When we last looked at Litsea, we viewed it from afar with the hope of spotting it within a blend - because that was the only way we could get it! Now, because this exclusive dōTERRA® essential oil is available on its own for a limited time, it’s high time we take a closer look at Litsea.
By way of a short refresher, Litsea is an exotic lemony-scented oil which is steam distilled from the ripe fruits of an evergreen shrub native to East Asia. Don’t let the citrus aroma fool you: the oil itself actually shares more chemical similarities with the likes of Melissa and Lemongrass than it does with your typical citrus oils. Litsea oil sometimes goes by the name May Chang, an alias which hints at its long history of traditional use in Taiwan. Even if those names don’t ring any bells, it’s likely that if you’ve been in the dōTERRA world long enough, you’ve experienced some of what Litsea has to offer without even knowing it! This is because of its inclusion in some popular cleansing and rejuvenating blends.
Litsea has a sweet, tranquil aroma with a knack for brightening the atmosphere. Don’t we all know someone who fits that description, and we just love to have them around? Pop a drop into your homemade surface cleaner to spread Litsea’s uncanny zest around your home. Litsea’s cleansing properties extend beyond counters, fixtures and doorknobs to the areas of emotional balance, skin, and general cellular health. Combine Litsea with a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage muscles in need of energizing, or apply to the face in conjunction with a cream or cleanser to help you put your best face forward.
The litsea fruit’s unique combination of citrus and spice probably contributed to its nickname of “mountain pepper,” which is actually used as a spicy condiment in some Asian cuisine. If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen and want to toss an unexpected twist into a dip, drink, or sweet bar recipe, get cooking with dōTERRA Litsea!
Another great way to watch Litsea work its renewing magic is through a diffuser blend like this one, which is simply called:
Acceptance
2 drops Litsea
2 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Bergamot
The interplay between floral Bergamot and the two citrus-like oils will create an uplifting environment that allows everyone to exhale all they’ve been holding in. The deep, energizing breath that follows could be the first step toward acceptance and the ability to move forward in hope.
Litsea is that sunshiny friend who helps us release what needs to be let go so we can embrace the fresh inspiration right in front of us! It’s bright, sweet, cheerful, and finally available on its own for us to get to know on a whole new level.