Ravintsara essential oil: the «good leaf» from Madagascar

In Madagascar it is called ravintsara, from ravina, leaf, and tsara, good: the «good leaf». A simple name for an essential oil that has become a classic in aromatic collections. Its fresh, camphor-like scent brings to mind wide wooded spaces and instantly feels like opening a window.

What is ravintsara?

Ravintsara is a tree of the laurel family, like bay laurel and cinnamon. Its botanical name, Cinnamomum camphora, is that of the camphor tree; grown in Madagascar, however, this tree produces an oil with a specific composition, identified by its chemotype: «ct. cineole». This detail is essential, since other camphor trees yield very different oils. Nor should it be confused with ravensara, another Malagasy tree with a very similar name.

According to the product sheet, our ravintsara essential oil has a fresh, camphor-like scent described as stimulating. The organic 10 ml version is described as invigorating. The leaves are the distilled part. In our classification, ravintsara belongs to the oxide family: to find out what that means, read our guide to essential oil families.

How to use it

Our druggist recommends it for diffusion, for a fresh atmosphere and a pleasant feeling of fresh air in the room.

• Amount: a few drops in a diffuser designed for essential oils, following the instructions.
• Duration: fifteen to twenty minutes, two or three times a day at most, airing the room between sessions.
• Where: in living areas, a home office or the hallway, rather than in a child's bedroom.
• Blends: its camphor-like scent softens with lemon or sweet orange; with a conifer oil it takes on a forest character.

What about ravintsara hydrosol?

We also offer a ravintsara hydrosol in a 200 ml bottle: the aromatic water collected during distillation, far less concentrated than the essential oil. According to its product sheet, it is used externally, on a cotton pad wiped over the face or sprayed as a fine mist, for a fresh touch.

Precautions

Fresh, but measure carefully. The essential oil must not be swallowed or applied neat. Avoid the eyes and mucous membranes. For children, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for people with asthma or sensitivity to strong smells and if you are under medical care, seek advice before any use. No continuous diffusion and none around infants. Keep the bottle tightly closed, away from light and out of children's reach.

Our products

• Ravintsara EO – fresh, camphor-like scent.
• Organic ravintsara EO, 10 ml – from organic farming.
• Ravintsara hydrosol, 200 ml – gentler, as a mist or on a cotton pad.

Need some advice?

Ravintsara is one of those oils people like to keep close at hand to freshen up the home. To choose between essential oil and hydrosol, or to find out how to use it in your situation, drop in at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains: we will be glad to answer your questions.