Ravensara Essential Oil: History and Usage Guide

Ravensara Essential Oil: History and Usage Guide
Page content

History

Ravensara essential oil comes from the evergreen havozo tree (Ravensara aromatica). A native to Madagascar and other Indian Ocean

islands, the tree has a long history of use in those areas. The seeds were traditionally used in cooking, as noted in 1642, and the islanders use the bark to make rum. Ravensara oil has a history of use in the perfume industry, as a pharmaceutical and in alternative medicine.

Distillation & Status

Ravensara leaves and twigs are steam distilled to produce the essential oil for use in aromatherapy. In some cases, the bark might also be used in oils. While the tree’s status hasn’t reached an endangered level, increased demand for the oil may cause continuing deforestation. Some deforestation has already occurred in the eastern coastal areas of Madagascar. While the use of the oil may threaten the trees, sustainability projects can help prevent it. As with all oils from potentially threatened species, you should use care and consideration when buying and utilizing ravensara oils.

Uses

Ravensara Essential Oil

Ravensara oil has a woody, spicy and camphor-like aroma. Its scent has been compared to anise and eucalyptus. The noted healing properties of the oil include antiseptic, antiviral, antibiotic, anti-infectious and it also works as an expectorant and febrifuge. Ravensara combines well with other tree oils, such as sandalwood, citrus oils, florals like lavender and geranium, and eucalyptus. In one study performed on hospice patients with shingles, ravanesara essential oil, combined with bergamot and niaouli, as an aromatherapy spray proved effective in relieving pain, inflammation and drying the shingle pustules. Ravensara treats the following conditions through aromatherapy and topical application:

  • measles
  • chicken pox
  • respiratory infections, colds, lung infections and bronchitis
  • fever
  • influenza
  • fatigue
  • cold sores
  • muscle pain
  • liver and viral infections

Risks & Cautions

Most sources consider ravensara essential oil safe and non-toxic. Some concern has been expressed over potentially harmful outcomes due to the components of the oil, estragole and methyl eugenol, a possible carcinogen. As with all essential oils, please read the disclaimer and seek the advice of a qualified health care provider before use, especially if pregnant or suffering from any health conditions. Another concern about ravensara oil is the mislabeling of ravintsara oil as ravensara. Ravintsara comes from the tree, Cinnamomum camphora. Use a trusted source for your essential oils to ensure the product is as labeled, unadulterated and high quality.

References

“The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy”; Valerie Ann Worwood

Cropwatch.org: Ravensara-Ravintsara Confusion

https://www.cropwatch.org/Ravensara-Ravintsara%20Confusion%20Update%201.pdf

NAHA.org: Successful treatment of the varicella virus in hospice patients, using essential oils of Ravensara aromatica, Citrus bergamia and Melaleuca viridiflora var. quinquenervia by Noel Gilligan

https://www.naha.org/articles/varicella_virus_in_hospice_patients.htm

Ravensara Essential Oil

https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/eo/ravensara.html

Images from Wikimedia Commons

Image1: public domain

Image2: Itineranttrader