May Chang (Litsea Cubeba)DESCRIPTION

Botany: Litsea cubeba is a small tree, 5-12 m high with a stem diameter of 6-20 cm. It is native to China, Indonesia and some other parts of Southeast Asia, where it occurs mainly in mountainous regions. In the People’s Republic of China it occurs naturally in the south of the country but it has been successfully domesticated and large cultivated areas are found in central and eastern China south of the Yangtze River. In Indonesia the species grows wild in Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan from 700 m to 2300 m above sea level.

Products:
Litsea cubeba essential oil:
Litsea cubeba oil is distilled from the small, pepper like fruits of the tree of Litsea cubeba. The oil of Chinese origin, the only source of internationally traded material, is rich in citral (about 70 percent) and has an intense lemon-like, fresh, sweet odour.

USES

Litsea cubeba essential oil
The essential oil of Litsea cubeba has antimicrobial activity (individual volatile components in the oil have an antimicrobial effect on pathogens or spoilage microorganisms.

The oil is used as a fragrance (especially in bar soap) and for flavouring in its own right. It is recognised for its powerful effect in terms of promoting physical relaxation and mental calm.

TOXICOLOGY

Xi – Irritant:
Irritating to skin and eyes.
May cause sensitisation by skin contact.
Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.

ESSENTIQ PRODUCTS CONTAINING MAY CHANG (LITSEA CUBEBA)

Facial care