MAY CHANG ESSENTIAL OIL
A vibrant aromatic oil with fresh, sweet and intensely lemon-like notes.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Litsea cubeba
Common Name: May Chang / Mountain Pepper
Family: Lauraceae
Origin of Plant: East and Southeast Asia
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the fruits
Note: Top
Colour: Pale to golden yellow
Aroma: Fresh, sweet, bright and lemon-like
About This Essential Oil
May Chang Essential Oil is steam distilled from the small fruits of Litsea cubeba. Its powerful lemon-like aroma is widely used in diffuser blends, natural perfumery, soaps, washes and household fragrance products. Although it smells citrus-like, May Chang is not a citrus peel oil and belongs to the Lauraceae family.
Key Benefits
• Provides a bright and intensely lemon-like aroma
• Creates a fresh and lively aromatic atmosphere
• Adds impact to diffuser and room-fragrance blends
• Popular in soaps, washes and household products
• Useful as a strong top note in natural perfumery
• Complements citrus, floral, herbal and woody oils
History
Litsea cubeba is an aromatic tree native to parts of East and Southeast Asia. Its fruits and other plant parts have been used locally in culinary, fragrance and customary preparations. Commercial essential oil production developed around the oil's strong lemon character and its usefulness in fragrance and flavour industries. May Chang is sometimes called Mountain Pepper, although common names vary by region and supplier.
Main Chemical Components
90% Aliphatic aldehydes, 5%
Aromatic Characteristics
• Fresh and lemon-like
• Sweet and vibrant
• Bright and clean
• Strong top aromatic note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds brightness to diffuser and room-fragrance blends
• Provides a strong lemon note in natural perfumes
• Complements soaps, washes and household products
• Suitable for carefully formulated body-care products
• Lifts floral, woody and herbaceous compositions
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as bright and lively
• Opens with intense fresh-lemon notes
• Develops sweet, fruity and lightly green nuances
• More persistent than many citrus peel oils
Blends Well With
Basil, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Petitgrain, Rosemary and Ylang Ylang.
Health & Safety
• External use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted. Dilute appropriately.
• Citral-rich oils may irritate or sensitise skin; follow the supplier's dermal limit.
• Patch test before use; stop if irritation occurs. Avoid eyes and broken skin.
• Do not add undiluted oil directly to bath water.
• Do not assume suitability for babies or children; seek age-specific advice.
• Seek qualified advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions.
• Diffuse intermittently in a well-ventilated space.
• Oxidised oil may sensitise; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Keep from children and animals; store below 25°C away from sunlight and heat.
