Plant description
Litsea Cubeba oil is a vibrant essential oil. It comes from the Litsea cubeba tree. This oil is highly valued for its fresh, lemony aroma. It offers numerous benefits, from aromatherapy to skincare.

What is Litsea Cubeba Oil?
Litsea Cubeba oil is often called May Chang oil. Other common names include Mountain Pepper oil and Exotic Verbena oil. It is extracted from the fruits of the Litsea cubeba tree. This evergreen tree belongs to the laurel family. Its bright, uplifting scent makes it a popular choice.

Description and Habitat
The Litsea cubeba tree is a medium-sized shrub. It typically grows 5-8 meters tall. Its bark is green, with lenticels. Older bark turns a brownish-gray hue. Branches are slender and spreading. Leaves are alternate and lanceolate. They are about 10cm long and 1.5-2.5cm wide. The leaves are thick and dark green on top. Their underside is gray, turning black with age. Margins are entire, with slender petioles. Veins are clearly visible.
Small, pale yellow flowers grow in clusters. They bloom in leaf axils. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate trees. Round or ovoid berries develop. They turn black when ripe and are very fragrant. Flowering occurs from January to March. Fruits ripen from April to September. The ripening period lasts about one month.
This tree grows wild in high mountainous forests. It thrives in shrub savannas. Areas like Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and Ha Giang in Vietnam are prime habitats. It also extends to Kon Tum and Lam Dong. Some farms cultivate it. They use it as shade for tea plants. Others grow it specifically for oil extraction from the fruits. Propagation occurs by seeds in spring. Fruits are harvested in summer and autumn. Roots and leaves can be collected year-round.

Quality Standards and Chemical Composition
Litsea Cubeba oil meets specific quality indicators. These ensure its purity and efficacy.
Sensory and Physical Characteristics
The essential oil appears as a light yellow liquid. It possesses a distinct, characteristic citral aroma. This lemony scent is highly recognizable. At 20℃, its specific gravity ranges from 0.860 to 0.910. The refractive index at 20℃ is between 1.470 and 1.490. Its optical rotation at 20℃ is typically +1 to +35.
Key Chemical Components
The primary active compounds give Litsea Cubeba oil its properties. Geranial is a major component, at 30-45%. Neral is also significant, ranging from 23-37%. Both are isomers of citral, contributing to the lemon scent. Limonene is present at 3-20%. These components collectively provide its unique aroma and therapeutic benefits.
Therapeutic Uses and Applications of Litsea Cubeba Oil
Litsea Cubeba oil and its plant parts have diverse uses. They range from traditional medicine to modern industries.
Traditional Medicinal Uses of the Plant
The Màng Tang plant, the source of this oil, has many medicinal uses. Its roots treat external colds and headaches. They alleviate stomach pain and rheumatic joint pain. Lower back pain and bruising also benefit. Roots help with flatulence and postpartum abdominal pain. They can also regulate irregular menstruation.
The fruits are used for indigestion and stomach aches. Leaves are applied externally. They treat boils, skin pyoderma, and mastitis. Leaves are even used for snake bites.
Essential Oil Benefits and Industrial Uses
Litsea Cubeba oil shows strong antibacterial properties. It also has potent antifungal actions. It effectively purifies the air. The oil has a warming quality. It can be blended into massage oils. It helps disperse bruises and dry wounds.
Industrially, this oil is vital. It’s used in the perfume industry. It’s also key in the flavor industry. Being rich in citral, it’s highly valued. The pharmaceutical industry uses it. It serves as a source for synthesizing Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for treating dry eyes and night blindness. Its refreshing scent also makes it a popular ingredient in natural cleaning products and insect repellents.

Important Precautions and Storage Litsea Cubeba Oil
Proper handling and storage are crucial for this essential oil.
Storage Guidelines
Store Litsea Cubeba oil in a dry place. Keep it away from direct sunlight. It should be kept tightly sealed in a bottle. Always store it out of reach of children.
Safety Considerations
Do not use this essential oil as a substitute for medical care. Consult a healthcare professional for illnesses. Discontinue use if you notice a strange odor or color. Stop if any allergic reaction occurs. The shelf life is typically 3 years from the production date. Always perform a patch test when applying topically. Its high citral content can cause skin sensitivity for some individuals. Dilute it properly before use.
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/..

Quality and Supply Litsea Cubeba Oil
Dien Bien Agri is a trusted supplier of high-quality Litsea Cubeba Oil, harvested and processed naturally to meet strict standards for pharmaceuticals, food, and export industries.
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