Ravintsara Essential Oil

Natural Ravintsara Essential Oil qt 1,8 cineole - Cinnamomum camphora

The plant originates from the Far East and is common in China, Japan, and Taiwan. It is also cultivated in many warm climates, including the coastal regions of the Pacific in the United States.

It is a large evergreen tree with fragile branches, reaching up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, oval, leathery, and bright green, with three main veins and small glands in their axils. The flowers, yellowish-white, bloom in May and June, arranged in corymbose panicles. The fruit is a round, reddish berry that turns black when ripe.

Ravintsara essential oil is obtained by distilling the leaves and twigs of the camphor tree. When only the wood and bark are distilled, it produces ho wood oil.

Traditionally, ravintsara has been used for:
- Viral infections (flu, herpes, mononucleosis, viral hepatitis, viral enteritis...)
- Colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis...
- Depression, anxiety, stress...
- Insomnia...
- Deep fatigue...
- It is also used in hydrolipidic retention formulas and lymphatic drainage treatments.

Ravintsara Essential Oil Properties

• Bactericidal and antiviral: Helps eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses.
• Antiseptic: Purifies the environment of pathogens.
• Expectorant: Clears respiratory congestion.
• Antioxidant: Slows premature aging.
• Anti-inflammatory: Relieves inflammatory symptoms.
• Immune stimulant: Strengthens the immune system.

Practical Uses of Ravintsara Essential Oil

• Muscles and joints: Helps with arthritis, muscle pain, rheumatism, and sprains.
• Skin: Treats acne, inflammation, oily skin, and prevents pimples; also offers protection against insects.
• Respiratory system: Provides relief for colds, bronchitis, coughs, and flu.
• Immune system: Boosts the immune defenses.

Ravintsara Essential Oil Recipes

Topical Use

• For respiratory issues: Mix 10 drops of ravintsara, 10 drops of niaouli, 5 drops of thyme, and 5 drops of balsam fir with 10 ml of carrier oil. Apply 4-5 drops of the mixture to the chest, shoulders, and soles of the feet, three times a day.
• For cold sores: Apply 1 drop each of ravintsara, niaouli, and thyme tujanol around the affected area, three times a day.

Diffusion

• To soothe a cough and improve breathing: Add 4-5 drops to a diffuser along with lemon and eucalyptus globulus essential oils.

DIY Cosmetic Recipes with Ravintsara Essential Oil

1. Protective Lip Balm

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cocoa butter
• 5 drops Ravintsara essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and cocoa butter in a double boiler.
2. Remove from heat and add the Ravintsara and peppermint essential oils.
3. Pour the mixture into small balm containers and let it cool.
4. Use this balm daily to protect and soften your lips, especially in cold or windy weather.

2. Respiratory Chest Rub

Ingredients:

• 50g shea butter
• 10ml sweet almond oil
• 10 drops Ravintsara essential oil
• 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Instructions:

1. Melt the shea butter in a double boiler.
2. Add the sweet almond oil and the Ravintsara and eucalyptus essential oils.
3. Mix well and store in a dark glass jar.
4. Apply a small amount to the chest and neck at night to ease breathing, especially during colds.

3. Homemade Hand Sanitizer

Ingredients:

• 50ml aloe vera gel
• 10ml alcohol (at least 70% concentration)
• 10 drops Ravintsara essential oil
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the aloe vera gel with the alcohol in a bottle.
2. Add the Ravintsara and tea tree essential oils.
3. Shake well and use as a natural hand sanitizer. It's perfect to carry in your bag for protection against bacteria and viruses.

Popular Remedies with Ravintsara Essential Oil

1. Inhalation for Colds and Congestion

Ingredients:

• 1 liter boiling water
• 5 drops Ravintsara essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Boil the water and pour it into a bowl. Be cautious to avoid burns.
2. Add the Ravintsara and peppermint essential oils.
3. Cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes.
4. This remedy is excellent for clearing nasal congestion and relieving cold and flu symptoms.

Note: If the steam is too hot, let the water cool slightly before inhaling. Avoid burning your skin with the steam.

2. Relaxing Bath for Muscle Pain Relief

Ingredients:

• 10 drops Ravintsara essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 1 cup Epsom salts

Instructions:

1. Fill a bathtub with warm water and add the Epsom salts and essential oils.
2. Stir the water well to dissolve all ingredients.
3. Soak for 20-30 minutes to relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and improve breathing.

3. Antiviral and Immune-Boosting Massage Oil

Ingredients:

• 30ml sweet almond or jojoba oil
• 10 drops Ravintsara essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the essential oils with the carrier oil in a dark bottle.
2. Use this oil to massage the chest, back, or soles of the feet. This massage helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against viral infections.
3. Ideal for cold seasons or when you feel weak and need an immune boost.

Ravintsara Essential Oil Pairs Well With:

• Thyme
• Niaouli
• Tea Tree
• Siberian Fir
• Scots Pine
• Eucalyptus radiata
• Peppermint
• Calendula
• Almond

Recommended Dilutions for Ravintsara Essential Oil

Maximum dilution for adults: 2%
Maximum dilution for children (over 6 years): 0.25%

Note: Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted for most uses. Consult our dilution chart for more detailed information:

ESSENTIAL OILS DILUTION GENERAL GUIDE

Expert Aromatherapist Notes

Identification

• Botanical name: Cinnamomum camphora, Lauraceae
• Origin: Madagascar
• Extraction method: Steam distillation (no solvents or refining processes)
• Distilled part: Leaves
• INCI: Cinnamomum camphora Leaf Oil

Safety

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Some natural components of this essential oil may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Always perform a patch test by applying a few drops inside the elbow before use.
• Topical use: Suitable when diluted.
• Diffusion: Not recommended.
• Phototoxicity: None
• Sensitizing: None
• Irritating: None

Allergens naturally present in this essential oil:

• Limonene

Storage

Proper storage of essential oils is important to ensure their quality and prevent them from becoming toxic or irritating due to oxidation or contamination. Check out our guide:

Storage of Essential Oils

Important

The information provided by Essenciales comes from popular knowledge and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The International Federation of Aromatherapists does not recommend ingesting essential oils unless under the strict supervision of a doctor or qualified aromatherapist. Always dilute essential oils properly. If you are pregnant, suffer from epilepsy, liver failure, or have any health condition, use essential oils only under medical supervision. Never use essential oils on children without the proper knowledge or guidance of a professional.

Never ignore professional medical advice.
Essenciales does not provide medical advice or engage in the practice of medicine.