May Chang (Litsea cubeba) is a tree native to China, Indonesia and other areas within Southeast Asia. Its essential oil has an intense, citrusy scent, often reminiscent of lemongrass or even verbena.
Like most citrus oils, its scent is refreshing, stimulating and uplifting, making it a useful oil for relieving fatigue and lethargy. It’s widely used in aromatherapy to treat a range of emotional disorders and psychological issues, including anxiety, stress and depression.
May Chang’s antibacterial and antiviral properties also make it effective against common infections like cold and skin conditions such as Athlete’s Foot. While its gentle astringent properties work to cleanse your pores, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action minimizes and heals existing flare-ups. Litsea Cubeba has the ability to control excessive perspiration and check bacterial growth that leads to unpleasant body odor.
This bubbly, light lather soap was created by Linsey, from Half Dime Homestead, and features a luxury combination of:
- olive oil
- coconut oil
- rice bran oil
- castor oil
- shea butter
- cocoa butter
- May Chang (Litsea cubeba) essential oil
Dried calendula petals and thin slices of natural loofah are added for an invigorating scrub. The essential oil brings a crisp, energising and uplifting scent that “is used to perk up our senses, help us out of depression or melancholy and work to open our minds up for new information”. I think it would be great for a morning shower!
For the recipe and instructions, please head over to Linsey’s site. She has a great post detailing her process and some very helpful tips:
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
AND INSTRUCTIONS
Make sure you also visit her Etsy store for more handcrafted, beautiful, all natural soaps.
