乌草精油，又称山柚子精油，是从乌草（Litsea cubeba）植物的果实中提取的精油。以下是乌草精油的一些常见好处：
提神醒脑： 乌草精油具有清新、柑橘的香气，被认为有提神醒脑的作用。通过芳香疗法使用，可以在疲劳或压力时带来清新感。
抗菌特性： 乌草精油被认为具有一定的抗菌和抗真菌特性，可用于清洁产品中，支持保持清洁的环境。
抗氧化保护： 精油富含抗氧化剂，有助于中和自由基，支持细胞健康，可能对抗衰老有一定的帮助。
情绪平衡： 乌草精油的香气被认为具有平衡情绪的效果，可能有助于缓解紧张感，提升心情。
护肤： 乌草精油可以用于皮肤护理，可能有助于控制油脂分泌，清理毛孔，促进肌肤清新。
助眠： 一些人使用乌草精油来促进放松和助眠。在晚间通过扩香或添加到枕头上，可以营造安宁的氛围。
消化支持： 乌草精油可能有助于促进消化。可以在饭前或饭后使用，支持健康的消化过程。
抗痉挛： 乌草精油被认为具有抗痉挛的作用，可用于缓解肌肉疼痛和不适。可以通过按摩或稀释后局部应用。
清新空气： 乌草精油的香气可以通过扩香方式净化空气，带来清新的氛围，有时也用于驱赶昆虫。
提升注意力： 一些人使用乌草精油来提升注意力和专注力，有助于创造出一个清晰而集中的心境。
需要注意的是，每个人对精油的反应因人而异。在使用乌草精油或其他任何精油之前，孕妇、哺乳期妇女和有特定健康问题的人士应咨询医疗专业人士。此外，在将其涂抹到皮肤上，特别是在敏感部位之前，建议进行适当稀释。
Antibacterial Household Cleaner
Litsea cubeba essential oil can be added to natural household cleaning products or used to disinfect surfaces as it contains powerful citric elements that have an antibacterial effect. These compounds account for over 70 percent of the essential oil’s phytonutrient content, of which the predominant ones are neral and geranial. According to research studies, the essential oil has exhibited antimicrobial properties against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and A. niger – all of which are a serious cause of a variety of common community infections. [3] [4] [5]
Mood Enhancer in Aromatherapy
A 2020 report published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal suggested that litsea cubeba oil could improve mood and reduce stress in healthy individuals. Fifteen participants in a study who were exposed to an aromatherapy session using the oil showed improvements in total mood disturbances and a significant reduction in the salivary cortisol levels. [6] [7]
Try diffusing or applying a few drops on your shawl or your bed linen to promote feelings of balance throughout the day.
Skincare
Due to its powerful antibacterial properties and antioxidant content, litsea cubeba oil is often added to facial cleansers as a good pore cleansing oil. It is known to be especially good for acne-prone skin. You can also combine it with neutral carrier oils like grapeseed oil or apricot kernel oil for a natural body care cleaner. [8]
Anti-inflammatory
May chang oil can be diluted with a carrier oil to reduce joint pain and muscle aches as studies have shown that the essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. The essential oil is traditionally used to ease the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, edema, and rheumatic arthritis. [9] [10]
You can use litsea cubeba essential oil to make the following household products:
- Perfumes and body fragrances
- Insect repellants
- Natural skincare products
- Potpourri
- Deodorizers
- Laundry cleaners
- Shampoos and conditioners
-
Massage oils
- Bath oils and lotions
- Air fresheners
- Candles and soaps
While litsea cubeba essential oil is also known to improve digestion and reduce blood pressure, there are no scientific studies as yet to prove the same.
Side Effects
As mentioned above, always dilute may chang oil before using it topically as it is a potent oil. You can dilute a few drops in a carrier oil of your choice and test a small patch of skin before using it. For more on how to choose a carrier oil,
A report from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) revealed that household cleaners that contain the oil may cause skin allergy in certain individuals. Contact with the oil may also cause serious eye irritation. It is always better to use a little oil on surfaces to gauge any allergic reaction. Also, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (2011) reported this substance shows some evidence of causing contact allergy in people. It is advisable to exercise caution if you are pregnant or diabetic. It should be kept away from children.
