Aromatically this oil exudes brightness and positivity; its fizzy ‘lemon sherbet’ aroma is effervescent in scent and its therapeutic properties! But what are the benefits of May Chang Essential Oil?
May Chang is native to China and other parts of South East Asia. The essential oil is steam distilled from the ‘pepper-corn shaped’ fruits that this tropical tree produces. It also bears pale white or yellow flowers, which are also lemon-scented. May Chang is a relative newcomer to the modern Aromatherapy market but has been used traditionally in Chinese medicine for centuries. All parts of the plant have been used in natural remedies for muscular aches and pains, headaches and digestive problems. The lemon smell comes from the abundance of Aldehydes within the essential oil. Like the other Aldehyde rich oils (Lemon Tea Tree and Lemongrass as examples), there are no citrus fruits in sight! Also, like the other Aldehyde rich essential oils, it is best avoided in topical (skin) applications where there is a history of sensitive skin issues.
In practice, May Chang can be used for states of anxiety as it has wonderful euphoric properties and has been shown in trials to calm anxiety. It is helpful as an immune tonic and can settle digestive upsets. It can also be used for muscular aches and pains as it can help improve circulation. It blends well with the floral essential oils, adding a lemony freshness and can be used to aromatically lift the woody essential oils; it also complements and lightens the spice essential oils.
Try May Chang in your Aroma Spa Diffuser for a blast of euphoric positivity or add to a blending oil for an invigorating and restorative post-exercise massage or rub for achy muscles.
Mood Uplifting Diffuser Blend
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser:
4 drops of May Chang – Litsea cubeba
2 drops of Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens
2 drops of Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
Muscle Reviving Massage Blend
Add the following essential oils to 10ml of Blending Oil:
2 drops of May Chang – Litsea cubeba
1 drop of Cardamom – Ellettaria cardamomum
2 drops of Black Pepper – Piper nigrum
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
