Cubeba laurel (Litsea cubeba)

Other names: dicot, mountain pepper, litsea, mountain pepper, mountain root, Chinese pepper, tropical verbena, exotic verbena, May Chang, Entsurem, Jayar, Sernam, Shan ji jiao

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

The cubeb laurel, also known by the names double-leaved, mountain pepper, litsea, mountain pepper, mountain root, Chinese pepper, tropical verbena, exotic verbena, May Chang, Entsurem, Jayar, Sernam or Shan ji jiao, is a plant native to East Asia and Australia. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing up to 20 metres tall with fragrant leaves and flowers. Its fruits look like small drupes that are green when ripe and then turn black.

The cubeb laurel is prized for its essential oil, which is extracted by steam distillation from its fruits and leaves. The pleasant, refreshing citrus scent with undertones of pepper and herbs is popular in perfumery and the manufacture of soaps, candles and other scented products. This oil also has strong antimicrobial properties and is often used in oral hygiene products such as mouthwash or toothpaste. In addition, it is often included in cleaning and disinfecting products due to its ability to destroy bacteria and viruses on contact. In gastronomy, the seeds are used as a spice, for example in traditional Chinese cuisine, where their peppery and citrus flavour is exploited. More recently, cubeb laurel oil has also been increasingly used in aromatherapy for its supposedly calming and relaxing effects.