Description / Color / Consistency: A thin, clear, pale yellow to yellow liquid.
Aromatic Summary / Note / Strength of Aroma: A top note with a medium aroma, Litsea Cubeba has a crisp, citrus smell. It has been compared to Lemongrass and Lemon Verbena, but it is sweeter than Lemongrass without the musty note, and more accurately citrus in its scent than Melissa.
Product Abstract: Also known as May Chang, Litsea Cubeba is a small plant found in tropical areas. The leaves are typically a vibrant green with a pleasant, lemony smell. It produces small, pepper-like fruits from which the essential oil is extracted. It has traditionally been used in both Japan and Taiwan.
Cautions: Dilute before use; for external use only. May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use. Contact with eyes should be avoided.
Storage: It is recommended that oils packaged in metal containers (for safe shipping) be transferred into dark glass containers to maintain freshness and attain maximum shelf life.
WARNING Prop 65: This product contains a component which is listed under California Proposition 65. California residents will receive this product labeled accordingly.
IMPORTANT: All New Directions Aromatics (NDA) products are for external use only unless otherwise indicated. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or under the care of a medical practitioner. Please refer to our policies for further details, and our disclaimer below.
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Rating: First time smelling this. I'm using it in cp soaping. It smells very bright, like if you grated a bunch of different citrus peels and mixed them together. New Directions is miles above any other supplier I have ordered from in the quality of their oils!
Rating: I use this EO in my whipped body butters and it is my top selling scent. It has a bright citrus aroma that my citrus lovers go nuts for. I also use this in my EO blends for cp soap. It always add a light citrus aroma to any soap bar, does not discolor my soap or accelerate it. I love blending this with petitgrain or orange EO's.
By:Alisa, Billings, Montana Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 04-Jan-2017
Rating: Really love the smell of this EO, I use it in most of my blends for soapmaking and massage oils, and body butter.
By:Jezreel, Pemberton, New Jersey
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 22-Apr-2018
Rating: Smells so good! I love this EO in the diffuser especially mixed with key lime.. yum! It has a great strong scent that lasts, very similar to lemongrass.
By:Stephanie, Blue Springs, Missouri Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 24-Dec-2018
Rating: This is by far my top selling essential oil scent in anything! My customers go nuts for this in whipped body butter. It has an intoxicating citrus smell to it. I cannot live without it!!!
By:Alisa, Billings, Montana Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 04-Jan-2017
Rating: nice strong scent..I agree much like lemongrass. I really like it & glad I tried it.
By:Scott-Kimberly, Hamilton, Indiana Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 18-Sep-2014
Rating: Must have for CP and it soaps like a dream!
Rating: I prefer litsea cubeba to the other citruses, it has almost a candy-like scent, a sweetness with a touch of leafy green brightness.
By:Leanne, Osage, Iowa Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 01-Aug-2016
Rating: Smells just how they describe it and ok price.
By:Cruz, Capitan, New Mexico Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 31-Dec-2015
Rating: This oil is wonderful! Close to lemongrass, though straight lemongrass reminds people of cleaning and this is softer and subtler. Fresh and beautiful. I am new to this one and can already tell that it's going to become a favorite!
By:Jennifer, Moon Township, Pennsylvania Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 26-Oct-2010
Rating: My favorite eo!! It holds up amazingly in cp soap and it is the best citrus anchor you can find. Absolutely wonderful!!
By:Robin, Shell Lake, Wisconsin
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 10-Nov-2015
Rating: Great scent! Long lasting in my soaps. I use it to anchor other citrus scents and as a great mixer for other scents as well.
By:Camille, Orchard Park, New York
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 19-May-2013
Rating: Simply delicious! I have used it in lotions which became a fast best seller and in soaps. Mixes well with lavender. I also use it in a room spray that is delightful. I prefer it over all other citrus eo's, it has a sweet lightly citrus scent that is to die for. Buy it, you will not be disappointed.
By:Vanessa, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 17-Feb-2014
Rating: I got this one to "anchor" cirtus scents in my CP soaps. Seems to do the trick just fine and the lemony scent hasn't overpowered anything that i've paired with it so far. Great quality to all the NDA oils that i've purchased and this one is no exception.
By:Aaron, La Grande, Oregon Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 19-Feb-2014
Rating: I was very happy to find this lemony-smelling oil. I needed something for my lip balms, but can't use real lemon due to the photosensitivity issues that arise when living in a sunny place. It smells and tastes just like lemon, but without the sunburn risk factor. A perfect solution and now my lemon chamomile lip balms are a fast seller. Have always loved the quality of NDA oils and this one is another winner.
By:Christine, Delray Beach, Florida
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 07-Apr-2013
Rating: Very powerful lemony scent with a slightly herbal twist. I'm not sure why people are saying that it smells like lemongrass because it doesn't. Undiluted, it smells like lemon floor polish/cleaner, but don't let that deter you. It blends fantastically with all sorts of herbs and other citrus scents as long as you don't overdo it. I use it with Eucalyptus Globulus in particular. It does not fade in soap like an actual citrus EO and is great as an "anchor" for these oils. Plus, it's dirt cheap.
By:Eric, Manalapan, New Jersey Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 26-Feb-2014
Rating: I purchased this EO because of the reviews and I as sooo glad I did. The scent is sweet and citrusy, leaving you with a happy uplifting feeling - and goes well with everything I have blended (lavender, rose, ginger, basil and cucumber). Has become a regular in my salves, butters and scrubs and my clients LOVE it!
Rating: Gorgeous EO. I actually prefer it to a more expensive seller. The quality and price are unbeatable!
By:Ginger, Puyallup, Washington Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 07-Feb-2014
Rating: Strong citrus aroma that's incredibly similar to lemongrass essential oil. The scent holds up well in soaps.
By:Steven, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 11-Dec-2011
Rating: Litsea is a good essential oil to use to anchor other citrus eo's used in cp soap to make the scent "stick". Smells similar to lemongrass. Smells great blended with lavender too! Great price NDA!
By:Lisa, Pellston, Michigan Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 03-May-2008
Rating: True to the usual characteristics of litsea. Good value.
By:Stephanie, Little Rock, Arkansas Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 23-Jul-2012
Rating: Smells a great deal like lemongrass, with the same sharp lemony (but not citrusy, if you know what I mean) feel. I am using for insect repellent, and it's a good thing that the smell is so pleasant.
By:Alina, Budd Lake, New Jersey Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 06-May-2013
Rating: Litsea is one of my favorites, it's lemony and uplifting. Great by itself or blended, you can't go wrong with this one.
By:Lisa, Pellston, Michigan Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 03-May-2008
Rating: Great citrus like scent!
Beauty of this one is that unlike most true citrus, this will last for quite a while.
Also a superb blender with most anything that you want to brighten up
By:Harry, Oreland, Pennsylvania Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 20-Sep-2012
Rating: A very nice uplifting oil by itself, but a very nice blender too. I've actually used this to give less expenive rose oils a higher citrus-bliss tone by blending a ratio of four drops rose, one drop ylang ylang with 8 drops litsea. Very nice.
By:Tom, Smithfield, Utah Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 27-Jul-2012
Rating: If you don't want that super-citrus lemon/orange/grapefruit scent, but you still want a little bit of citrus... try this! I bet it'd mix very nicely with a floral.
By:Breanne, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 15-Jan-2013
Rating: A lot of people confuse litsea cubeba's scent with lemon. It does smell very lemon-y, but it is softer smelling. It is great to mix with other citruses or by itself, and I love it for cellulite and smoothing out puffy skin.
By:Kelly, North Babylon, New York Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 21-Jan-2012
Rating: Oh My Goodness! This is an AMAZING scent. Lemony and uplifting, I dare you to smell this and not smile! I use it in soaps and lotions and they are favorites among my customers.
By:Chelle, Lake Forest, California
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 21-Jun-2011
Rating: This litsea cubeba is wonderful. It mixes so well with other scents and fragrance lasts. A staple in blending.
Rating: This EO enhances other citrus oil. It works wonder in a summery body butter.
By:Manon, Rawdon, Quebec Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: This mixed with French cypress is what Incorporate into my floor wash and room sprays. I usually mix the oils with about 1oz. of 180 proof vodka to emulsify the oils, and then add distilled water.
The same mixture, mixed with a tad of lavender(Bulgarian) is spritzed on the sheets. People come back again and again saying it's the best sleep they've ever had.
By:David, Los Angeles, California
Date: Loyal Customer Since: 08-May-2011
Rating: This is my favorite EO of all time!! Very warm and uplifting. A must have is you love citrus. I use it by itself or with a drop of corriander.
Rating: This EO is excellent on its own or blended. I will definitely purchase again.
By:Kalli, Calgary, Alberta Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: Lovely on its own, or blended with Cedarwood for a manly scent. Was not familiar with this oil, but have loved it for anchoring other citrus scents in soap and creams. It has wonderful clarifying effects on the skin if used in very small quantities. Thank goodness for NDA.
By:Sharon, Yarker, Ontario Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: Although I prize this essential oil for its anti-inflammatory effects in skin lotion, the intensity of the lemon-scent can be overwhelming. It blends well with many of my favourite healing essential oils, including (surprisingly) peppermint.
By:Stacey, Toronto, Ontario Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: I bought this essential oil without trying it, based on the reviews. I was a little worried that it would be overly floral, maybe sickly sweet... It is non of those things. It is fresh like a lemon, with a hint of green citrus and flowers. No harsh woodiness, no loud floral notes. Nothing that overwhelms the beautiful FRESHNESS of this scent.
By:Brook, Alameda, California Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 18-Feb-2010
Rating: This is my favorite oil of all! Very uplifting and energizing. I blend with other citrus oils and use it as a room spray or in the air vents. The aroma warms the whole house.
Rating: Fabulous scent. Does not go rancid like citrus oils and need not be kept in refrigerator. But do not make the mistake of using it as a top note - it is a middle note and will overpower delicate florals. I can't wait to use this in HP soap!
Rating: May Chang works the best as far as holding its scent in soaps and other products compared to other citrus scents. Mix this and pink grapefruit for an awesome scent. It definitely affects a person's mood as well. One of my favorite essential oils, by far.
By:Sandra, Surrey, British Columbia Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: Wow, this essential oil scent lasts and lasts and lasts! It did a great job at anchoring my orange essential oil in my soap! Awesome stuff!
By:Jackie, Porter's Lake, Nova Scotia Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: I purchased based on the reviews, It is my favorite oil(for the time being) very uplifting! I put a drop in my garbage liners and even with the heat is keeps my kitchen fresh!
Rating: One of my all-time favorite scents! Lemony but sweet (I've heard it described as a lemon drop scent, and that fits it perfectly for me!), and it holds its own in blends without being overpowering. I have to restrain myself from putting it in EVERYTHING; one of my favorite uses is in stimulating blends, when I need to get mental work done, or uplifting blends for rough days.
By:Judith, Reisterstown, Maryland Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 26-Mar-2006
Rating: My last order to NDA contained a few essential oils that were a mystery to me! I ordered Michaelia Alba and Litsae Cubeba based entirely on their descriptions and aroma therapeutic properties. I was very pleased with each but OH MY.... the Litsae Cubeba is DEVINE! I've mixed it with full flavour (scented) coconut oil as a carrier and i have to warn my clients NOT to lick their arms and hands when they leave!! LOL It is the freshest, longest lasting lemon scent. I also add it to our liquid hand soap to freshen it up! Fantastic find!!
By:Leanne, Etobicoke, Ontario Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: Excellent quality! Fresh and lemony. Can help to anchor other citrus top notes that fade quickly in CP soap - I add at 5% of the total blend.
By:Karen, Spring Hill, Florida Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 04-Dec-2007
Rating: Do you like lemon? Do you ever try to make CP soap with lemon? You know citrus scent doesnt stay in CP soap.....
But may chang stick in your CP and give an awesome lemon scent!
Mix well as an Anchor for other citrus EO too...
Great price and quality
By:Caroline, Bearn, Quebec Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: This is a new oil experience for me and I do love this scent! Lemony yes but packs a very green punch at the end! I am definately going to experiment with this one in perfumes!
By:Joely, Topeka, Kansas Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 15-Nov-2006
Rating: Surprisingly fresh for the first time user that I was. Could not wait to open the bottle and pour a couple of drops in my hands: wow! I had read many comments on litsea cubeba but none had prepared me for such a happy experience.
By:Louis, Cowansville, Quebec Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 09-Nov-2005
Rating: Sweet and lemony, this litsea is a perfect anchor for citrus oil in cold process soap. The scent lasts and lasts.
By:Ellen, Downingtown, Pennsylvania Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 15-Feb-2006
Rating: One of the finest pick-me-up aromas known to Aromatherapy. Use for acne, dermatitis, epidemics, excessive perspiration, flatulence, greasy skin, indigestion, insect repellent, mental stimulation, sanitation, spots. (Also known as Exotic Verbena, Litsea citrata, Litsea Cubeba, Tropical Verbena.) I love this oil as a refresher in the afternoon mixed with lemon, grapefruit, tangerine and Basil especially while working at my desk! Really nice!
By:Candice, Sarasota, Florida Top ReviewerDate: Loyal Customer Since: 29-Jan-2006
With an unwavering commitment to offering the highest quality of products, we firmly believe that Quality Assurance is of utmost importance. It is imperative that meticulous tests, documentation, and certifications are supplied for every product in our portfolio. Our facility is equipped with a laboratory using state-of-the-art gas chromatography to rigorously test the veracity of the purity and potency of our sourced oils. This ensures that you our valued customer are supplied with superior products at all times.
PLEASE NOTE: The packaging shown above is a general representation of the various sizes and types of packaging available for this product. Not all sizes and types of packaging for this product may be available at all times.
Customers may purchase products from New Directions Aromatics Inc. only with the clear understanding that all products must be used at their own discretion, and only after referring to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and all other relevant technical information specific to the product. New Directions Aromatics Inc. shall not be held responsible for any damages to property or for any adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm).
New Directions Aromatics Inc. shall not be responsible for any damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information. The user of the product is solely responsible for compliance with all laws and regulations applying to the use of the products, including the intellectual property rights of third parties.
The certifications, statements and product descriptions shown on this website are strictly for information purposes only. The information in this document is obtained from current and reliable sources but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Aromatics Inc. as to the fitness for any use.
Further, New Directions Aromatics is not responsible for the comments made in the customer reviews, nor when products are used in ways not suitable to their purpose (for example, fragrance oils in toothpaste; bath salts in metal containers; additives used in larger amounts than recommended).
As with any manufacturing process, New Directions Aromatics strongly recommends small lab scale testing for evaluation purposes prior to full commercial manufacturing. As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of this product is outside the control of New Directions Aromatics Inc., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s) (including damage or injury), or the results obtained.
The liability of New Directions Aromatics Inc. is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential loss. New Directions Aromatics Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays regarding an order, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Please note, the International Federation of Aromatherapists do not recommend that Essential Oils be taken internally unless under the supervision of a Medical Doctor who is also qualified in clinical Aromatherapy. In addition, Essential Oils must be properly diluted before use in order to avoid any damages to property or adverse physical effects (including injury or bodily harm).
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WARNING Prop 65: This product contains a component which is listed under California Proposition 65. California residents will receive this product labeled accordingly.
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