That Madagascar camphor treethe Ravintsara from which the precious and famous Ravintsara essential oil (Cinnamomum camphora cineolifera chemotype 1.8 – cineole), is not actually native to the island of Madagascar. In this country, known for the great wealth and the peculiarity of its lush flora, 80% of the plants that grow there are endemic. However, the ravintsara is a camphor tree that was probably introduced to the island in the 17th century.
Ravintsara essential oil was first extracted in 1775 by a French pharmacist and chemist named Antoine Baumé, but its therapeutic properties were not studied and known until the beginning of the last century.
Today, Ravintsara essential oil is one of the most valued essential oils and is used in aromatherapy for its effects antiviral and immunostimulating properties.
Properties of Ravintsara
The characteristic and refreshing aroma of Ravintsara essential oil is reminiscent of both the aroma of eucalyptus essential oil and that of laurel essential oil, with which it shares eucalyptol.
It’s special Known to prevent or treat colds and flufor the antiviral and immunostimulant properties we mentioned earlier.
However, the ravintsara has other, no less interesting qualities:
- help to To fall asleepespecially in times of stress, and to recharge the batteries.
- Promotes concentration and stimulates memory.
- Take care of the nervous system and relax muscle tension.
It is an essential essential oil in the medicine cabinet.
How to use Ravintsara essential oil
Ravintsara essential oil is very useful in different situations where you can use it in the following ways:
Colds or other viral infections
Ravintsara essential oil has powerful antiviral properties. It is used preventively to strengthen your defenses and protect yourself from possible infections.
You can use it in your diffuser and in topical applications:
- In the diffuser: 15 to 20 drops depending on diffuser model used. You can combine it with lemon, grapefruit or sweet orange essential oils for an optimal synergistic effect. About 30 minutes, three to four times a day.
- Currently: Apply 2 drops of essential oil diluted with 4 drops of vegetable oil to your wrists and neck in the morning. Make another two uses throughout the day and whenever you are in crowded places.
flu or something like that
Ravintsara essential oil is ideal for relieving flu symptoms or mild Covid-19.
For adults:
- Take 2 drops with a little olive oil 3 to 4 times a day (adults only).
- Apply 5 pure drops to each foot and arm. Repeat five times a day.
For sensitive skin, dilute with 5 drops of vegetable oil.
For children over 6 years:
- Apply 2 drops diluted with 5 drops of vegetable oil to chest and back.
- Repeat this four times a day.
For babies from 6 months:
- Apply 1 drop diluted with 10 drops of vegetable oil to the back and feet.
- Repeat thrice a day.
Stuffy nose and productive cough
Ravintsara essential oil helps to clear the nose and cough up:
- Dilute 1 drop of essential oil with 2-3 drops of vegetable oil.
- Apply around the nose and between the eyebrows, being careful not to touch the eyes.
- Repeat 3 to 4 times a day.
It is also used for vaping. Ideally, we use a container specially designed for vapors, which is available in pharmacies:
- Heat water and add 4 drops of Ravintsara essential oil.
- Breathe in the mist for about 5 minutes.
- Repeat the process once or twice throughout the day.
Stress and memory or concentration problems
Ravintsara essential oil is a excellent stress reliever. In stressful times, memory often fails and it is difficult for us to concentrate.
To stimulate memory and help you focus, use in your diffuser:
- Depending on the model, place 15 to 20 drops of Ravintsara essential oil in the diffuser.
- Run it for 30 minutes three times a day.
tiredness and exhaustion
In times of stress, it is also common energy collapses And because of the same anti-stress properties, Ravintsara essential oil can be of great help in restoring energy.
In case of fatigue, better use it in topical applications:
- Dilute 4 drops of essential oil with 4 drops of vegetable oil.
- Apply to wrists and lower back.
- Repeat the process once or twice throughout the day.
Insomnia (due to stress or nervousness)
Ravintsara essential oil is very interesting for facilitating sleep in times of stress. In this case, it is best to use it in topical applications in combination with lavender essential oil or tangerine essential oil.
Prepare the following mixture:
- 30 drops of Ravintsara essential oil
- 30 drops of lavender (or tangerine) essential oil
- 8 ml jojoba vegetable oil (or other vegetable oil)
Half an hour before bedtime, apply 4 drops of the mixture to the wrists, behind the ears and on the soles of the feet. Repeat the application when you go to bed.
muscle tension or pain
Ravintsara essential oil relieves muscle pain and is very pleasant during massage. For this specific case, use it like this:
- Dilute 5 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of arnica oil.
- Apply to the painful area with a gentle massage.
- Repeat as needed.
Precautions and contraindications
Ravintsara essential oil has no toxicities. It can be used externally and properly diluted in babies, children and during pregnancy.
That people with asthma You should use this essential oil with caution and not use it in times of crisis.
oddities
That camphor tree It is widespread in the subtropical regions of Asia, belongs to the Lauraceae family and is characterized by the fact that it synthesizes different aromatic essences depending on the location.
At least there is 5 different chemotypes: camphor, linalool, nerolidol, safrole and 1,8-cineol (also known as eucalyptol).
Ravintsara, Ho Stick or Camphor?
The tree grows in abundance in Taiwan, where it produces Fighter. For years, the Chinese and then the Japanese had a monopoly on the extraction of this substance, valued for its therapeutic properties.
It also grows in China, where it is well known ho stickwhose essence is characterized by a high proportion of linalool and zero camphor.
That Madagascar camphor tree, the famous Ravintsara, is the only one of the genus that produces 1,8-cineole. The essence is concentrated in the leaves from which this exceptional essential oil is extracted.
Traditional use of the Ravintsara
In fact, “ravintsara” means “good hand” and in the Malagasy language It is one of the traditionally used medicinal plants on the island. More than 70% of the population of Madagascar treat their health problems with plants, healers have a special and recognized status.
Ravintsara is traditionally used to treat malaria, fever, rickets, respiratory infections, cough or rheumatism.
scientific references
- Li Y, Lai Y, Wang Y, Liu N, Zhang F, Xu S. 1,8-cineole protects against influenza virus-induced pneumonia in mice. inflammation. 2016 Aug;39(4):1582-93. doi: 10.1007/s10753-016-0394-3. PMID: 27351430.
- Jurgens UR. Anti-inflammatory properties of the monoterpene 1,8-cineol: current evidence for co-medication in inflammatory airway diseases. Drug Res (Stuttgart). 2014Dec;64(12):638-46. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1372609. Epub May 15, 2014. PMID: 24831245.
- Jürgens UR, Dethlefsen U, Steinkamp G, Gillissen A, Repges R, Vetter H. Anti-inflammatory activity of 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. breath med. 2003 Mar;97(3):250-6. doi: 10.1053/rmed.2003.1432. PMID: 12645832.
- Santos FA, Rao VS. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of 1,8-cineole, a terpenoid oxide found in many essential plant oils. Phytother Res. 2000 Jun;14(4):240-4. doi: 10.1002/1099-1573(200006)14:4<240::aid-ptr573>3.0.co;2-x. PMID: 10861965.
#Ravintsara #Essential #Oil #properties