Litsea (May Chang).

Citrus top notes are beautiful and brief, gone almost as soon as they arrive. Litsea, also called May Chang, is the oil that holds them in place: a lemon-scented note that perfumers and soap makers use to anchor the true citrus oils so they linger.

It is steam-distilled from the fruit of Litsea cubeba, organically produced in China. Litsea grows throughout Asia, and research shows its chemistry shifts with the climate, altitude and region where each crop grows. This Chinese oil is notably higher in citral than the Vietnamese oil before it, with a more lemony aroma. The plant has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, the oil is described as calming, and it does a real kindness to Ammi Visnaga, whose aroma it greatly improves.

Details

• Botanical name: Litsea cubeba
• Also known as: May Chang
• Origin: China
• Method: Steam-distilled fruit
• Growing: Organically produced
• Blends with: Ammi Visnaga, Palmarosa, Vetiver, the true citrus oils, Lavender, Chamomile and Frankincense
• Shelf life: about 2 to 3 years after opening

How to use

Use it with care and in very light dilutions. Litsea contains citral, a strong sensitizer: keep topical use to 0.7% at most (4 drops per fluid ounce), avoid broken or troubled skin, and do not use it during pregnancy. It may affect diabetes, so use with caution, and never take it internally. Store it in the dark and refrigerated.

A small bottle of lasting lemon light for your blending shelf.