Ravintsara Profile
Essential Oil Profile:
Ravintsara (Ho Leaf)
(Cinnamomum camphora ct. 1,8 cineole)
Family: Lauraceae
Sourced: Madagascar, Middle East, Asia
Steam distilled from leaves
Shelf life 4 yrs.
Energetic Properties – clarifying, cleansing, fortifying, opening, strengthening, uplifting
Therapeutic Properties – Ravintsara offers strong airborne antimicrobial support.
Analgesic, ant-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-emetic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, carminative/digestive support, circulatory stimulant, CNS stimulant, cooling, decongestant, expectorant, febrifuge, Immunostimulant, liver supporter/protector.
Ravintsara is considered a “middle” note. Reminiscent of Eucalyptus but with a softer note and a vanilla influence, it finishes with a spicy, dry, slightly herbal essence - just lovely!
Also known as Ho Leaf, Ravintsara is one of the most refreshing oils I have encountered. It is also a little obscure. I get lots of people asking "What's it called?" In fact it can easily be confused with Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica) and are related but have very different chemistry. Be assured though, it is a powerhouse.
The fact that Ravintsara is drawn from leaves of the tree gives place to its history of respiratory support - helping to catch the air. A strong presence of the constituent 1,8 Cineole offers traits that foster mental alertness, energizing both the circulatory and central nervous systems, reducing inflammation, pain, muscle spasms, as well mucous. These traits combined make it a wonderful help for colds and coughs.
In keeping with its air support, Ravintsara has strong airborne antimicrobial qualities. So while it may help open up and support the respiratory system, it also helps to clean the very air that we breathe. This action can be helpful or too strong for asthmatics, so caution is encouraged. For the same reasons it is not a good choice for young children and used with caution for children 5 and up.
It is an excellent alternative for those who are allergic to Eucalyptus as it is similar in aromatic qualities and beneficial properties. It has antifungal properties which also enhance the airborne antimicrobial properties. Passive or active diffusing with a micro-particle diffuser can be very helpful in countering seasonal allergies like those in Autumn when mold spores tend to be more prevalent.
Since it has been shown to stimulate the immune system as well as the mind, it a wonderful EO to keep handy in an inhaler wherever you go to stay happy and healthy. It is great for helping boost a low mood and get you out of the doldrums.
You may have guessed by now I am a little partial to Ravintsara. Maybe it is that I simply like the sound of it...Rah-vint-sah-rah...it is calming just to say it! Nevertheless, it has had a special place in my heart for many years. Ravintsara is truly a prince of wellness support.
Chemical Families Profile
Oxides, Monoterpenes, Monoterpenols
SAFETY DATA
- Oils high in 1,8 Cineole should not be used directly on or near the face of children 5 and under and used cautiously around children between 5 and 10.
- Do not use in a bath.
- Never use undiluted on skin as it can cause skin irritation if oxidized (old).
- Ravintsara can also be known as Ho Leaf oil. It should not be confused with Ravensara (also from Madagascar) or other Cinnamomum camphora trees from China. The chemistry from Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora 1,8 Cineole) of Madagascar is unique!
More safety info is available at https://tisserandinstitute.org/safety-guidelines/
Aromatherapy is an amazing and effective addition to Complimentary and Alternative Medicine.
Here are some studies on Ravintsara EO:
Mujawah AAH, Abdallah EM, Alshoumar SA, Alfarraj MI, Alajel SMI, Alharbi AL, Alsalman SA, Alhumaydhi FA. GC-MS and in vitro antibacterial potential of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil against some clinical antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2022 Aug;26(15):5372-5379. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202208_29404. PMID: 35993631. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35993631/
Lee SH, Kim DS, Park SH, Park H. Phytochemistry and Applications of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oils. Molecules. 2022 Apr 22;27(9):2695. doi: 10.3390/molecules27092695. PMID: 35566046; PMCID: PMC9102863. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9102863/
Tang Y, Lv X, Liu Y, Cui D, Wu Y. Metabonomics Study in Mice With Learning and Memory Impairment on the Intervention of Essential Oil Extracted From Cinnamomum camphora Chvar. Borneol. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Mar 10;13:770411. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.770411. PMID: 35359846; PMCID: PMC8960444. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35359846/
Boumendjel M, Boucheker A, Feknous S, Taibi F, Rekioua N, Bouzeraa N, Chibi A, Feknous N, Baraoui A, N'har S, Toubal A, Taguida A, Zaidi H, Sekiou O, Bouziane I, Metai A, Bouaziz M, Benselhoub A, Boumendjel A, Messarah M. Adaptogenic activity of Cinnamomum camphora, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula stœchas and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil used in North-African folk medicine. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand). 2021 Aug 31;67(2):83-88. doi: 10.14715/cmb/2021.67.2.12. PMID: 34817335. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34817335/