Litsea, scientific name Litsea cubeba, is a plant belonging to the Lauraceae family native to Japan, Taiwan and China. From its fruits and leaves a lemony essential oil is produced through distillation. This essential oil is characterized by important healthy properties studied a lot by science. Litsea essential oil shows indeed excellent antimicrobial properties, it is anti inflammatory, anti fungal and it is also able to keep away insects (Su et al, Nat Prod Commun, Apr 2016 - Yang et al, Molecules, Oct 2010). Thanks to these characteristics, litsea essential oil may be applied to counteract inflammatory diseases but also headache, problems of the skin such as acne, joint pain and rheumatism, helps purify the houses and remove the bacteria (Hsin-Chun et al, Int J Mol Sci, Aug 2016 - Wen-Ru Li et al, PLoS One, Nov 2015). Let’s see in detail the possible uses. Don’t use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Acne and skin inflammations
Thanks to the antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties litsea essential oil may result helpful to counteract acne, irritations and skin inflammations. Add 1 drops of essential oil to a little of your cream and apply on the face or on the part that should be treated. In alternative, in case of acne and black heads, you can prepare a mask by mixing 1 tablespoon of green clay, water as much as it is needed to obtain a creamy paste and 2-3 drops of litsea essential oil. Apply on the clean face and leave on for 10-15 minutes, this will help remove the excess of sebum and the bacteria. Then rinse, spray a tonic or a floral water and go on with your treatment.
Cold, headache, rheumatism and inflammations
You can diffuse the litsea essential oil in closed spaces with an oil burner to guarantee an antimicrobial and antiviral action, to counteract cold, bronchitis and cough. Instead, to counteract joint and muscle pain, headache and migraines pour two drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of sweet almond oil and massage gently on the part.
Essential oil to clean the house
Litsea essential oil, thanks to its antimicrobial action, is very appreciated for the cleaning of the house. You just have to add 4-5 drops of essential oil to the water where you may have added also white vinegar to clean and disinfect the floors and surfaces at home.
Insects
2-3 drops of litsea essential oil mixed in a tablespoon of jojoba or sweet almond oil may be applied on the body as a powerful repellant against insects, such as, for examples, mosquitos.
Insomnia and tiredness
Diffuse in the room the litsea essential oil by using an oil burner, 1 drop each square meter. This will help you relax and remove stress and tensions.
