May Chang

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(Litsea cubeba)
Traditionally used to support healthy breathing, circulation, appetite and digestion function. It is beneficial to the skin, may soothe nervous tension and deter insects.

 Info

May Chang
(Litsea cubeba)

Plant Origin: China
Method: Steam distilled from the pepper-like fruit
Cultivation: Grown using organic methods
Chemical Family: Aldehydes
Aroma: Fresh, lemony
Note (Evaporation Rate): Middle-Top

Key Constituents from GC/MS Analysis: Lot#111
geranial 38.50%
neral 28.77%
limonene 11.89%
linalool 1.39%
geraniol 1.39%

Safety Information
Children: Use with caution on children under 2 years of age due to possible skin irritation issues.

Pregnancy: Oral caution. Maximum daily oral dose 56mg (about 2 drops).*

Breastfeeding: Suitable

Medication:
~ Not an issue with diffusion ~
Caution All Routes: Drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 (if unsure, as your phamacist)
Caution Orally: Diabetes medication

Therapeutic Uses
May Chang essential oil may support, aid, ease, soothe, reduce, calm, relax, promote and/or maintain healthy function of the following:
Abdominal cramps
Acne
Allergies
Anxiety
Appetite, poor
Arrhythmia
Arthritis
Asthma
Astringent
Bacteria
Blood pressure
Bronchitis
Cancer- Oral, Liver, Lung
Cellulite
Circulation
Convalescence
Coronary heart disease
Dermatitis
Digestion, gas, indigestion
Eczema
Flatulence (gas)
Fungal
Heart
High blood pressure
Immune system
Indigestion
Insect deterrent
Jet lag
Muscles, minor aches and pain
Skin, oily
Stomachache
Stress
Tendonitis
Tension
Travel Sickness
Perspiration, decrease
Rheumatism
Respiratory
Uplifting

May Chang is sometimes used in place of Lemongrass, as the aroma is preferable to most yet the desirable citral content is virtually the same.

May Chang blends well with citrus oils, especially Lemon.

Research
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Action of Citral against Candida albicans NCBI

Application Suggestions (See Essential Oil Usage for more information and a Dilution Chart.)
Topical: Dilute with a carrier oil, unscented lotion or unscented cream and apply on area of concern or as desired. Consider using a roll-on applicator for ease of application of prediluted oil. Suggested dilution for topical use is 7 drops per fluid ounce (0.8%). It has antifungal and antibacterial properties and is used in lotions, creams and soaps for acne, eczema and other skin conditions. May Chang is high in aldehydes and is generally not used on children under 2 years of age.

Inhalation: Diffuse or use a personal Nasal Inhaler. Diffused, it makes a nice, clean room freshener.

Internal: May Chang is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate.

Internal use is cautioned during pregnancy and when using drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 and diabetes medication. The maximum daily oral dose during pregnancy is 56mg, which is about 2 drops (Tisserand/Young).

We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much. Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application.
(Click here for more information about internal use.)

Testimonies
The following anecdotal testimonies have not been reviewed by the FDA.
The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease.
Information shared on the HEO website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice given by your trusted health care provider.
We believe that essential oils are provided by the Lord to support our health and well-being.
The Lord is our wisdom, protector and healer.
(Genesis 1:29-30, Ezekiel 47:12)

1. I love this oil and use it for many things, but my favorite way is to diffuse it. I add 2 parts Mandarin Red to 1 part May Chang for a wonderful, relaxing fragrance that also purifies the air in my home.

2. I add a few drops of Litsea Cubeba to my shampoo for our family, and started doing this for our dog to help with fleas. We dilute it and use it successfully as our insect deterant.

Safety
Drugs metabolized by CYP2B6: Caution all routes:

Diabetes Medication and Pregnancy: Caution Orally. Avoid oral use during pregnancy or lactation.*

Skin Sensitizer: Contains Citral, which is a strong sensitizer. Avoid use on broken skin, hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin. Suggested dilution for topical use: 4 drops per fluid ounce (0.7%). It is high in aldehydes and is generally not used on children under 2 years of age.

Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.

*Robert Tisserand reported at a Clinical Safety Aromatherapy conference (2013) that there is a possibility that Citral (in May Chang/Litsea Cueba) may affect tooth and bone development in the fetus. "Citral impairs reproductive performance in female rats by reducing the number of ovarian follicles (Toaff et al 1979). The effect, however, was seen only after a series of six monthly ip injections at a dose of 300 mg/kg. This is equivalent to injecting ~ 25mL of lemongrass oil into a woman's abdomen. Based on other research, we have restricted citral exposure in pregnancy" (Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014, pages 149).

References
Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2002, page 230.
Purchon, Nerys; Cantele, Lora, Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness, 2014, page 78-79.
Tisserand, Robert; Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, Elsevier Health Sciences UK 2nd Edition 2014, pages 149, 349-350.
Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, New World Library, 2016, page 604.

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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11