May Chang

Origin: China. Botanical Name: Litsea cubeba. Family: Lauraceae. Part of plant used: Fruit. Method of Extraction: Steam distillation. Originally native to Asia, especially China. It is cultivated in Taiwan and Japan. China is the main producer of the essential oil. 

Description: A small tropical tree with fragrant, lemongrass-scented leaves and flowers. The small fruits that it produces are similar to peppers, from which the name 'cubeba' is derived. The essential oil is chemically similar to lemongrass Melissa and other oils rich in citral, and the therapeutic effects are similar to Lemongrass. Its odour, however, is finer than lemongrass, it is more lemon like closer to a true verbena oil, but at a fraction of the cost. Characteristics: A sweet citrus and fruity fragrance. Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cordial, galactagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, stimulant, tonic. Blends well with: Basil, bergamot, geranium, ginger, jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, orange, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, rosewood, ylang ylang. Precautions: Non-toxic, non-irritant and possibly sensitising in some individuals.

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