Ravintsara Health Dictionary

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Ravintsara: From 1 Different Sources

Cinnamomum camphora

FAMILY: Lauraceae

SYNONYMS: Cinnamomum camphora ct. 1,8-cineole.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Cinnamomum camphora is a tall evergreen tropical tree characteristic of the Laurel family that grows up to 20–30 metres tall. The foliage is bright green and the leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance bearing masses of small white flowers in spring. It produces clusters of shiny black berries and has a pale bark that is very rough and fissured vertically.

DISTRIBUTION: C. camphora is native to China, Japan, and Taiwan but has been introduced to many countries throughout the world including India, Australia and the USA, where in places such as Florida it is becoming increasingly invasive and a danger to the native flora. This species is not indigenous to Madagascar and was introduced onto the island during the middle of the nineteenth century. As the plant became accustomed to the Malagasy climate it became a distinct subspecies, which in time adapted so well to the new environment, naturalizing in the central-eastern regions, that it became a very sustainable species for producing an essential oil, now called ravintsara oil. However, since it is clear there are many different sub-varieties of C. camphora in various parts of the world, it is possible that there also existed another native aromatic tree already growing in Madagascar originally known as ravintsara by the local people. According to Georges M. Halpern in The Healing Trail: Essential Oils of Madagascar, an indigenous tree of this name had been part of the Malagasy culture for many centuries and its leaves were used as a traditional folk medicine.

OTHER SPECIES: The genus Cinnamomum has approximately 250 different species, many of which yield an essential oil on distillation. Amongst the most important are C. zeylanicum (cinnamon bark and leaf oils) and C. cassia (cassia oil). The single species C. camphora itself produces a wide range of essential oils including: camphor, ho wood and leaf oil, sassafras and ravintsara. All these essential oils, although derived from the same tropical tree or botanical species, differ in their chemical profile enormously depending on the country of origin as well as the part of the plant used to extract the oil: e.g. leaf or bark.

There are at least 6 different chemotypes of C. camphora essential oil due to this factor, including the camphor, linalool, 1,8-cineole, nerolidol, safrole and borneol types. For example, C. camphora, grown in Taiwan and Japan, is known as Ho oil, and has linalool as its major constituent, whereas in India and Sri Lanka the camphor type of C. camphora remains the most important. The variety of C. camphora cultivated in Madagascar contains high levels of 1,8-cineole and no camphor. In order to avoid any confusion, it has been suggested that Ravintsara should be labelled: ‘Cinnamomum camphora ct. 1,8-cineole.’

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The term Cinnamomum is derived from the Greek root kinnamon or kinnamomon meaning ‘sweet wood’. The word ravint means leaf and sara means ‘good for you’ according to the Malagasy tradition, as the local people have long appreciated the therapeutic value of its leaves which were used in folk medicine to treat digestive complaints, headaches, colds and chest infections. It has also been used for culinary applications and employed as a herbal tea. The Malagasy people themselves believe that the original Ravintsara tree is an indigenous species: a ‘cousin’ of the well-known C. camphora species, which has since been introduced.

ACTIONS: Antibacterial, anticatarrhal, antifungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiviral, decongestant, cicatrisant (wound healer), expectorant, immune and neurotonic.

EXTRACTION: Steam distilled from the leaves of the plant.

CHARACTERISTICS: Fresh, woody, slightly floral, balsamic, eucalyptus-like scent. It blends well with eucalyptus, rosemary, bay, frankincense, cardamon, pine, cypress, juniper and citrus oils.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Ravintsara is akin to Eucalyptus globulus oil (as both are particularly effective for respiratory infections) due to its high 1,8-cineole content ranging from 45–55 per cent. Other major constituents include monoterpenes (sabinene 15 per cent, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene), sesquiterpenes (beta-carophyllene), monoterpenic alcohols (alpha-terpineol 7 per cent and terpineol) and esters (terpenyl acetate).

NOTE: Ravintsara essential oil contain at least 45 per cent 1,8-cineole compared to approximately 5 per cent found in Ravensara aromatica oil.

SAFETY DATA: Ravintsara oil is generally very well tolerated by the majority of the population, although like eucalyptus, it can cause sensitization in some individuals and should be used in moderation.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin care: Shingles, herpes, verrucas, warts and athletes foot.

Circulation muscles and joints: Aching muscles and joints.

Respiratory system: Coughs, colds, influenza and other respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, otitis, tonsillitis and whooping cough.

Immune system: Viral infections especially air-borne infections.

Nervous system: Nervous debility

OTHER USES: Ravintsara oil is produced in a ‘pharmaceutical grade’ for the chemical and perfumery industry.

Health Source: The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils
Author: Julia Lawless

Dorado Azul

Hyptis suaveolens

FAMILY: Lamiaceae

SYNONYMS: Mesosphaerum suaveolens, mint weed, bush mint, bush tea, pignut, chan, wild spikenard.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: An erect, annual herb up to 3 metres high, belonging to the mint family, with a hollow stem, and bearing purple-blue lipped flowers and dark brown, shield-shaped fruits. The oval leaves, which are wrinkled along the edge and pointed, have a strong mint-like aroma when crushed; the taproot is white or brown. It is a very well known pseudo-cereal plant in the Latin America region.

DISTRIBUTION: A native of tropical America, growing in warm and semi-warm regions, commonly found in the rain forests of Ecuador, as well as in the Caribbean and Hawaii; it has also been naturalized in Australia since the mid-nineteenth century. This herb is commonly found alongside roadsides and watercourses and is considered a weed in many tropical areas around the world, especially because the plant can be invasive.

OTHER SPECIES: The mint family is generally known to produce the most variation in essential oil composition and therefore there are many chemotypes of H. suaveolens. Ocotea essential oil from the flowers of the Ocotea quixos tree, which is native to the deep Amazon, is another species found in South America, which yields a little-known essential oil sharing many of phytochemical properties and functions of H. suaveolens.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Dorado Azul has been used by many indigenous cultures in India, Nigeria and elsewhere for hundreds of years to treat bacterial infections, diarrhoea, tumours, skin diseases, gastro-intestinal disorders and as a natural mosquito repellent and pesticide. The herb has also traditionally been used for the treatment of asthma, hormonal balance (oestrogen), inflammation, muscular aches and pains and for wound healing.

Today the essential oil of Dorado Azul is recognized largely for its role in treating respiratory conditions and in supporting the sinuses and lungs, much like mint and eucalyptus. In addition to its respiratory benefits, Dorado Azul oil is also proving to be a very effective ingredient in essential oil blends that repel insects and pests. Indeed, recent studies have confirmed it is effective as a natural crop and grain insecticide. A study in 1999 revealed that the oil was effective against both gram positive (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and negative (E. coli, Pseudomonas spp.) bacterial strains; as well as Candida albicans. A further study exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Micrococcus luteus respectively.

ACTIONS: Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, insecticidal, anti-infectious, expectorant, immune stimulant.

EXTRACTION: Essential oil distilled from the stems, leaves and flowers.

CHARACTERISTICS: The essential oil is a reddish liquid with a fresh-herbaceous odour. It blends well with peppermint, eucalyptus, ravintsara, tea tree, myrtle, balsam and spice oils.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Main constituents are sabinene (16.5 per cent), trans-?-bergamotene and ?-caryophyllene (19.8 per cent), terpinen-4-ol (9.6 per cent) and ?-pinene (8.6 per cent). Another study (using a different chemotype) reported sabinene (30 per cent), terpinen-4-ol (11.4 per cent), terpinolene (5.6 per cent), 1,8-cineole (5.2 per cent), ?-pinene (4.4 per cent) and ?-terpinene (4.2 per cent).

SAFETY DATA: No reported contra-indications: however since there are many variable chemotypes of this oil, the safety data will depend on the specific chemical make-up of the individual oil.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin Care: Infected skin conditions.

Circulation Muscles And Joints: Arthritic and rheumatoid-type pain, circulatory stimulant, muscular aches and pains.

Digestive System: Indigestion, candida and other intestinal tract problems.

Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, ’flu, sinus congestion, allergic reactions that cause constriction and compromised breathing.

Immune System: Tonic.

Nervous System: Nervous debility.

OTHER USES: ‘Chan’ is commonly used locally as a refreshing, healthy drink, which is made by leaving the seeds to soak in water and refrigerating the mix.... dorado azul

Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

FAMILY: Asteraceae

SYNONYMS: S. canadensis var. gilvocanescens, S. altissima, S. canadensis var. salebrosa, Canadian goldenrod, meadow goldenrod, common goldenrod, giant goldenrod, tall goldenrod, rough goldenrod.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Solidago canadensis is a herbaceous, perennial plant of the daisy family often found growing as a wildflower, commonly forming colonies. The stem is stiff and erect, growing up to 7 feet high with numerous branches and lance-shaped leaves. The attractive small yellow or golden flowers are held above the foliage in clusters, which bloom late in the season. Goldenrod is often unfairly blamed for causing hay fever in humans although the pollen causing these allergy problems is mainly produced by ragweed, another wild plant which blooms at the same time. Goldenrods have a reputation of being difficult to control due to their aggressive rhizomatous growth, which enables them to rapidly colonize large areas.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to North America, the herb occurs in most US states and Canadian provinces. It is found in a variety of habitats, and it typically is one of the first plants to colonize an area after disturbance (such as fire) but rarely persists once shrubs and trees become established and is found neither in very dry locations nor in waterlogged ones. In many parts of Europe, Japan and China, it is considered an invasive weed, often endangering local fauna.

OTHER SPECIES: The genus Solidago comprises over 140 varieties, many of which are very similar; it can even crossbreed with other plants! Nearly all are known simply as goldenrod, though some have specific folk names such as woundwort, Aaron’s rod and Blue Mountain tea. Most of the goldenrod species are native to North America although a few are native to Europe, Asia, North Africa and South America. The European goldenrod (S. virgaurea), was known as woundwort in England as it was used as an astringent remedy for treating wounds and bleeding. The sweet goldenrod (S. odora), a native of the US and Canada, is the species most frequently seen in herb gardens and is also used to produce an essential oil used by the perfumery industry. Sweet goldenrod also has a long history of medicinal use by Native Americans and was exported for tea in the nineteenth century.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: The genus name Solidago derives from the Latin soldare, which means ‘to make whole’. Goldenrod has a long history of medicinal use especially by the Native Americans who used the plant for a wide range of conditions: infusions and compounds of the flowers and roots were used as emetics, sedatives and to counteract love potions, treat diarrhoea, fevers and the ’flu. The Shuswap used the plant in baths for women giving birth and the Zunis chewed crushed flowers to treat sore throats and drank infusions of the flowers for body pain. People of the Gosiute tribe ate the seeds and the Navajo people ate the roots. The Navajo also smoked the root with other plants and used the plant as a charm for success in gambling. The ground flowers were used on bee stings and a tea made to treat snakebite. During the Boston Tea Party, colonists drank goldenrod tea instead of English tea, which gave it the nick-name ‘Liberty Tea’. The tea is aromatic with a pleasing anise-like flavour as well as being a mildly astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge and stimulant.

Traditionally the herb has also been used for respiratory conditions and urinary tract infections. In the Swiss Pharmacopoeia, Goldenrod essential oil is indicated for supporting the circulatory system including cardiovascular problems like tachycardia as well as urinary tract and liver function. Goldenrod has also been approved by the German Commission as a natural anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antispasmodic in the treatment of urinary tract conditions. It is also reputed to be a lymphatic system conditioner, a regulator of the autonomic nervous system, with relaxing and calming effects valuable for hypertension.

According to the University of Montreal in Canada, goldenrod shows great potential in dealing with impotence. Although a little-known aromatherapy essential oil, it may have value due to its anti-allergy properties, for conditions like hay fever, allergic reactions, coughs and respiratory infections.

ACTIONS: Analgesic, anti-allergenic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, immuno-stimulant, liver support/stimulant, mucolytic, sedative.

EXTRACTION: The essential oil is steam distilled from the goldenrod flower.

CHARACTERISTICS: A yellowish liquid with a strong fresh, balsamic-peppery and slightly bitter aroma with a woody undertone. It blends well with ravintsara, peru balsam, rosemary, pine, ginger, spruce and spice oils.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly pinene, bornyl acetate, benzoates, myrcene, methyl chavicol, borneol and limonene. NB: Essential oil from a sample of S. odora contained up to 75 per cent methyl chavicol (estragole), which is known to be moderately toxic

SAFETY DATA: Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing: possible skin sensitivity. Avoid during pregnancy and for children due to high levels of estragole in some chemotypes.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin Care: Acne, cuts, inflammations of the skin, insect bites, sores, wounds.

Respiratory system: Catarrh, chills, coughs and colds, hay fever, allergies, laryngitis (as a gargle) and respiratory congestion, sinus infection, sore throat, ’flu.

Digestive system: Liver congestion, hepatitis and fatty liver.

Genito-urinary system: Urinary tract and bladder conditions.

Immune system: Boosts vitality.

Nervous system: Anxiety, depression, nervous tension, stress.

OTHER USES: The essential oil is used in pharmaceutical and in perfumery products, especially for scenting soaps. Mustard, orange and brown dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.... goldenrod

Grindelia

Grindelia squarrosa

FAMILY: Asteraceae

SYNONYMS: Gumweed, hardy grindelia, gum plant, scaly grindelia, rosin weed, curlytop gumweed, curlycup gumweed, tarweed, resin-weed, sticky-heads.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A biennial or short-lived perennial up to one metre high with yellow, daisy-like flower heads, each with overlapping rows of backward-curling, bracts: squarrosa is Latin for ‘scaly or rough’, referring to these curling bracts. The leaves are dotted with resinous glands: thus many common names for Grindelia squarrosa, such as gumweed, refer to the gooey resin that they exude, which has a sweet incense-like scent. This white viscous gum may cover the entire bud top and flowers, which bloom in late summer from July to September. However, the dried flowering heads may persist for several years due to the preservative action of the gummy resin!

DISTRIBUTION: This plant is native to western North America and Mexico. It is naturalized in eastern North America and the Pacific Coast states: several species are also cultivated as ornamentals in Europe.

OTHER SPECIES: Grindelia comprises about 60 species: the name of the genus honours the Russian botanist, David Grindel. All are native to North and Central America and chiefly distributed in warm-temperate regions. Several species are used to produce essential oils, including G. oregana and G. robusta as well as G. squarrosa. All these oils were found to contain alpha-pinene, ?-pinene, limonene, borneol, bornyl acetate trans-pinocarveol and germacrene D as the main constituents and only showed small differences in chemical composition. However, menthol, menthone and pulegone were detected only in the essential oil of G. oregano.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Grindelia has been used as a traditional herbal remedy by indigenous cultures all over the Americas for centuries. The plant was harvested when in full bloom and used fresh as a poultice or herbal extract or dried for infusions etc. The herb was used by Great Plains Tribes mainly to treat respiratory problems, such as asthma, colic, coughs and bronchitis, especially among the aged; the leaves were smoked to relieve spasmodic asthma. Externally, the crushed flowers were used to make poultices, which was applied to burns, rashes, poison ivy, blisters, dermatitis, eczema, saddle sores and raw skin. The leaves and flowering tops was used to make an herbal tea used to relieve coughs and dizziness. The sticky sap was chewed as gum and herbal extracts were also used to treat rheumatic conditions. Spanish New Mexicans would also drink a tea made from boiling the flower buds in water, for treating kidney problems. The Eclectic School of Medicine used Grindelia externally to promote skin regrowth and to heal reluctant, persistent ulcers.

The medicinal value of this plant was not recognized by the orthodox practitioners of medicine in the US till the middle of the nineteenth century, after which it came into prominence as a major medicinal plant. Official recognition of Grindelia came with the introduction of the herb in the Pharmacopoeia of the United States in 1882. It is still listed in the U.S. Dispensatory, and is currently used by modern Americans in the treatment of colds, hay fever, nasal congestion, whooping cough, bronchial catarrh, asthma etc. It is current in the German Commission E for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and the British Pharmacopoeia also lists the antispasmodic, expectorant and cardiac depressant properties of this herb. The positive effects of this herb on the relief of symptoms of common cold have been recognized empirically. Indeed recent studies have shown it to have good expectorant and antispasmodic as well as moderate anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects. It also appears to aid allergenic attacks, not only by relieving the symptoms but in creating anti-bodies to reduce episodes and their severity. Secondary uses include the treatment of cystitis and fever, usually in combinations with other herbs. It is also indicated externally in lotion form for the treatment of eczema, dermatitis and rashes due to poison ivy, hives etc.

ACTIONS: Anti-asthmatic, antibacterial, antidepressant, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cooling, decongestant, emetic, expectorant, immune support, mucolytic, regenerative, sedative.

EXTRACTION: The essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering plant.

CHARACTERISTICS: A mobile liquid with a strong, earthy-herbaceous, medicinal and slightly camphoraceous odour. It blends well with eucalyptus, ravintsara, myrtle, pine, cypress and peru balsam.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Alpha-pinene (aprox. 25 per cent) is the major constituent, with ?-pinene, limonene, borneol, bornyl acetate and germacrene D. Data is lacking regarding the interaction of the chemistry of the aromatic resin and the volatile oils.

SAFETY DATA: No adverse effects have been reported in the literature regarding the safety of Grindelia in the case of therapeutic application. However, data is lacking regarding the essential oil specifically.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin Care: Acne, blisters, cuts, eczema, dermatitis, rashes (hives etc), stretch marks, scars, ulcers, wounds and skin care generally.

Respiratory System: Aids breathing, asthma, catarrh, chronic colds, bronchitis, congestion, hay fever, fever, ’flu, sinusitis, sore throat, whooping cough.

Immune System: Supports the immune system.

Nervous System: Nervous tension, stress.

OTHER USES: A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the leaves and flowering stems. It is used by pharmaceutical companies in whooping cough and asthma drugs; also available as a tincture.... grindelia

Ho Wood

Cinnamomum camphora ct linalol

FAMILY: Lauraceae

SYNOYNMS Ho oil, ho-wood il, shiu oil, ho-leaf oil.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A tall, tropical evergreen tree, quite dense with small white flowers and black berries, which grows up to 30 metres in height. This is the same tree that produces camphor comes from the wood of the tree.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to China, Japan, Taiwan and south-east Asia. It is now cultivated in many tropical and sub-tropical countries including India, Australia, Madagascar and parts of the USA where it has naturalized.

OTHER SPECIES: Cinnamomum camphora is a large genus with many subspecies which yield a volatile oil on distillation, including ho oil (wood and leaf), camphor, apopin, sassafras and ravintsara. All these essential oils, although derived from the same principal botanical species, differ in their chemical profile enormously depending on their country of origin as well as the part of the plant used to extract the oil. There are thus many different subvarieties of the camphor tree found throughout Asia, for example the Yu-sho in China and the Sho-guy variety found in Taiwan. Ho (wood and leaf) oil is derived both from the Hon-sho and Ho-sho varieties growing mainly in Japan and Taiwan. This variety has linalool as its major constituent.

Rosewood (Aniba rosaedora), a native tree of the Amazon, also yields an oil very rich in linalool. However, rosewood became endangered due to over-harvesting and although plantations have since been planted, it will take time for the trees to mature. Rosewood oil and ho wood oil are very similar in nature, and since ho wood is more renewable, it is increasingly used as a replacement for the former. However, ho leaf oil, distilled from the leaves of C. camphora, is gradually beginning to replace ho wood oil in aromatherapy usage, because its scent is smoother, containing hardly any camphor-like notes.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: Ho wood has traditionally been used for making the handles of Japanese swords and knives because it is soft and will not scratch the blades. It is also used nowadays for ornamental parts of houses, carpentry and cabinet making, as it is of a very similar beauty to rosewood. Ho wood oil became very popular in Taiwan during the 1900s as a linalool-rich product, locally referred to as shiu oil. C. camphora was also heavily exploited as a source of camphor in Japan and Taiwan until World War II.

The high ‘linalool’ content makes Ho oil a potent immune system stimulant (good for infections such as cold or ’flu) as well as a powerful relaxant or sedative … soothing yet uplifting in effect. Recent studies also suggest that the oil may play a role as a cellular stimulant and tissue regenerator, being beneficial for complaints associated with the skin.

ACTIONS: Analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, bactericidal, immune support, sedative, tonic. It is also believed to be a mild aphrodisiac.

EXTRACTION: Steam distilled from the leaves (ho leaf oil) and wood (ho wood oil)

CHARACTERISTICS: Ho wood oil is a pale yellow liquid with a soft, warm, floral, spicy-woody scent with a slightly camphor-like undertone. The leaf oil has a sweet-fresh, green-floral and woody scent. It blends well with basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, lavender, lime, geranium, juniper, neroli, petitgrain, myrtle, sandalwood, ylang ylang and spice oils.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Ho (wood and leaf) oil contains up to 99 per cent linalool, with traces of limonene, myrcene, gamma-terpinene and other components. Ho wood oil generally contains higher levels of cineol. Japanese ho oil ‘A’ quality has a linalool content of 94 per cent or more; a ‘B’ grade has 85–90 per cent linalool.

SAFETY DATA: It is non-toxic and non-irritant but with possible sensitization in some individuals.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin Care: Acne, cuts, dermatitis, stretch marks, scars, wounds & general skin care: dry, oily, mature and sensitive skin.

Circulation Muscles And Joints: Aches and pains caused by inflammation.

Respiratory System: Chills, coughs and colds, ’flu.

Immune System: Low libido and frigidity: boosts vitality.

Nervous System: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervous tension, stress.

OTHER USES: The use of C. camphora as a source of ho leaf and wood oil has expanded in recent years and it is now an important source of natural linalool (which is still preferred over the synthetic form) for some fragrance applications in the perfumery industry. Indeed, ho leaf and wood oil has largely displaced the use of rosewood as a source of natural linalool. It is also an effective insect repellent.... ho wood

Ravensara

Ravensara aromatica

FAMILY: Lauraceae

SYNONYMS: Madagascar clove-nutmeg, aromatic ravensare, Ravensara anisata, Agatophyllum aromaticum.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The genus Ravensara includes many species of evergreen trees or shrubs native to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. These evergreen trees can grow up to 30 metres tall in rainforests, usually on all type of soils. The best-known species of this genus is R. aromatica used for its essential oil. It grows to a height of about 20 metres with several buttress roots at the base, with reddish bark, dark green shiny leaves and small yellow-green flowers. The fruit, a fleshy berry, are an important food source for birds. All parts of the tree are aromatic.

DISTRIBUTION: R. aromatica is native to Madagascar and once thrived in the rainforests, but is now an endangered species due to de-forestation and over-exploitation. By the early part of this century, this species required protection as the production of the essential oil from the bark, used by the pharmaceutical industry, was particularly destructive as it required felling the trees. Only the leaves can now be used for oil production, to prevent cutting down the whole tree. There is now a conservation programme in place to protect these trees: it is therefore important to obtain the essential oil of the leaf from sustainable sources.

OTHER SPECIES: There are over 30 species of Ravensara that grow in Madagascar. The common name of the genus Ravensara is actually a latinization of the Malagasy term ravintsara which means ‘good leaves’, a term originally used by the natives to describe another species of tree. European botanists in the nineteenth century made several attempts to classify the various indigenous aromatic trees of Madagascar, but due to the similarity of the two names ‘ravintsara’ and ‘ravensara’ they came to be used almost interchangeably. The botanical confusion between these two species has continued to cause a great deal of uncertainty as to their precise origins. In fact, the essential oils derived from these two species are very different aromatically as well as in their chemical composition. However, most of so-called ‘ravensara’ oil from Madagascar, is actually produced from the Cinnamomum camphora species (even if it is said to derive from R. aromatica) so great care needs to be taken in identifying the correct source of each oil. See also entry for Ravintsara.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: In Madagascar, this genus of trees is commonly called hazomanitra, meaning ‘tree that smells’, as the whole part of the plant is aromatic. Traditionally, the Malagasy people used the bark and stem as a tonic and as an antibacterial medicine. The leaves were also burnt in homes after a death to prevent the spread of disease while the anise-flavoured bark was used in the production of local rum. The oil from the Ravensara genus is referred to locally as ‘the oil that heals’ because it is used for so many different conditions. The essential oil from the bark, R. anisata (a synonym for R. aromatica) is known as ‘havozo’ and has a strong anise-like odour.

ACTIONS: Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, immune-stimulant.

EXTRACTION: 1. Ravensara oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the plant. 2. The essential oil distilled from the bark is called havozo. 3. An essential oil is also extracted occasionally from the fleshy fruits or berries.

CHARACTERISTICS: 1. Ravensara oil (from the leaf) has a sweet, fresh, slightly lemony, licorice-like scent with an earthy undertone. 2. Havozo (from the bark) has a fresh, strong aniseed-like odour.

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: 1. The oil from the leaf contains relatively small amounts of methyl chavicol (estragole), myrcene, a-pinene and linalool with the main constituents being limonene (approx. 13–22 per cent) and sabinene (approx. 10–16 per cent) with very little 1,8-cineole (1.8–3.3 per cent). 2. Havozo (bark oil) has a high methyl chavicol content (up to 90 per cent).

SAFETY DATA: 1. Ravensara (R. aromatica) is generally considered a safe oil (non-toxic and non-irritant) although it is best avoided during pregnancy. 2. Havozo oil is not recommended for use in aromatherapy due to its high methyl chavicol content, as it is a suspected carcinogen. Research has shown, nevertheless this oil has potent anti-microbial properties, being active against E. coli.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin care: Chickenpox, cold sores, herpes (all types), shingles.

Circulation muscles and joints: Aching limbs, arthritis, cramp, gout, muscle fatigue, rheumatism.

Respiratory system: Bronchitis, colds, congestion, influenza, sinusitis, throat and lung infections, whooping cough.

Immune system: Viral infections especially herpes, hepatitis, chicken pox.

Nervous system: Anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension, stress.

OTHER USES: Ravensara species have been used for a long time to produce essential oils for the pharmaceuticals industry. In perfumery usage, it is employed as a middle note.... ravensara


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