What is ravintsara essential oil used for? Uses and properties

He Madagascar camphor treethe ravintsara from which the precious and famous essential oil of ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora cineolifera chemotype 1,8 – cineole), is not, actually originating from the island of Madagascar. In this country, known for the great richness and peculiarity of its exuberant flora, 80% of the plants that grow are endemic. Ravintsara, however, is a camphor tree introduced to the island probably in the 17th century.

Ravintsara essential oil was first extracted by a French pharmacist and chemist named Antoine Baumé in 1775, but its therapeutic properties were not studied and known until the beginning of the last century.

Today the essential oil of ravintsara is one of the most appreciated and used essential oils in aromatherapy for its antiviral and immunostimulating properties.

properties of ravintsara

The characteristic and refreshing aroma of ravintsara essential oil is reminiscent of both the aroma of eucalyptus essential oil and laurel essential oil, with which it shares eucalyptol.

It is particularly known to prevent or treat colds and flu conditionsfor those antiviral and immunostimulant properties that we mentioned before.

However, the ravintsara has other, no less interesting properties:

Help to To fall asleepespecially in times of stress, and to recharge batteries. Promotes concentration and stimulates memory.Take care of the nervous system and relax the muscular tensions.

It is an essential essential oil in the family medicine cabinet.

How to use ravintsara essential oil

Ravintsara essential oil will be very useful in different situations, in each of which you can use it as follows:

Colds or other viral infections

Ravintsara essential oil has powerful antiviral properties. It is used as a preventative, to reinforce your defenses and protect yourself against possible infections.

You can use it in your diffuser and in topical applications:

In the diffuser: 15 to 20 drops depending on the diffuser model you use. You can combine it with lemon, grapefruit or sweet orange essential oil for an optimal synergistic effect. About 30 minutes, three to four times a day.Topically: In the morning, apply 2 drops of essential oil diluted in 4 drops of vegetable oil to the wrists and neck. Make another two applications throughout the day and whenever you are in crowded places.

flu or similar

Ravintsara essential oil is ideal for relieving flu or mild covid-19 symptoms.

In adults:

Take 2 drops with a little olive oil, 3 to 4 times a day (adults only). Apply 5 neat drops to each foot and each arm. Repeat five times a day.

If you have sensitive skin, dilute in 5 drops of vegetable oil.

In children from 6 years:

Apply 2 drops diluted with 5 drops of vegetable oil on the chest and back. Repeat four times a day.

In babies from 6 months:

Apply 1 drop diluted with 10 drops of vegetable oil on the back and feet. Repeat three times a day.

Nasal congestion and productive cough

Ravintsara essential oil It will help to clear the nose and expectorate:

Dilute 1 drop of the essential oil with 2 or 3 drops of vegetable oil.Apply around the nose and in the area between the eyebrows, being very careful not to touch the eyes.Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.

It will also serve to make vapors. Ideally we will use a container specially designed for vapors, which can be purchased at pharmacies:

Heat water and add 4 drops of ravintsara essential oil. Breathe in the mist for about 5 minutes. Repeat one or two more times throughout the day.

Stress and memory or concentration problems

Ravintsara essential oil is a excellent anti-stress. In times of stress it is common for memory to fail and it is difficult for us to concentrate.

To stimulate memory and help you focus, use it in your diffuser:

Put 15 to 20 drops of ravintsara essential oil in the diffuser, depending on the model. Put it on for 30 minutes, 3 times a day.

tiredness and exhaustion

In times of stress are also common energy slumps And, due to those same anti-stress properties, ravintsara essential oil can be of great help to recover energy.

For tiredness, best used in topical applications:

Dilute 4 drops of the essential oil in 4 drops of vegetable oil.Apply to the wrists and lower back.Repeat one or two more times throughout the day.

Insomnia (due to stress or nervousness)

Ravintsara essential oil is very interesting to facilitate sleep in times of stress. In this case, it is best to use it in topical applications combined with lavender essential oil or tangerine essential oil.

Prepare the following mixture:

30 drops of ravintsara essential oil 30 drops of lavender (or mandarin) essential oil 8 ml of jojoba vegetable oil (or other vegetable oil)

Apply 4 drops of the mixture on the wrists, behind the ears and on the soles of the feet half an hour before going to sleep. Repeat the application when you go to bed.

Muscle tension or pain

Ravintsara essential oil relieves muscle pain and is very pleasant in massage. For this particular case, use it as follows:

Dilute 5 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of arnica oil. Apply to the painful area with a gentle massage. Repeat as needed.

Precautions and contraindications

Ravintsara essential oil does not present toxicities. It can be used in babies, children and during pregnancy externally and properly diluted.

The asthma sufferers they should use this essential oil with caution and not use it during crises.

Curiosities

He camphor tree It is common in the subtropical regions of Asia, belongs to the Lauraceae family and is characterized by synthesizing different aromatic essences depending on where it grows.

There are at least 5 different chemotypes: camphor, linalool, nerolidol, safrole and 1,8-cineole (also known as eucalyptol).

Ravintsara, Ho stick or camphor?

The tree grows abundantly in Taiwan, where it produces camphor. For years the Chinese and then the Japanese had a monopoly on the extraction of this precious substance for its therapeutic properties.

It also grows in China, where it is known as ho stickwhose essence stands out for a high percentage of linalool and zero camphor.

He Madagascar camphor tree, the famous ravintsara, is the only one of the genus that produces 1,8-cineole. The essence is concentrated in the leaves, from which this exceptional essential oil is extracted.

Traditional use of the ravintsara

In fact, “ravintsara” in the Malagasy language means “good leaf” and It is part of the traditionally used medicinal plants on the island. More than 70% of the population of Madagascar treat their health problems with plants, healers have a special and recognized status.

Ravintsara is traditionally used to treat malaria, fever, rickets, infectious diseases of the respiratory system, cough, or rheumatism.