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. However, 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 in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. All parts of the plant are 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 e.g Lemon Tea Tree and Lemongrass, there are no citrus fruits in sight! Also, like the other Aldehyde-rich essential oils, it is best to avoid it in topical (skin) applications where there is a history of sensitive skin issues.
What is it used for?
In practice, May Chang’s wonderful euphoric properties have been shown in trials to calm anxiety. Also helpful as an immune tonic, it can settle digestive upsets. It can also be used for muscular aches and pains as it can help improve circulation. Blending well with floral essential oils, it adds freshness and can lift woody essential oils aromatically. It also complements and lightens spicy essential oils.
Try May Chang in your Aroma Spa Diffuser for a blast of euphoric positivity. Alternatively, 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 an 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.
