Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil (May Chang)

100% Pure Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil (May Chang)

Bright, cheerful, and softly citrus-spiced, Dreaming Earth Botanicals’ Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil—also known as May Chang—is steam distilled from the small pepper-like fruits of Litsea cubeba, a tropical tree native to East Asia. Its fresh aroma is often described as somewhere between lemon, lime, and lemongrass, but softer, sweeter, and more rounded.

Loved in aromatherapy for its uplifting yet calming nature, Litsea Cubeba creates an atmosphere that feels fresh, clear, and emotionally balanced. Its vibrant citrus profile also makes it a favorite in natural perfumery, skincare, and refreshing diffuser blends.

Product Details

Botanical Name: Litsea cubeba

Origin: China

Family: Lauraceae

Aroma: Spicy • Citrus • Fresh • Bright

Perfume Note: Top

Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled

Source: Fruits

Main Chemical Components

Citral (Geranial & Neral) • Limonene • Linalool • Citronellal

Blends Well With

Basil • Bergamot • Geranium • Ginger • Jasmine • Rose • Rosemary • Rosewood • Ylang Ylang essential oils

Description & Uses

Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil comes from the fruit of a small tropical tree native to East Asia and is prized for its lively citrus aroma and emotionally balancing qualities. While often compared to Lemongrass, Lemon, or Lime, Litsea Cubeba offers a softer, smoother citrus experience with subtle spicy undertones that make it uniquely beautiful in blends.

In aromatherapy, Litsea Cubeba is appreciated for its calming yet refreshing nature—making it ideal for times of nervous tension, emotional overwhelm, or mental fatigue. Its crisp citrus aroma helps brighten spaces while maintaining a grounded, soothing quality.

Traditionally, Litsea Cubeba is also valued in skincare formulations for oily or blemish-prone skin and is commonly used in clarifying facial blends and refreshing body products.

Traditional Uses: calming aromatherapy, oily skin care, blemish-focused blends, emotional balance, refreshing diffuser blends.

Why You’ll Love It

Bright Yet Calming

Fresh citrus energy balanced with soft emotional grounding.

Beautiful Natural Citrus Aroma

Lemon-lime brightness with a softer, smoother finish than Lemongrass.

Wonderful for Diffusion

Creates a cheerful, uplifting atmosphere without feeling overpowering.

Popular in Skincare

Traditionally used in formulas for oily and blemish-prone skin.

Excellent Blending Oil

Pairs beautifully with florals, woods, herbs, and citrus oils.

Properties

Calming • Refreshing • Antiseptic • Traditionally considered anti-inflammatory

Ways to Use

Diffusion

Add 3–6 drops to a diffuser for a bright, refreshing atmosphere.

Skincare Blends (Dilute Properly)

Add to facial oils or creams designed for oily or blemish-prone skin:

• 1 drop per tablespoon of carrier oil or product base

Massage Blend

Blend into a carrier oil for uplifting, emotionally balancing massage support.

Natural Room Freshener

Combine with Bergamot and Rosemary for a crisp, energizing room spray.

Aroma Profile

Fresh citrus brightness with soft spicy undertones and a rounded, cheerful finish reminiscent of lemon, lime, and gentle lemongrass.

Perfect For

• Citrus aromatherapy lovers
• Emotional balance and stress support
• Refreshing diffuser blends
• Oily or blemish-prone skincare routines
• Natural perfumery
• Brightening home atmospheres

Cautions

For external use only. Always dilute properly before applying to skin. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children.

May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals—dilute well and perform a patch test prior to topical use.

If pregnant, nursing, or under medical care, consult your healthcare professional before use.