COMMON NAME: Litsea Cubeba, May Chang, Exotic Verbena, Tropical Verbena, Chinese Pepper

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Litsea cubeba, L. citrata

FAMILY NAME: Lauraceae (Laurel)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: China

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia

HISTORY INFORMATION: Has a long medicinal history in China. It is used to treat indigestion, lower back pain, chills, headaches, muscular aches and pains, and travel sickness. Distillation of this oil began in the 1950's as competition with lemongrass.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Often used to adulterate lemon verbena, a much more expensive oil. Lemon Verbena does not have any relationship to Litsea Cubeba. Battalgia cites May Chang as having the ability to reduce arrhythmias. In clinical studeis it was compared with beta blocker antihytensives and found to be effective.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An evergreen tree growing to 30 feet high producing white flowers that bear red or black berries.

PARTS PROCESSED: Berries.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Light yellow.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Adehyde. Mainly citral, limonene, miycrene, methyl hepetone, linalool, linlyl acetate.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antiseptic, deodorant, digestive, disinfectant, insecticide, sedative, stomachic. Used for acne, dermatitis, excessive perspiration, greasy skin, insect repellent, flatulence, indigestion, epidemics, high blood pressure, nervous tension. Used to cool, calm, improve digestion, reduce stress, uplift moods, revive, improve mental clarity, relieve pain. Especially good for coronary heart disease and high blood pressure.

MENTAL USES: I love me. I love you. I respect the life in all things. I behave as if the life in all things mattered.

EMOTIONAL USES: Detached, aloof, despondent, uncaring or uncared for, nonfeeling, uncentered TO compassion for self and others, deeply care, detached compassion, lighthearted, child-like, joyful.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate there are issues of intimacy, feeling close and involved with life. This goes beyond issues of relationship on a 1:1 basis, because now you want to open to the world and all that it is in it. Litsea will help you to clear whatever emotions are getting in your way. It opens the heart. This oil brings with it the true meaning of intimacy or being connected with life through your heart center. Your approach to life is becoming more joyful, child-like and light hearted. You can experience: I am love.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath (with appropriate carrier oil), diffusor, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic.