Litsea (Litsea cubeba) is a small, tropical tree of the Lauraceae plant family and is native to the Far East; the root and stem of litsea have been used in traditional Chinese Medicine to treat indigestion, headaches, chills, travel sickness, muscular aches and pains and dysmenorrhoea. However, in use as an essential oil, litsea is a relatively new addition to the world of modern day aromatherapy.
Characteristics of Litsea
The small litsea tree has aromatic flowers and leaves, reminiscent of lemon grass; litsea also has pepper-shaped fruits, the derivation for its Latin name cubeba. It is cultivated in Taiwan and China; the Chinese are the main essential oil producers of litsea and use a large quantity of the oil themselves.
The essential oil of litsea is pale yellow in color and has a strong fragrance of lemon; it is often compared to lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) essential oils and, although suitable as a perfume substitute, litsea does not possess the same aromatic properties as these two essential oils. Litsea essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fruit of the tree.
Use of Litsea Essential Oil in Aromatherapy
Litsea essential oil is used in aromatherapy to treat many skin-related conditions such as dermatitis, spots and acne; it is found in many skin care lotions and ointments. Litsea has been used used in the treatment of stress, high blood pressure and post natal depression. Litsea has the following aromatic properties:
- antiseptic
- deodorant
- sedative
- digestive
- anti-inflammatory
- calming.
Alternative Names for Litsea Essential Oil
Litsea essential oil can also be described using its Latin name, Litsea cubeba, or by the synonyms of may chang, exotic verbena or tropical verbena. The use of the 'verbena' synonym is confusing; litsea is not related to lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) despite the 'verbena' synonym use. Litsea is actually of the same botanical family as cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) and laurel (Laurus nobilis).
Cautions for Using Litsea Essential Oil
Litsea essential oil is non-toxic and, in general, a non-irritant; however litsea essential oil may cause a reaction in those with sensitive skin. Litsea essential oil should not be used with children under the age of 10 years; litsea essential oil is high in the powerful chemical component of aldehydes. Professional advice should be sought from an aromatherapist if unfamiliar in the use of essential oils.
References:
Harding, Jennie 2005 Aromatherapy Massage for You UK: Duncan Baird Publishers
Lawless, Julia 1995 The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils UK: Thorsons
