Litsea essential oil comes from the pepper-like fruits of the Litsea Cubeba tree. [1]
Also known as May Chang, this tree is native to Southern China and parts of tropical Southeast Asia. But, It’s also widely cultivated in Japan, China, and Taiwan.
Litsea essential oil is suitable for both topical application and aromatherapy. The oil can treat a wide array of ailments with its medicinal properties. [2]
The tree is also called Mountain Pepper or Chinese Pepper. The aroma can be compared to Lemongrass. This essential oil wasn’t available in the Western world until the early 1950s. The production of litsea cubeba essential oil is based only in China. Very few people know the method of extracting the oil.
This article looks into some of the litsea essential oil benefits and uses you didn’t know.
Properties of Litsea Essential Oil
Litsea essential oil originates from the fruits of the tree through steam distillation. The oil is yellow and comes with a citrus fragrance. [2]
Although its scent resembles some citrus fruit, Litsea Cubeba is a spice. The medicinal values of the oil are due to its three terpenes, including citral, neral, and Geranium.
Litsea essential oil consists of 85% of these tree terpenes. This oil possesses a wide range of healing properties.
Benefits & Uses of Litsea Essential Oil
Because of its enticing aroma, litsea essential oil is a popular ingredient in the cosmetics and perfume industries.
But this oil is also rich in medicinal properties, making it capable of fighting many ailments. For example, it can treat infections, reduce stress, promote healthy skin, and many more.
1. Litsea Essential Oil Can Combat Infections.
Litsea essential oil contains a high amount of antibacterial and antiviral properties. [3] Hence, it can fight against the common cold and cough.
The oil is also effective in treating skin infections such as Athlete’s foot, thanks to its antifungal properties.
How to use litsea oil for infections:
- Add a few drops of litsea essential oil into a diffuser or vaporizer. It will help treat respiratory problems.
- Dilute a few drops of litsea oil with a carrier oil and massage the affected area to treat Athlete’s foot.
Related: 11 Essential Oils for Ringworm and Skin Fungal Infections
2. It May Improve Mental Health.
The citrusy aroma of litsea essential oil can fill your mind with positive thinking.
This oil can reduce stress and anxiety and induce relaxation if used in aromatherapy. [4]
Learn how to use litsea oil to improve mental health:
- Pour two drops of litsea oil into your vaporizer, diffuser, or burner aids. Then, inhale the aroma to calm your mind.
Related: Essential Oils for Grief, Sadness, and Loss: How to Use Essential Oils for Grief?
3. Litsea Essential Oil May Promote Healthy Skin.
Litsea essential oil contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. [5]
This essential oil also has mild astringent properties. So, it can clear out the acne-causing bacteria from your pores. It can also reduce and heals existing flare-ups.
Moreover, litsea oil can control excess sweat and check bacterial growth that may cause body odor.
Here’s how you may use litsea oil for skin:
- Mix 7 drops of litsea oil with 1 Oz of jojoba oil. Dab the oil mix all over your face.
- Add a few drops of litsea essential oil to your regular body lotion and use it to reduce body odor.
Related: 19 Ways to Use Grapeseed Oil for Skin Care
4. It Can Reduce Pain & Inflammation.
Litsea essential oil is an effective pain reliever. It can increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle strength. [6]
The oil can also tone your tissues. It can flush out excess toxic substances and fluid deposits in the body.
A simple way of using litsea oil for pain & inflammation:
- Take 2-3 drops of litsea essential oil and dilute it with 20 drops of coconut oil.
- Massage the affected area to relieve the pain and inflammation.
Related: 14 Effective Essential Oils for Muscle Pain That Work
5. Litsea Essential Oil Can Cure Indigestion.
Litsea oil was quite popular in ancient Chinese medicine for treating digestive issues.
The oil has carminative properties that can reduce the discomfort caused by indigestion. Its stomachic properties can strengthen your digestive system. [2]
Litsea oil can also reduce painful cramps, thanks to its antispasmodic properties.
How to use litsea oil for indigestion:
- Dilute a few drops of litsea oil with a suitable carrier oil.
- Massage your stomach and lower abdomen area with the oil.
6. It May Fight Lung Cancer
In a study, litsea oil in vapor form effectively killed lung cancer cells. It could even stop the cancer cells from regenerating. [7]
The best part is that litsea oil didn’t attack the healthy cells.
Here’s how you may use litsea oil to fight lung cancer:
- Add a few drops of litsea essential oil into the vaporizer or diffuser.
- Inhale the aroma. You can also put the vaporizer or diffuser beside your bed to inhale the vapor while sleeping.
7. Litsea Essential Oil Can Repel Insects
The citrusy fragrant of litsea oil is ideal for keeping insects away from your home. The oil has strong insect repellant and disinfectant components. [8]
These properties make litsea oil a great, all-natural house cleaner.
Learn how you may use litsea oil to repel insects:
- Add two drops of litsea oil to your regular insect repellent preparation.
- Next, add a few drops of litsea oil to a candle and put it outside.
- You can also put a few drops into a diffuser to keep your home insect free.
Related: 9 Best Essential Oils for Ants and Spiders Repellent
Precautions and Safety Tips for Using Litsea Essential Oil
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- If you have glaucoma, avoid using this oil. It’s because litsea oil can increase pressure on the eyes.
- Litsea essential oil is not for internal use. It’s only for topical application and aromatherapy.
- Do not use this oil on damaged skin.
- If you’re pregnant, avoid using litsea essential oil.
- Keep this oil away from babies and infants.
- Do a patch test on an insensitive part of your body.
- Litsea essential oil can cause allergies to sensitive skin. If your skin is sensitive, avoid using this oil.
End Note
Although not very well-known, the therapeutic values of litsea essential oil can’t be overlooked.
Litsea Cubeba tree has been a powerful healing plant since ancient times. You can use it to treat many ailments, as a cleaning agent, and in beauty products.
Litsea essential oil can treat infections, repel insects, reduce body odor, and even calm your mind.
However, always check the label before you buy it. Then, purchase it from the reputed seller to avoid the fake product.
If you’re new to essential oils, ensure they suit you well. Also, don’t forget to discuss with a doctor before using them.
Read More: Hinoki Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
