Ravintsara

Product Description

Botanical name

Cinnamomum camphora

Extraction method / Source

Steam distillation / Leaves

Aroma

Woody, camphoraceous, slightly floral

Note classification

Top, Middle

Odor Intensity

6

Key constituents

1,8 Cineole, sabinene

Plant description

Botanical family: Lauraceae

Cinnamomum camphora trees in Madagascar and Comoros, referred to as Ravintsara, are thought to be endemic to the islands, and grow to a height of 15 feet. They produce fragrant, dark green, waxy leaves and clusters of small white flowers which develop into black, berry-like fruits.

Regions of Production

Madagascar

Growing Practices

Cultivated without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

History / Fun Facts

In the Malagasy language of Madagascar, "ravintsara" means "leaf that is good for you". The leaves are used by the native people to treat headaches, stomach aches, colds and respiratory ailments. The leaves are also eaten as condiments. Contrary to its name and camphoraceous aroma, it actually contains no camphor.

There are Cinnamomum camphora trees grown in many Asian countries, referred to as Ho Wood or Camphorwood. These are thought to actually be a different subspecies, as their oils have very different profiles.

Properties

Analgesic, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune support, nerve tonic, sedative. (Halpern & Weverka, 2003, Schnaubelt, 2011)

Please refer to the Glossary for terms which may be new to you.

Uses / Benefits

Supports immune function, beneficial in the treatment of flu. Added to massage oil, helps relieve muscle pain. A blend of Ravintsara and Tamanu is commonly used for management of shingles. Used as adjunct therapy in treatments for various cancers and Hepatitis B and C. ( Schnaubelt, 2011)

Modes of Administration

Topical: massage, compress, skin care

Inhalation: direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer, aromatherapy inhaler.

Safety

Nontoxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing

Notice

This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Precautions

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.

References

Halpern, Georges M., M.D., Ph.D., Weverka, Peter, The Healing Trail: Essential Oils of Madagascar, 2003, Basic Health Publications, Inc., North Bergen, NJ.

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy, (English translation)1998. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Schnaubelt, Kurt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Aromatherapy, 2011. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.

Tisserand, Robert and Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition, 2014. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, New York, NY.

United States Food and Drug Administration, HHS, 182.1 Substances That Are Generally Recognized as Safe, 182.20 Essential oils, Oleoresins (solvent-free), and natural extractives (including distillates), http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/CFR-2012-title21-vol3-sec182 (January 28, 2016)

TIMELESS Essential Oils guarantees the purity and quality of all our therapeutic oils. The current Certificate of Analysis is available upon request. All essential oils are best stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.