Ravintsara

Cinnamomum camphora

Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) is a medium-sized tree from the Lauraceae family. It has reddish bark and its helically arranged, glabrous and coriaceous leaves are the same as those of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis).

  • Bath

  • Skin application

  • Oral route

  • Respiratory route

This essential oil is remarkably well-tolerated by the whole family; it is non-irritant for the skin and completely non-toxic. Warning! Drug interactions may occur if the essential oil is used for more than a few days.

Do not use in: pregnant or breast-feeding women, children under the age of three years, persons allergic to one of the components (geraniol, linalool, limonene), subjects with asthma without the advice of an allergologist before the first use, subjects with epilepsy (or children who have had fever seizures).

Antiviral agent
1 drop of essential oil of niaouli, 1 drop of essential oil of palmarosa, 1 drop of essential oil of ravintsara. Take the 3 drops on a neutral tablet three times daily for four days.

Physical and psychological fatigue – immune stimulation
Pour 3 drops of essential oil of ravintsara onto the solar plexus, wrists and inner elbow three times per day for ten days.

Herpes labialis (cold sores)
Place 1 drop of pure essential oil of ravintsara onto the cold sore six to seven times per day until healed.

Respiratory problems (children over the age of six years)
Massage your child's chest three times a day with 5 drops of ravintsara essential oil diluted in 5 drops of vegetable oil.

Native to Japan and Taiwan, it was introduced into Madagascar, where grew a related species, but with different properties (Ravensara aromatica).

Madagascar, island of perfumes, is a hub of world phytotherapy as more than six thousand of the island's plants are studied and some are used by ethnopractitioners according to the database of the Madagascan institute of applied research (IMRA). This prodigious biodiversity was revealed to Europeans during the mid-18th century by the Frenchman Etienne de Flacourt "resident governor" in his History of the island Madagascar (1658). During the 20th century, the botanist Pierre Boiteau scientifically explored this wealth and studied the therapeutic effect of ravintsara. This tree has always been, and remains to this day, the ultimate "medicine tree" of Madagascan populations, its local name meaning "leaves good for everything". The essential oil extracted from these leaves is remarkable for combating viral diseases.

Cultivation and production

Following a shortage period, Ravintsara production now exceeds worldwide demand. The main importers are France, the United States and Great Britain.

Fragrance

The fresh odour of ravintsara is reminiscent of that of eucalyptus.

Extraction and yield

Steam distillation of the leaves gives essential oil of ravintsara, with a yield of 1 to 2%, i.e. one to two kilograms from one hundred kilograms of plant.

Chemical formula

The main active constituents of essential oil of Cinnamomum camphora are terpene oxides (1,8-cineol), terpene alcohols (alpha-terpineol) and terpenes (pinenes). Camphor is present only in very small amounts and frequently even absent from the chemical variety cineolifera, contrary to the Japanese variety, that has a high camphor content.

Main indications

Essential oil of ravintsara is an immune stimulant and a potent antiviral and anti-infectious agent. Thanks to its very broad spectrum of action, it is recommended for preventing and treating all forms of viral infection, particularly respiratory – cold, flu, chills, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, rhinopharyngitis – along with seasonal gastroenteritis (always viral), herpes and herpes zoster. It is also a tonic, helping relieve states of extreme fatigue and accelerating convalescence.

 

These properties, benefits and method of use are given for information; they can not in any way constitute or substitute for medical information that only health professionals can dispense. For any use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, please consult a doctor.

Excerpts from the book "Aromatherapia - All about essential oils", by Isabelle Pacchioni, watercolors by Patrick MORIN, Editions Aroma Thera. Excerpts from the book "48 essential oils indispensable for healing differently" by Isabelle Delaleu and Isabelle Pacchioni, Publications of the Mandadori France group. Botanical illustrations by Agathe Haevermans.

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