Ravensara Essential Oil Profile
Properties, Characteristics and Uses of Ravensara EO in Aromatherapy
Essential Oil Botonicals: Ravensara essential oil is derived from a tree native to Madagascar, the Ravensara aromatica tree.
Scent: The scent of Ravensara is similar to Rosemary but more delicate and sweet in nature.
Color and Body Grade: Ravensara essential oil is clear and considered a medium body essential oil.
Essential Oil Chemical Content: Ravensara essential oil is made up primarily of cineol (60-75%) and also includes pinene, terpineol, linalol and eugenol.
Ravensara Essential Oil Properties: Ravensara essential oil has strong anti-viral properties and according to Patricia Davis in Aromatherapy A-Z is prescribed in France and other countries by medical professionals for use in fighting viral hepatitis and viral enteritis. Davis says “A few drops in the bath immediately before going to bed will often avert an attack of 'flu' or help relieve the symptoms of illness more quickly.”
Ravensara Physical Benefits and Effects: Consider using Ravensara for respiratory infections, especially viral infections since Ravensara is considered more useful for viral infections than bacterial infections. Whooping cough, sinusitis (sinus infections) and other bronchitis types of illnesses can be supported by using Ravensara in a room diffuser or steam inhalation.
Ravensara has a muscle relaxant and analgesic effect that makes it a great addition to massage oil or cream for muscle tension relief, especially since it is generally non-irritating to the skin.
Ravensara Mental/Psyche Effects: Ravensara essential oil has a stimulating effect as well as an antidepressant effect and seems to be very beneficial for those struggling with feelings of lethargy and mild depression.
Precautions for Using Ravensara: Ravensara essential oil is similar to Lavender in that it has a wide variety of uses and is considered a non-irritant to the skin. Proper dilution should be observed, especially with children, but Ravensara is a common essential oil to introduce with young children and has no known contraindications like some essential oils.
Therapeutic Essential Oil Combinations: Ravensara is one of those essential oils that, like Lavender, seems to be enhanced by blending it with one or two others. Ravensara combines readily with several other essential oils depending on the desired effect. Here are some samples of potential essential oil combinations.
- Respiratory Support Essential Oils – Pine, Thyme, Fir, Eucalyptus, Benzoin.
- Sinus Congestion/Cold Relief Essential Oils – Lavender, Tea Tree, Pine, Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus
- Depression and Lethargy Support Essential Oils – Peppermint, Grapefruit or Tangerine, Rosewood, Frankincense, Ginger
- Muscle Tension Relief - Bergamot, Camomile, Lavender, Marjoram, Birch
A word about essential oils: All essential oils are highly concentrated and few are suitable for undiluted (neat) use on the skin. Only high-quality, professional essential oils (often described as therapeutic grade) should be used. Dilute essential oils in carrier oils such as olive, apricot kernel, jojoba, or other natural oils; put a few drops in a cup of Epsom salts and dissolve in a bath tub of water or use a few drops in a diffuser, vaporizer or humidifier.
Sources:
- Aromatherapy A-Z by Patricia Davis
- Aromatherapy Massage by Clare Maxwell-Hudson
- Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche by Peter and Kate Damian
- Aromatherapy for Health Professionals by Len Price and Shirley Price
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