Ravintsara Essential Oil (Cinnamomum camphora)
Overview
It is typically processed using steam distilled as a method for extracting oil from the leaves.
Summary
Also known asHo Leaf Oil, Ravintsara Oil is often confused withRavensara OilorHo Wood Oil. Ravintsara, Ravensara and Ho Wood oils are very different essential oils.
The aroma of Ravintsara Essential Oil is somewhat similar to Eucalyptus in some ways, but I find it to be greener. Aromatically, it blends especially well with Eucalyptus and oils in the wood, mint and citrus families.
Although Ravintsara Essential Oil is distilled from the leaves of the same plant that yields various camphor oils and crystals, camphor does not appear as a constituent withinEssential Oil Safetyor the various GC/MS reports that I've seen for the oil.
Essential Facts
- Aroma Description: Ravintsara Essential Oil smells fresh, earthy, eucalyptus-like with woody and subtle peppery notes.
- Botanical Family: Lauraceae
- Botanical Genus: Cinnamomum
- Perfumery Note: Top
- Consistency: Thin
- Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
- Color: Clear
- Processing Methods: Steam Distilled
- Part Typically Used: Leaves
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Vegan
Essential Details
Cautions & Safety
Cautions when using Ravintsara:
Tisserand and Young remind that "essential oils high in 1,8-cineole can cause CNS [central nervous system] and breathing problems in young children." They also caution not to use topically near the face of babies and children. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 304.]
Safety Precautions for Ravintsara:
Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.