Mountain pepper (Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers.), also known as mountain pepper or maychang, is a woody plant with oval or lance-shaped leaves. Its small fruits grow abundantly in clusters, appearing green when young and turning dark brown when ripe, resembling black peppercorns. In Vietnam, mountain pepper grows wild in the northern mountainous provinces like Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, and the Central Highlands, thriving in high-altitude, cool climates. The roots, leaves, and branches can be harvested year-round, while the fruits are typically gathered in summer and autumn.
Mountain pepper is a highly valuable plant with various applications in daily life, from its roots and leaves to its fruits. In Eastern medicine, dried mountain pepper fruits are known for their pungent taste and warm properties, often used to help treat colds, headaches, and digestive disorders. Notably, dried mountain pepper fruit can also be used as a spice, offering a peppery kick combined with the subtle aroma of lemongrass and lemon in everyday dishes, imparting a unique flavor.
Mountain pepper essential oil boasts a fresh and pleasant aroma, blending the gentle notes of lemongrass and lemon with a subtle sweetness and a hint of the mountain herbiness. Unlike the strong, spicy scents of essential oils from the pepper family, mountain pepper offers a more inviting and relaxing sensation—as if you're breathing in the crisp, clean air of the vast Northwest mountains of Vietnam. This is one of areme's most beloved essential oils due to its balanced, pleasing fragrance—familiar yet fresh and unique.
Northwestern Vietnam is a region that embodies some of the country’s most pristine and majestic characteristics. With a landscape primarily composed of high and medium-sized mountains, it is home to the Hoang Lien Son mountain range stretching over 180km, with Fansipan peak reaching 3,143m (also known as the "Roof of Indochina"). Beyond its magnificent scenery, the Northwest is also an ecological treasure trove with a rich and diverse flora, providing an ideal growing environment for many valuable medicinal plants thanks to its cool climate, mineral-rich soil, and high humidity year-round.
Among these, Litsea cubeba, or mountain pepper, a species belonging to the Lauraceae family, stands out for its strong adaptability to the harsh conditions of high-altitude regions. Mountain pepper is more than just a plant with medicinal and economic value; it's intricately linked to the livelihoods of numerous ethnic minority communities across provinces like Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Dien Bien, and Lang Son. With high economic potential, the production of essential oils from medicinal plants like mountain pepper significantly contributes to improving local incomes and promoting sustainable agricultural development in the highlands.
areme's mountain pepper essential oil is distilled from fresh fruits harvested from wild-growing trees in the mountainous forests of the Northwest. To ensure the preservation of their full aroma and therapeutic compounds, these raw materials are distilled immediately after harvesting. By sharing our mountain pepper essential oil, we aim not only to deliver a truly distinctive scent but also to celebrate the richness of local ingredients and support the sustainable development of Northwest Vietnam’s communities.
Mountain pepper essential oil is widely used in the perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines industries. Its primary active compound is Citral, known for its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its distinctive lemon-like scent. Research indicates that this essential oil is effective against a range of bacteria and fungi, making it ideal for purifying and deodorizing the air. Beyond its cleansing capabilities, the fresh aroma of mountain pepper essential oil can significantly reduce stress, promoting a feeling of relaxation and refreshment. It also helps enhance alertness and focus, making it an ideal choice for creating a serene yet productive atmosphere in both work and study environments.
Some health benefits of mountain pepper essential oil:
- Antibacterial and antifungal.
- Deodorizes and freshens spaces.
- Insect repellent: can be used in diffusers or diluted as a natural room spray.
- Stress reduction and mood improvement: suitable for aromatherapy to relax and revitalize mental energy.
- Enhances focus and promotes mental clarity
Some ways to use mountain pepper essential oil:
- Scent diffuser: Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser to gently disperse the fragrance throughout the room.
- Body massage: Dilute essential oil in a plant-based carrier oil and gently massage to relieve sore.
- Steam inhalation: Add 1-3 drops of essential oil to a cup of hot water and slowly inhale the rising aromatic steam.
- Facial steaming: Pour hot water into a basin, add 1-3 drops of essential oil, then drape a towel over your head to steam. Or use it with a facial steamer.