Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamom camphora ct cineol) is extracted from a tall evergreen tree that grows wild in humid tropical forests and is also known as the camphor tree. In many countries, it is used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks, as it not only beautifies the landscape but also provides a wonderful aromatic experience. Its refreshing essential oil has earned the title of queen of antiviral oils due to its powerful properties.
It is obtained by distillation of the leaves and twigs. It has a fresh, clean eucalyptus aroma with light peppery notes. The aroma is refreshing and energizing and combines well with eucalyptus, mint and citrus oils. It also combines well with incense, lavender, копайба, rose and vetiver.
It is important to pay attention to the different types and names of this essential oil. The differences are significant - so that you can easily navigate and not get lost in the different names of different manufacturers, we will try to clarify the issue:
- Ravensara essential oil (Ravensara aromatica)
- ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamom camphora ct cineol)
- Ho leaf essential oil (Cinnamom camphora ct linalool)
The essential difference is between the tree from which the respective essential oil is extracted, such as essential oils from ravintsara and leaves of a Ho tree are distilled from the leaves and twigs of the same camphor tree, while Ravensara aromatica is a completely different tree. The first two oils differ only in their chemotype, while Ravensara has a radically different chemical composition and aroma.
In this article, we will dwell in more detail on the benefits and applications of ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamom camphora ct cineol).
Harvest
Year-round, blooms in summer
Part of the plant
Leaves and branches
Extraction method
Steam distillation
Oil for immunity and calmness
Ravintsara is named after the Malagasy words “ravina” meaning leaf and “tsara” meaning good. Literally means "tree with good leaves" or "leaves good for all". The name is very fitting considering that it is extremely versatile and is claimed to help with everything from headaches and colds to depression and anxiety.
| Botanical name Cinnamom camphora ct cineol | Aroma Profile Sweet, fresh and woody, with subtle floral notes |
| family Lauraceae | fragrance Middle note |
| Origin China, Japan and Taiwan | application Calming the mind, angina, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds and coughs |
Benefits of Ravintsara essential oil
Although it is not as popular as lavender, peppermint, frankincense and other essential oils, its uses and benefits are so numerous that it is often called a "must have in every home medicine cabinet". Here are some of them:
- strengthens immunity
- treat infections
- relieves respiratory problems
- helps with angina, bronchitis and sinusitis
- reduces inflammation in the body
- relieves headaches and migraines
- great remedy for sore muscles
- reduces pain in general
- helps with insomnia
- helps with depression, anxiety and neurosis
- removes negative emotions such as anxiety and fear
- helps with wounds, cuts and infections
- improves memory and concentration
Application and effect
Antivirus action
Ravintsara is one of the strongest antiviral oils. It is excellent in fighting viral infections and is especially used to relieve colds and coughs, as well as problems and infections of the respiratory system and other ailments. Provides excellent immune system support during flu epidemics. For this purpose, it is best to use it as an inhalation in the form of aroma lamps and diffusers. Add a few drops to the diffuser and inhale by bringing the opening closer and inhaling the mist for 2-3 minutes several times a day. Spending time in the room where the diffuser works is also very effective.
Using a diffuser is not recommended for children under 3 months of age, after which it can be diffused before the baby is brought into the room, or by dissolving the essential oil in a base (vegetable) oil at a concentration of less than 0,5% and applying to the chest, back, and feet.
Strengthens immunity
Ravintsara essential oil helps develop and strengthen the immune system, as well as fight colds and infections. It acts as an antibiotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It will make it easier for you to avoid and prevent seasonal diseases.
Relief of respiratory problems
We all know how uncomfortable it feels when we can't breathe. In this time of colds, flu and viral infections, ravintsara is a great help and support. Inhaling its aroma will help clear clogged sinuses and open the upper and lower respiratory tract (bronchi and lungs). To do this, add a few drops of ravintsara to your diffuser or inhale for 10 minutes. If you wish, you can also add eucalyptus essential oil.
Good for the skin
Ravintsara cleanses the skin, soothes inflammation and helps with skin problems such as eczema, rashes, etc. You can apply it diluted in vegetable oil (e.g. almond oil) directly to the affected areas and mix it with other essential oils such as lavender и immortalIt will also give your skin a healthy glow.
Relieves headache
A headache can be very unpleasant and make it difficult to carry out our usual activities and even our ability to rest. To reduce it, add a few drops of ravintsara oil to a cotton swab or inhaler and inhale the aroma.
Therapy for insomnia
If you're often overexcited before bed, can't relax and fall asleep, and your mind is overactive, help yourself with the power of essential oils. Inhale deeply the relaxing aroma of ravintsara, hold your breath for a few seconds and exhale. Repeat this several times.
Mix equal parts of ravintsara, lavender, and sweet orange essential oils, 1 ml each, and store in a dark bottle. Add a few drops of this mixture to an aroma lamp or diffuser before going to bed. It will fill the room with a wonderful aroma and create an atmosphere for relaxation and sleep. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can apply the oil to your wrists and temples (dissolved in vegetable oil) and inhale the aroma for a few minutes in bed.
Reduces pain
Muscle pains after training or any physical effort are very unpleasant, they reduce mobility and interfere with our daily functioning. To remove all this discomfort, add a few drops of ravintsara essential oil to the hot bath. This will relieve pain, spasms and fatigue and help restore muscle mobility and flexibility.
Improves mood
The pleasant aroma of ravintsara helps to lift our mood and energize us. It brings a sense of calm and joy and will dispel dark thoughts, worries, fears and nervousness.
Improves mental and cognitive abilities
Ravintsara essential oil has a beneficial effect on our mind, increases our focus and concentration, strengthens our motivation and determination to move forward, complete a project and achieve the desired changes.
| Mental Application: Anxiety, tension, stress, exhaustion, insomnia | Psychological action: soothing, balancing, motivating and stimulating |
| Physical Application: Strengthens immunity, angina, bronchitis and sinusitis, headache, eczema, rashes | Physical action: Antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiallergic, antiseptic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic and mucolytic |
Recipes with ravintsara essential oil
Antiviral inhalation
- 2 ml ravintsara essential oil
- 2 ml eucalyptus globulus essential oil
- 2 ml bay leaf essential oil
- 2 liters of hot water
Heat the water, then drop the oils into the bowl of water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the aroma for 5 minutes. You can use the inhalation for headaches, colds, runny noses, coughs, and allergies.
Blend for bronchitis
- 10 drops Thyme
- 5 drops Eucalyptus radiata
- 5 drops Ravintsara
- 3 drops Niauli
- 5 drops Incense
- 2 drops Ginger
Add all ingredients in the recipe to a 5 ml bottle. Shake to mix, use 4-5 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil, massaging into chest, back and feet. You can also use the blend in a diffuser, adding one drop for every 5 sq m.
Blend for flu, colds and flu
- 10 drops Ravintsara oil
- 5 drops Ho leaf oil
- 5 drops palmarosa oil
- 5 drops Thyme linalool oil
Add all ingredients in the recipe to a 5ml bottle. Shake to combine, use 1-3 drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil, massaging into chest, back and feet. You can also use the blend in a diffuser, add 6 drops and inhale the aroma.
More interesting articles from the blog
- Ho tree leaf essential oil – benefits and uses
- Copaiba essential oil – benefits and uses
- Eucalyptus oil – types, benefits and how to use
- Frankincense – the golden essential oil
- Essential oils – uses and benefits in aromatherapy
