10 Health Benefits of Litsea Cubeba Essential Oil

Litsea or the Litsea cubeba is an evergreen tree that grows in China and other Southeast Asian countries. Sometimes, it's also called the mountain pepper. And although litsea is not a member of the citrus family, it still gives off a lemony aroma.

Litsea trees can grow up to 35 feet high and they have white or pale-yellow flowers. They are valued for the essential oil they produce, but they're also used to feed muga silkworms. According to makers of silk, it's said that the muga silk that comes from these worms after they eat litsea is creamier and higher in quality. Hence, it makes it more expensive.

True, litsea essential oil isn't as popular as lavender,peppermint, or lemongrass, but the health benefits that litsea can deliver can't be denied.

In this article, we'll take a look at the origins ofLitsea cubeba essential oil, learn about the benefits of the Litsea cubeba oil and how to use it.

What is Litsea cubeba essential oil?

Usually, essential oil comes from the leaves of plants, but it's different for litsea. It is harvested from the fruit of the litsea tree instead, making it more potent. Litsea cubeba essential oil is extracted through steam distillation of its fruits. It's pale yellow in color and releases a fresh citrus aroma - very similar to lemongrass and other citrus fruits.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the litsea plant's many parts (the roots, leaves, fruits, and bark) are used to cure some diseases. They have been used to treat muscle pains, fevers, stomach pains, diarrhea, and indigestion. Chinese doctors are also known to have used litsea oil to maintain a regular heart rate and control blood pressure.

The Benefits of Litsea cubeba Essential Oil

Litsea's fruits are just like pepper and this is where Litsea cubeba essential oil comes from. It has been used for hundreds of years and has plenty of healing properties. What is litsea essential oil good for?

1. Removes bad odors

Using Litsea cubeba essential oil can help control body odor. The oil has antibacterial properties that lessen the growth of bacteria that cause bad smells. It can also be a great natural alternative to commercial deodorants.

2. Helps with digestion

Researchers have found that Litsea cubeba essential oil has properties that help with digestive problems. If you're suffering from stomach cramps, flatulence, or indigestion, litsea oil can be the solution.

It helps balance the presence of good bacteria in the digestive tract. It keeps your stomach healthy and can also improve your appetite.

3. Benefits the heart

Some studies suggest that the regular use of litsea essential oil mixed with neroli and rose essential oil helps manage blood pressure. The oil can help improve blood flow and improve circulation throughout the body. It can also help people suffering from arrhythmia by lessening how often it happens.

4. Lifts the mood

Litsea cubeba essential oil has a fresh citrusy scent. In aromatherapy, it improves one's mood. It lessens feelings of anxiety and stress while improving positive emotions. Another benefit is that it improves concentration and provides mental clarity.

5. Has anti-inflammatory effects

Inflammation is at the root of a lot of problems in the human body. Certain studies have found that Litsea cubeba oil has compounds that reduce inflammation. It can help relieve pain that are related to conditions like sore muscles, headaches, and arthritis.

6. Fights acne

Litsea cubeba essential oil can help remove dirt from your skin. Using it in your cleansing routine can help your skin feel refreshed and revitalized. It also reduces acne by preventing the growth of bacteria.

7. Helps with respiratory problems

Litsea cubeba essential oil can be used to cure coughs and colds. The oil also has properties that help relieve asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. Aromatherapists and some studies suggest putting litsea oil in a diffuser. It can also be mixed with a carrier oil, so it can be used as a massage oil on the neck and the chest.

8. Helps with eczema

Researchers have found that litsea has properties that balance your skin's oil production. It minimizes pores and can treat conditions like eczema and psoriasis. You can also add Litsea cubeba essential oil to moisturizers and lotions to enjoy the potential benefits.

9. Natural insecticide

The litsea oil's strong scent keeps mosquitoes and other harmful insects away. It's one of the best natural alternatives to chemical insect repellents. When it's diluted properly in the right carrier oil, Litsea cubeba essential oil can be used directly on the skin to prevent insect bites.

10. Guards against bacteria

Some researchers have discovered that Litsea cubeba oil effectively gets rid of illness-causing bacteria. This means it can be a natural cure for acne, skin infections, and other bacterial conditions. The oil can also stop the growth of fungi that causes yeast infections.

How to Use Litsea cubeba Essential Oil

The Litsea cubeba plant and its essential oil can be used in many different ways. It can be applied directly on the skin, used aromatically, or even consumed.

Litsea tends to blend well with rich and deep scents. Think frankincense or sandalwood. It can also work well with floral notes like rose, lavender, geranium, and ylang ylang. You can use the Litsea cubeba essential oil to create new fragrances or for aromatherapy. Simply add a few drops into a diffuser to release the soothing and revitalizing scent.

To use it as a massage oil, remember to mix the litsea oil with a carrier oil, like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond, to make it safe for the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Litsea cubeba essential oil boost the immune system?

There is no definitive scientific study that proves Litsea cubeba essential oil's ability to directly boost the immune system. However, it does have antimicrobial properties that can contribute to immune health.

The oil's ability to fight off bacteria and fungi can help prevent infections that affect the immune system. By reducing the risk of infections, the body can focus more on overall immune function.

How can Litsea cubeba essential oil support digestion?

Litsea cubeba essential oil helps with the breakdown of food. It can help minimize bloating and gassiness. And by improving digestion, litsea can support overall gut health.

Is Litsea cubeba essential oil good for cleaning?

Yes, litsea essential oil can be used as a natural cleaning agent. It has a refreshing citrus scent and properties that fight bacteria, which makes it a popular choice for household cleaning. The oil helps kill bacteria and germs on surfaces and gets rid of unpleasant odors.

How can I use Litsea cubeba essential oil safely?

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) before applying it to your skin. Don't put essential oil in sensitive areas like the eyes and the genitals. And before using litsea essential oil for the first time, do a patch test on a small area to skin to make sure there aren't any allergic reactions.

And if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a healthcare professional before using it.

Are there any side effects of using Litsea cubeba essential oil?

Litsea cubeba essential oil is usually considered safe when it’s used properly. However, there are some people that may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you’re allergic to citrus fruits, you might be more prone to allergic reactions. Some people may also get skin irritation if the oil is not diluted properly.

Can Litsea cubeba essential oil be ingested?

No, Litsea cubeba essential oil should not be ingested. It is only for topical use or for aromatherapy only. Ingesting essential oils can be harmful and can cause serious health problems.

What is the best way to store Litsea cubeba essential oil?

Store all of your essential oils in a cool, dark place. Keep the oil away from direct sunlight and heat. You need to make sure that the bottle is tightly sealed to stop the oil from evaporating.

Final Thoughts

Litsea cubeba essential oil has an impressive range of benefits and it makes it a valuable addition to any wellness routine. It supports digestion, heart health, and your skin. Litsea oil is versatile and effective on top of delivering natural solutions to many common health concerns.

Want to start your journey into using litsea for your health? You can find quality Litsea cubeba essential oil at Africa Imports.