- Product Code: EOLIT
A rather small tropical evergreen tree of 5 - 12 metres in height, with fragrant leaves and flowers - with a scent similar to a sweet lemongrass. Native to areas of Southern China (Central and Eastern of Yangtze river), Indonesia and Taiwan. Sometimes known as May Chang, Exotic Verbena, Tropical Verbena, Mountain Pepper, Chinese Pepper, Mountain Spice Tree, the fruit appears as a small pepper-like spherical fruit, hence the word 'cubeb' is derived.
The small aromatic fruits begin in a green form, which as it matures, will change from a red and then to a dark brown upon ripening. When dried and collected prior for distillation, they look similar to a large form of dried black peppercorn, which is then steam distilled to acquire the essential oil. Notably all parts of the fragrant tree, including the flowers, branches, bark, twigs, roots and the leaves are a source of essential oil, but do not possess the quality odour as derived from the dried fruit.
Rich in citral for it's lemony-scented, fresh, sweet odour - it competes to a limited extent with another citral-rich oil, lemongrass. Mainly in fragrance applications for household sprays and fresheners, though it is less suitable for use in soaps than lemongrass oil since it has less fixative power.
With its long history in Asian medicine, and relied as a wonder herb for thousands of years, Litsea cubeba is sought after for many common ailments. It is said, to be especially effective against acne, dermatitis, excessive perspiration, greasy skin, and spots. Also aids in the digestive system for flatulence and indigestion, and helps to boost the immune system for epidemics and sanitation. With it's intense lemony, fresh, invigorating aroma, which benefits against anxiety, fear and fatigue, with pain and stress relief.
Safety Precautions : Flammable.
Blends well with : Basil, Bergamot, Cardamom, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Coriander, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Rose, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Thyme, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang and other Citrus oils.
FACT : A renowned spice by the aborigines of Taiwan. The pepper-shaped fruits of this tree were used as hot flavoring spice for meat dish known as sambal. May Chang flowers were also used in preparing medicinal tea. It was once planted as a wind breaker in China.