Litsea Cubeba Oil – Uplifting Aroma and Powerful Natural Benefits
What Is Litsea Cubeba Oil?
Litsea Cubeba oil, also known as May Chang oil, is an essential oil extracted from the fruits of the Litsea cubeba tree. Other common names include Mountain Pepper Oil and Exotic Verbena Oil. Belonging to the Lauraceae (laurel) family, this tree yields an oil cherished for its fresh, lemony scent and wide-ranging applications in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and industrial sectors.

Description of the Plant and Its Habitat
The Litsea cubeba tree is a medium-sized deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching heights of 5–8 meters. Its bark is green in young trees, aging to brownish-gray. Branches are slender and spread outward. The leaves are alternate, lanceolate, and leathery—dark green on the upper side and grayish on the underside, which blackens with age.

The tree produces small, pale-yellow flowers, which grow in axillary clusters. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. The fruits are small, spherical, or ovoid, turning black and highly aromatic when ripe. Flowering occurs from January to March, while fruits mature between April and September, with a ripening period of around one month.
In Vietnam, Litsea cubeba thrives in mountainous forests and shrub savannas, particularly in Lai Châu, Lào Cai, Hà Giang, and parts of Kon Tum and Lâm Đồng. Some farmers cultivate this tree to shade tea plantations or extract its valuable oil. It is propagated by seeds in spring, and its fruits, roots, and leaves are sustainably harvested throughout the year.

Quality Standards and Chemical Composition
Sensory and Physical Properties
Litsea Cubeba essential oil is a clear, pale yellow liquid with a distinct citral-dominant aroma—a sweet and sharp lemon fragrance.
-
Specific gravity (20℃): 0.860–0.910
-
Refractive index (20℃): 1.470–1.490
-
Optical rotation (20℃): +1° to +35°
Key Components
The oil is rich in citral, a mix of two isomers:
-
Geranial (30–45%)
-
Neral (23–37%)
-
Limonene (3–20%)
These components contribute to the oil’s antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Therapeutic and Traditional Uses
Traditional Applications
In traditional Vietnamese medicine, the Màng tang plant (Litsea cubeba) is used extensively:
-
Roots relieve colds, headaches, indigestion, joint pain, bruising, and menstrual irregularities.
-
Fruits aid in treating stomach aches and flatulence.
-
Leaves, used topically, soothe boils, skin infections, mastitis, and even snake bites.
Modern Applications
Litsea Cubeba oil is valued for its antibacterial and antifungal effects. It’s used in:
-
Aromatherapy – for mental clarity, relaxation, and mood enhancement
-
Massage oils – to warm the skin and promote circulation
-
Air purification – thanks to its refreshing scent and cleansing properties
-
Perfumery and cosmetics – as a fragrance base
-
Food flavoring – in beverages and candies
-
Pharmaceutical synthesis – especially in the production of Vitamin A, which supports eye health
Its clean, citrusy aroma also makes it a favorite ingredient in natural cleaning products and insect repellents.
Storage and Handling
Proper care ensures the oil maintains its quality.
-
Storage: Store in a tightly sealed HDPE container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat.
-
Shelf life: Approximately 3 years from the production date if stored properly.
-
Safety: Always dilute before topical application. Perform a patch test to check for sensitivity, especially due to its high citral content. Discontinue use if the oil changes color, odor, or causes irritation. Keep away from children and sensitive skin areas.
Packaging Litsea Cubeba Oil
Packaging: Litsea cubeba oil is packaged in units of Liters or Kg according to customer requirements: 5L, 10L, 30L, 180L / 5Kg, 10Kg, 30Kg, 180Kg…
Storage: The product is contained in standard HDPE packaging. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid contact with eyes, open wounds, and sensitive skin areas.
Transportation: Domestic: Flexible nationwide transportation by ship, truck, or airplane…
Export: By ship/airplane, Export conditions: FOB/CIF/..

Where to buy Litsea Cubeba Oil
At Dien Bien Agri, we supply premium-grade Litsea Cubeba oil, sustainably harvested and processed to meet international standards for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Our production ensures purity, consistent quality, and full traceability from forest to bottle.
Contact us for more information:
Tel/WhatsApp: +84.973.447.926.
Email: [email protected]
Add: Thanh Minh Commune, Dien Bien City, Vietnam
Factory: Bai Dai Village, Tien Xuan Commune, Thach That District, Ha Noi City, Vietnam