May Chang
Litsea Cubeba
May Chang Oil is a fruity and refreshing essential oil that is mostly used in aromatherapy and perfumery. In aromatherapy it can help with anxiety, sadness and fatigue, and it has also been used as an effective appetite stimulant in the past
History of May Chang Oil
May Chang comes from the Lauraceae family and originates in China. The common name “May Chang” has come about more recently, so, unlike other essential oils, it is still referred to by its technical name Litsea Cubeba. May Chang Oil is also sometimes referred to as “Chinese Pepper” or “Mountain Pepper” but is not to be confused with Tasmanian Mountain Pepper, which is only found in Australia! Nowadays, May Chang can be found growing all over South East Asia, and has become popular in the West over the past century.
May Chang Oil has been very popular in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, where its effects were believed to be so strong that it was used to treat cancer. It was also used as a muscle relaxant, decongestant and headache reliever. Today, it is used to fight anxiety, with research supporting its use as a natural alternative to modern antidepressants. May Chang oil is full of antioxidants, which are known to naturally energise, which is what it is now most well-known for.
So, how has May Chang Oil remained so popular this whole time?
Although more recently adopted in the West, May Chang Oil has remained popular in China because of its beautiful aroma. Although some modern medicines have replaced May Chang’s use to treat various ailments, its popularity in perfume and aromatherapy is growing ever stronger. The aroma is not only pleasant, but can also have a positive effect on your mood, with the unique ability to energise and calm simultaneously. Its mood-lifting effects are so pronounced that it is often considered a natural alternative to stimulants.
Another great thing about May Chang Oil is that it produces more oil from less of the plant than other essential oils, which means that it is more environmentally-friendly and not as expensive as others. The process used to extract the oil is called steam distillation, which is cruelty-free and does not alter the chemical structure of the oil.
With its sweet, citrus aroma, May Chang Oil is commonly used in makeup and skincare brands, as it is particularly effective against acne and helps to brighten oily skin. As well as being great for the skin, May Chang Oil can be used as a natural insect repellent, so if you are looking for a natural alternative to chemicals, May Chang is the oil for you!
Extracting May Chang Oil
May Chang Oil is extracted from the Litsea cubeba plant using a method called steam distillation. Steam distillation involves passing steam over the dried fruits of the plant, causing particles containing the oil to separate as water vapour. The water vapour is then passed through a cooling chamber, which causes the vapour to turn back to water, and the oil to rise to the top. The May Chang Oil can then be skimmed off the surface easily.
Steam distillation is a great method of extraction, because it does not add any chemicals or harm the environment. Because it does not use chemicals, steam distillation does not alter the chemical composition of the plant as it turns to an oil. Some manufacturers also use the flowers, leaves and twigs of the plant, but this makes for a lower quality oil. The sweet, tangy, citrus scent of May Chang Oil can only be extracted from the fruits!
Can I make May Chang Oil at home?
Technically, the steam distillation process could be done at home, and you would not need as much of the plant as you would with other essential oils. If you live in parts of Asia where May Chang grows then you could pick the berries, dry them and steam distill them in a saucepan, however, May Chang Oil is not one of the more expensive essential oils, so we recommend buying online instead.
As with any essential oil, if you buy online then you can read the reviews and assess the quality. Remember that essential oils affect everybody differently, so whilst reviews are a great guide, they are not the only thing to consider! Always look for 100% May Chang Oil that has been produced using only the fruits of the flowers.
What is your opinion on May Chang Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team are eager to hear your essential oil stories, so feel free to reach out to one of us today!
Can I make May Chang Oil at home?
Technically, the steam distillation process could be done at home, and you would not need as much of the plant as you would with other essential oils. If you live in parts of Asia where May Chang grows then you could pick the berries, dry them and steam distill them in a saucepan, however, May Chang Oil is not one of the more expensive essential oils, so we recommend buying online instead.
As with any essential oil, if you buy online then you can read the reviews and assess the quality. Remember that essential oils affect everybody differently, so whilst reviews are a great guide, they are not the only thing to consider! Always look for 100% May Chang Oil that has been produced using only the fruits of the flowers.
What is your opinion on May Chang Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? As always, the Essentially Yours team are eager to hear your essential oil stories, so feel free to reach out to one of us today!
May Chang Oil Varieties
May Chang Oil Varieties
May Chang Oil is extracted from the Litsea cubeba plant, a deciduous (leaf-shedding) shrub-like tree. . The geographical location of the May Chang plant has not been proven to make any difference to the quality of the oil, but some manufacturers extract from the flowers, leaves and twigs as well as the fruits, which produces a lower quality oil.
Although it is considered to be lower quality, May Chang Oil produced from the roots and leaves of the plant has been found to have different medicinal properties. If made from the roots, the oil has been found to relieve headaches and cold symptoms; if made from the leaves, the oil is reprtedly more effective against insect bites or as a repellent. The oil made from the fruits has the most medicinal abilities, as it is known as the most effective pain reliever - plus, it smells the best!
Which variety of May Chang Oil should I use?
That depends on what you are looking to get from it! Although research suggests that May Chang Oil made from the roots and leaves of the plant does have some benefits, we recommend only buying oil made from the fruits, as that is the highest quality variety.
There is no evidence to suggest that oil made from May Chang plants in a particular place is superior to that made from any other. If you look for 100% May Chang that is extracted only from the fruit, you will be most likely to find a great quality oil! It should look very light yellow in colour, and have a sweet, grassy citrus aroma.
Although it is considered to be lower quality, May Chang Oil produced from the roots and leaves of the plant has been found to have different medicinal properties. If made from the roots, the oil has been found to relieve headaches and cold symptoms; if made from the leaves, the oil is reprtedly more effective against insect bites or as a repellent. The oil made from the fruits has the most medicinal abilities, as it is known as the most effective pain reliever - plus, it smells the best!
Which variety of May Chang Oil should I use?
That depends on what you are looking to get from it! Although research suggests that May Chang Oil made from the roots and leaves of the plant does have some benefits, we recommend only buying oil made from the fruits, as that is the highest quality variety.
There is no evidence to suggest that oil made from May Chang plants in a particular place is superior to that made from any other. If you look for 100% May Chang that is extracted only from the fruit, you will be most likely to find a great quality oil! It should look very light yellow in colour, and have a sweet, grassy citrus aroma.
Benefits of May Chang Oil
May Chang Oil is produced across Asia and has roots in traditional Chinese medicine. In the West, its invigorating, sweet citrus scent makes it a staple in aromatherapy and alternative medicine. May Chang Oil is often used to relieve muscle pain and as an antidepressant.
So, what are the benefits of using May Chang Oil?
Antidepressant
One of the oldest uses of May Chang Oil is to treat anxiety or depression. The smell is uplifting and soothing, which makes it perfect for dealing with a bad mood, stress or even depression.
Citrus scent
With a milder lemon scent than other essential oils, May Chang Oil is loved in perfume as well as aromatherapy. It is made up of between 70% and 85% of the terpenoid combination Citral, which is what gives it a natural citrus aroma.
Energises
Another great effect of May Chang Oil’s rejuvenation ability. If you find yourself reaching for coffee during the post-lunch slump, try inhaling a little May Chang Oil instead! Its natural energising capabilities can provide an alternative to artificial stimulants.
Insect repellant
Similarly to other essential oils with a lemon flavour, May Chang Oil makes a great natural insect repellant. It can be diluted and used either in the air or on your body to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other undesirable creepy-crawlies!
Mood enhancing
May Chang Oil has the unique ability to soothe and rejuvenate at the same time. In aromatherapy, May Chang Oil is often diffused to promote balance and calm as well as energise.
Promotes healthy skin
For acne or oily skin, May Chang Oil offers a natural alternative to harsh chemicals. Its anti-inflammatory abilities brighten the skin and reduce redness, whilst its astringent properties tighten the skin.
Promotes heart health
Research supports May Chang Oil’s ability to improve cardiovascular health in patients with arrhythmia when inhaled. It has also been found to reduce blood pressure, which lessens stress on the heart.
Remember that these are just a few of our favourite uses for May Chang Oil, and everybody will react differently to every essential oil. That means if something doesn’t work for you, don’t be disheartened. There are loads of other ways you can use May Chang Oil, so just try it out for yourself!
Uses of May Chang Oil
May Chang Oil has its roots in Chinese medicine but now grows all over South East Asia. Its citrus scent makes it popular in aromatherapy and perfumery, whilst its anti-inflammatory properties make it great at fighting acne. Unlike other calming essential oils, May Chang has the ability to energise whilst also calming.
So, what are some of the uses for May Chang Oil?
Aromatherapy
With the ability to calm and rejuvenate, May Chang Oil is obviously a staple in aromatherapy! Add a few drops to your electric diffuser and wait for the room to fill with balance and clarity.
Anti-anxiety
Similarly to its use in aromatherapy, inhaling May Chang Oil can help to reduce anxiety and fight depression. If you do not have an electric diffuser, a few drops in your bath or on a wet towel makes a great alternative!
Deodorant
May Chang Oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a great natural alternative to the deodorant you can buy in shops. The citrus scent of May Chang Oil is sweeter than other lemon-scented essential oils, and it is often likened to Sherbet Lemons! Add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and some baking soda for a toxin-free, effective natural deodorant.
Insect repellant
A common theme among essential oils with citrus aromas, May Chang Oil is a great alternative to artificial chemicals such as DEET, which can cause irritation with skin and breathing. Dipping an incense stick in your oil, adding a few drops to your moisturiser or diffusing it around the house are all ways you can harness the great smell and the insect repellant in one go!
Perfume
Instead of buying expensive perfumes with citrus scents, skip out the middleman and use May Chang Oil directly! Add a couple of drops to your moisturiser or makeup for a natural citrus scent that costs much less.
Skincare
If you have acne, oily skin or blemishes, adding a few drops of May Chang Oil to your cleanser can be a natural alternative to the chemicals found in artificial face wash. Alternatively, a few drops in a bowl of boiled water make for a great DIY steam facial!
Blends well with
May Chang Oil is an old favourite across Asia, having originally been used in traditional Chinese medicine. More recently, it has become very popular across the world, and it now grows all around South-East Asia. Being particularly special because of its ability to simultaneously calm and energise, May Chang Oil is popular in aromatherapy and alternative mental health treatment. The sweet, lemony aroma blends well with other citrus tones as well as earthy and herby oils. Below are some of our favourites, but remember that there are loads more for you to try yourself!
Basil Oil
As a popular combination in cooking, it is no wonder that Basil Oil is a great choice to compliment May Chang Oil. The fresh, herby aroma of Basil goes with pretty much any citrus notes, and May Chang’s flavour adds a little bit of sweetness to the scent. As Basil Oil is also used to fight anxiety, a few drops of each in your electric diffuser or bath can help to reduce stress and improve your mood.
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Lavender Oil
It is no secret that we love Lavender Oil with pretty much any essential oil, and May Chang is no different. Pairing the energising effects of May Chang with the calming qualities of Lavender will produce a sense of focussed composure and also smell beautiful!
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Orange Oil
Another sweet citrus, Orange Oil was also originally used in Chinese traditional medicine! Nowadays, Orange Oil is still used in similar ways to May Chang Oil and is another favourite in skincare and perfumery. If you like the sound of this combination, you could also combine Orange, May Chang and Bergamot Oils for your own citrus-super-blend!
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Rosehip Oil
Another well-known oil in skincare; we think that the combination of Rose and Citrus is a match made in heaven! Rosehip Oil is a great carrier oil to harness the skincare benefits of any essential oil because it is so soothing and smells lovely. Mixing a few drops of each together and patting onto your face after moisturising can help your skin to feel extra hydrated.
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Ylang Ylang Oil
An essential oil well-known for its association with sensuality, Ylang Ylang’s earthy tones complement the sweet, rejuvenation abilities of May Chang Oil perfectly. Mixing a few drops with your favourite carrier oil (we love Jojoba for this!) will create a beautiful, romantic massage oil.
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