May Chang

Botanical Name: Litsea cubeba

Botany and Origins: Most essential oil suppliers refer to may chang by its botanical name Litsea cubeba. It has been known for its fragrant flowers, fruit and leaves for a long time. The small fruit resemble cubeb pepper, hence its name. It was not until 1950s that the may chang essential oil became commonly known. May Chang is a small fragrant tropical tree which grows in eastern Asia. China is the largest producer of May Chang oil. An oil, the main constituent of which is citronellal, can be distilled from the bark and another, whose main constituent is cineole, can also be distilled from the leaves, but both are of no commercial importance.

Method of Extraction: May Chang essential oil is steam distilled from the small, pepper-like fruits.

Cultivation: Conventional

Historical and Traditional Uses: In TCM, May Chang is used to treat dysmenorrhoea that improves with heat or pressure, stomach aches, lower back pain, chills, headaches and muscular aches from external conditions. May Chang fruits are reputed to alleviate chronic asthma, as well as being a treatment for coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. The oil serves as a source of citral in China.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Clinical trials using May Chang for the treatment of experimentally induced cardiac arrhythmias. It was compared with propranolol (a beta-blocker, antihypertensive and anti-angina drug). The test results confirmed May Chang's ability to reduce arrhythmias from 15 minutes to 6.5 minutes, while propranolol reduced the arrhythmia time from 15 minutes to 0.6 minutes. It is believed that citral is the main constituent responsible for the beneficial effects seen on the experiments involving experimentally induced cardiac arrhythmia. Experiments have found that citral increases blood flow in the heart, improved the ECG profile with experimentally induced cardiac arrhythmia and in isoprenaline-induced cardiac ischaemia.

Indications:

• Cardiovascular System: May Chang oil may be used as a treatment for coronary heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Nervous System: The pleasant refreshing citrus aroma of May Chang can be used to alleviate stress and anxiety which may lead to depression.
• Skin Care: May Chang is recommended for the treatment of oily skin and acne. It is also reputed to reduce excess perspiration and is a deodorant.

Safety: May Chang oil is non-toxic, non-irritating but possibly sensitising in some individuals.

Country of Origin: China

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)