Ravintsara essential oil

​Having lived in Madagascar for many years, I am very fond of this essential oil that I have been using for 25 years.

​The ravintsara (in Malagasy pronounced ravintsare as we do not pronounce the a final) comes from an Asiatic tree, the Cinnamomum camphora that was introduced in Madagascar in the middle of the 19th century. The plant modified itself and developed specific qualities.
Ravintsara essential oil is one of the most powerful known natural antivirals; it is a polyvalent and easy to use EO.

Properties

​Antiviral, immune stimulating, antibacterial with a broad spectrum, anti infectious, expectorant, energising, rebalancing…

Benefits

​Ravintsara EO is mainly used to heal viral infections, particularly the respiratory (cold, flu, chills, …).  
For viral infections: add 2 drops of ravintsara EO to 1 tsp of honey.
For common cold: massages 2 to 3 drops on the chest
The oil can also help in case of children infectious diseases (rubella, measles, chicken pox) as well as physical and nervous fatigue. The oil is efficient to treat skin infectious (from viral origin) such as herpes, shingles, and infectious mononucleosis. It is recommended in case of hepatitis.

Composition

​1,8 cineol (gives a fresh camphor smell similar to eucalyptus) and α-terpene.

Part used

​​Leaves and young leafy twigs

Uses

• ​Oral
  
• Cutaneous
  
• Diffusion
  
• Inhalation

Synergy

​Combined to niaouli essential oil (increase the antiviral and broad-spectrum antibacterial properties)

Note

​Do not confuse the ravintsara with the raventsara aromatic and anisata. The 2 plants come from Madagascar but have different properties even though they both come from the same Lauraceae family. The raventsara is an endemic plant of Magacascar uses for its fragrant qualities.
Do not use ravintsara during pregnancy, lactation and children below 7 years.

References:
The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy - Valerie Ann Worwood
​La bible des huiles essentielles -