Product Spotlight: Ravintsara

Ravintsara Organic Essential Oil is the number 1 oil for acute respiratory problems.* It is a powerful remedy for congestion, but also supports mental clarity and emotional wellbeing.* This gentle yet versatile oil works similarly to Eucalyptus Radiata but with greater potency*. Known for its capacity to open up the chest, clear stuffiness and soothe ticklish throats, this natural healer should be your go-to when needing support during cold season or any time stress levels start rising.* Truly something special indeed!

What is Ravintsara? And how is it different from Ravensara?

Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) is an evergreen tree growing up to 30 feet high. It has a reddish trunk and dark waxy leaves. In the springtime, it produces bright green foliage with small white flowers. It is not to be confused with Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), which is another species.

What’s the difference between Ravintsara and Ravensara? The camphor tree, native to China, Japan, and Taiwan, was introduced to Madagascar in the 19th century. This tree would change its chemical composition based on where it was cultivated. Japan was known for distilling the wood of this tree into Camphor oil, while China distilled the leaf to produce Ho Wood oil. Interestingly, when this tree was grown in Madagascar, it became a non-camphor producing chemotype. Thus, we received a new essential oil: Ravintsara.

While RavINTsara is high in 1.8 Cineole, RavENsara aromatica contains very little 1.8 Cineole and it does not come from the camphor tree. Ravintsara and Ravensara are both obtained from trees belonging to the Lauraceae family. The Lauraceae species are mostly trees or shrubs with a few parasitic climbers which lack true leaves. The Lauraceae family includes Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), Ho Wood (Cinnamomum camphora), May Chang (Litsea cubeba), Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), and Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora).

Ravintsara Oil has been known in Madagascar for centuries as "the oil that heals." As they believed, it is a gift from the gods. Ravintsara, which translates to "good leaf" in Malagasy, speaks to its many uses that are deeply woven into Madagascar's traditional medicine rituals — from burning leaves after death for purification to using it as an antibacterial to prevent disease spread among others.* Even its bark was thought of so highly that it was often used as tonic or added flavor for local rum!

What are the Therapeutic Benefits of using Ravintsara?

Ravintsara is a vibrant, calming essential oil from Madagascar that helps boost mental and physical well-being. It has a remarkable array of health benefits that can help with common ailments such as symptoms of the flu and sore muscles.* Its lively, eucalyptus-like aroma is known for its uplifting and antiviral properties which can assist in reducing upper respiratory symptoms such as congestion, while simultaneously promoting an overall healthy immune system.* Also versatile in nature, Ravintsara’s cineol content helps provide relief from indigestion or discomfort caused by overexertion or joint pain.*

Combating mental stagnation and the blues, Ravintsara oil's energizing aroma can help clear your mind of depression, fatigue, and fear.* In addition to calming anxieties while decreasing stress levels, it also encourages positive thinking — aiding in cognitive performance as well as increasing focus providing a sense of inner peace from worrisome thoughts.* Lastly, this incredible plant-derived elixir can also provide calming relief from anxiety and stress — creating an optimal environment for better focus that makes worries fade away!*

How would you use Ravintsara?

Ravintsara Essential Oil can be used a variety of applications: Overall Topical, Massage, Bath, and Diffusion. Let’s take a look into when and how to use it in each of these applications.

• Overall Topical Application: 2-3% Dilution
  • Ravintsara Essential Oil can be used topically for overall health benefits to help with musculoskeletal and respiratory system issues. It is effective in soothing muscle pains, relaxing overexerted muscles, reducing coughs/congestion, relieving bronchitis/sinusitis symptoms as well easing arthritis/rheumatism discomfort. Dilution for this application should be 2-3% in any carrier oil (10-15 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil).

• Whole Body Massage Application: up to 1% Dilution
  • Enjoy a relaxing massage experience with Ravintsara Essential Oil for improved well-being. Incorporate it into your routine to soothe muscle and joint pain, relax overexerted muscles, ease symptoms of arthritis/rheumatism, stimulate healthy digestion and promote healthier immunity - all without compromising comfort! Dilution for this application can be up to 1% in any carrier oil (5 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil).

• Aromatic Bath Application: up to 1% Dilution
  • Soothe your body, clear and relax your mind with an aromatic bath! Reap its therapeutic benefits for relieving symptoms associated with musculoskeletal system, respiratory system and nervous system with Ravintsara Essential Oil. Respiratory ailments like colds and flu congestion may also find relief through its use. Its purifying effects go beyond physical restoration as it can help to dispel any depression while decreasing mental clutter too - the perfect blend of wellness therapy! Dilution for this application can be up to 1% in bath salts, bath milk, or another product similar before adding this to a full bath. The total application must not be more than 8 drops per bath; otherwise, it could cause serious injury.*

• Diffusion / Inhalation Application: add a few drops to a Nebulizer or Nasal Inhaler
  • When used in a nebulizer or inhaler, Ravintsara Essential Oil can provide relief for your respiratory system--alleviating symptoms of colds and flu while reducing coughs and congestion. It also helps ease nervous-system related problems such as clearing the mind to dispel depression or reduce mental congestion. Unforgettable, indescribable — Ravintsara is truly extraordinary!

What would blend well with Ravintsara?

Ravintsara provides a wonderful aroma that compliments that of herbal essential oils like Thyme and Cardamom. It also smells great with Cypress and especially with Lemon and Eucalyptus.

Here are a few DIY recipes for you to try in your nebulizer:

Unlock the therapeutic potential of Ravintsara to soothe your body, mind, and spirit - that's what we wanted you take away from this! Ravintsara is a remarkable oil, capable of delivering powerful therapeutic benefits to improve all areas of your wellbeing. Overall, when you blend with these essential oils, you are using a powerful way to rejuvenate yourself.

Happy Blending!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.