May Chang, also known as Litsea Cubeba, is one of the brightest oils in the natural perfumer's palette. It is citrusy and sweet, with hints of lemon and a soft floral edge, and it is the oil we reach for when a blend needs lifting.

What is May Chang essential oil?

May Chang essential oil is steam distilled from the small fruit of the Litsea Cubeba tree, which is native to China and other parts of Southeast Asia. The oil has a bright yellow colour and a fresh, lemony scent that is reminiscent of lemongrass and lemon verbena. Like every oil we work with, it sits in our Oil Library with its full profile.

How May Chang smells

May Chang is a citrus note with more sweetness and more staying power than most. It is known for its uplifting and mood-enhancing properties, which makes it a popular choice in candles designed to create a positive, cheerful atmosphere. If you like the character of citrus oils, you will find several of them among our pure essential oils.

What May Chang blends well with

May Chang blends well with other citrus oils such as lemon, orange and grapefruit, and with floral oils like lavender and geranium. It can also be combined with spice oils like cinnamon and ginger for a more complex, invigorating aroma. Blending it by hand is the fastest way to understand it, which is exactly what we do in our natural perfume workshop.

Using May Chang at home

Its uplifting and refreshing qualities make May Chang well suited to candles that promote energy, positivity and a cheerful mood. Burned in a room in the morning, or in a workspace that needs waking up, it creates a bright and invigorating atmosphere.

If May Chang sounds like your kind of scent, you will find it in the citrus-led blends across our natural candle collection.