil.

Litsea can be a skin sensitizer, so keep in amounts of 1% or less in leave on products.

You can purchase Litsea from The Scent Shack for $23.95 per pound, or in smaller sizes if you need it!