May Chang (Litsea cubeba) (Litsea cubeba) is a green essential oil with a lemony, sweet aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from fruit, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Ylang Ylang (Complete). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 0.8%.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Green |
| Chemical family | Aldehyde |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | fruit |
| Origin | China, Vietnam, Indonesia |
| Blending factor | 3 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 0.8% |
| Max facial dilution | 0.4% |
| Pregnancy | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 months) |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
Safety flags
Evidence: Traditional — EODB: 5 GC-MS analyses (Litsea cubeba).
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Plan safe amounts with our essential oil dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
- Deep Cleanse →
- Recovery →
- Acne-Prone Serum →
- Electric Patio Anchor →
- No-Bite Breeze →
- Guard Cocoon →
- Patio Spark →
- Calm Patio Harbor →
- No-Bite Glow →
- Silver Guard Breeze →
- No-Bite Compass →
- Silver Guard Sanctuary →
- Purify Shield →
- Quiet Sparkle Focus →
- Sparkle Harbor →
- Shine Breeze →
- Purify Horizon →
- Electric Shine Cocoon →
- Velvet Sparkle Cocoon →
- Purify Pulse →
- Velvet Shine Harbor →
- Purify Reset →
- Bright Shine Glow →
- Purify Focus →
Frequently asked questions
What does May Chang (Litsea cubeba) essential oil smell like?
May Chang (Litsea cubeba) has a lemony, sweet aroma, classed as a green oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for May Chang (Litsea cubeba)?
For topical use, keep May Chang (Litsea cubeba) at or below 0.8%, and 0.4% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is May Chang (Litsea cubeba) safe to use during pregnancy?
May Chang (Litsea cubeba) is generally considered suitable during pregnancy when properly diluted. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Is May Chang (Litsea cubeba) safe to use around children?
May Chang (Litsea cubeba) is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 months). Consult a professional for young children.
Is May Chang (Litsea cubeba) safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does May Chang (Litsea cubeba) blend well with?
May Chang (Litsea cubeba) pairs well with Lavender, Bergamot (FCF), Ylang Ylang (Complete), Geranium, Cedarwood (Atlas).