Ravintsara is one of the most complete and well-tolerated essential oils in phyto-aromatherapy — a true seasonal staple, as effective as it is gentle.

🛡️ Antiviral & immunomodulatory — its high 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpineol content make it a frontline oil for seasonal illness, delivering powerful antiviral and immunostimulating action without harshness.

🌬️ Respiratory powerhouse — bronchodilator, mucolytic, and expectorant; it clears congestion, soothes ENT infections, and supports breathing through colds, sinusitis, and ear infections.

🦠 Broad-spectrum antibacterial — active against a wide range of bacteria through a synergistic combination of alpha-terpineol, terpinene-4-ol, 1,8-cineole, and sabinene.

⚡ Tonic & fatigue recovery — a recognized neurotonic and physical tonic that helps combat mental and physical fatigue while supporting nervous system balance.

🍃 Remarkably versatile — suitable for diffusion, inhalation, massage, bath, and skin application; well-tolerated even for sensitive skin, and food-grade certified for internal use under professional guidance.

✨ Properties

✨ Antiviral ++++ (α-terpineol, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol))

• Ravintsara essential oil is known to be one of the most powerful natural antivirals. According to several studies, it acts primarily by inhibiting viral replication. It is particularly effective against enveloped viruses, especially those responsible for herpes. It is also effective against viruses that cause the flu or gastroenteritis.

✨ Immunomodulatory ++++ (α-terpineol, monoterpene alcohols)

• Ideal during the winter months, it supports the body’s ability to defend itself against certain pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Monoterpene alcohols such as α-terpineol help maintain the physiological production of immunomodulators such as IL-10 or certain anti-inflammatory markers.

✨ Broad-spectrum antibacterial +++ (α-terpineol, terpinene-4-ol, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), sabinene)

• Ravintsara essential oil contains several monoterpenes that have demonstrated antibacterial activity against numerous pathogens, particularly as shown by gas chromatography. Its antibacterial action could therefore be partly explained by the presence of α-terpineol, terpinene-4-ol, and 1,8-cineole. The latter is capable of destroying bacterial cell membranes

✨ Expectorant +++ (1,8-cineole (eucalyptol))

• 1,8-cineole, which is abundant in Ravintsara essential oil, stimulates the exocrine glands of the respiratory mucous membranes. By thinning the secretions that clog the airways, it helps clear them.

Notes

• Top/head.
• Middle/heart.

Profiles

• Fresh.
• Camphoraceous.
• Eucalyptic.
• Balsamic.
• Spicy.

👥 Target Group

Adults · Teens · Children over 6 years old (under adult supervision).

⚠️ Contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy. Use with caution from the second trimester onwards and while breastfeeding — seek medical advice. Oral use is contraindicated throughout pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and in children under 6 years of age unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.

💡 Usage Recommendations

Skin application — Apply 1–3 drops diluted in a vegetable oil (2–5% dilution) to the desired area. Suitable for face, neck, body, and scalp. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.

Massage — Blend 2–4 drops in a carrier oil and massage into the chest, back, or soles of the feet for respiratory and immune support. Use gentle circular movements.

Inhalation — Place 2–3 drops on a tissue or inhaler stick and breathe deeply. Alternatively, add 3–5 drops to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5–10 minutes.

Diffusion — Add 5–10 drops to an ultrasonic or cold-air diffuser. Diffuse for 20–30 minutes per hour in a well-ventilated room. Ideal for air purification, immune support, and mental clarity.

Spray — Dilute 10–20 drops in 100 ml of water or hydrosol in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray into the air or onto surfaces for air sanitizing and refreshing.

Bath — Blend 5–8 drops in a dispersant (e.g. neutral bath gel, whole milk, or a tablespoon of vegetable oil) before adding to warm bathwater. Never add undiluted essential oil directly to water.

Capillary (hair & scalp) — Add 2–4 drops to your shampoo, conditioner, or hair mask (per application dose). Alternatively, blend in a scalp serum or carrier oil and massage into the scalp. Particularly effective for oily scalp, dandruff, and scalp stimulation.

Cosmetic ingredient — Incorporate into DIY skincare formulations (serums, creams, masks) at a concentration of 0.5–2%. Valued for its purifying, antiseptic, and soothing properties on oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.

Ingestion (oral use) — 1–2 drops on a neutral tablet, in a teaspoon of honey, or in a vegetable capsule, up to 3 times per day for a maximum of 5–7 days. Strictly reserved for adults and teens. Contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children under 6 years of age unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.

💊 Recommended Dosage

Skin & massage — 1–3 drops diluted at 2–5% in a vegetable oil (e.g. 3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil). Apply 2–3 times per day for up to 7–10 days.

Inhalation — 2–3 drops on a tissue or 3–5 drops in steam inhalation. Repeat up to 3–4 times per day.

Diffusion — 5–10 drops per session of 20–30 minutes. Up to 3 sessions per day.

Oral — 1–2 drops, up to 3 times per day, for a maximum of 5–7 consecutive days. Adults and teens only.

🌿 Skincare Goals

Purifying · Healing · Anti-acne · Cleansing · Anti-blemish · Soothing · Sebum-regulating · Antiseptic · Anti-inflammatory · Wound healing · Repairing · Decongesting · Anti-itching/irritation

💇 Haircare Goals

Purifying · Anti-lice · Anti-dandruff · Scalp-stimulating · Sebum-regulator · Tonic

🧠 Mental Goals

Aromatic Trip · Positive Attitude · Mental Fatigue · Mood swings · Stress · Anxiety · Sleep quality · Energy/vitality

🎯 Other Goals

Immunity · Detoxifying · Respiratory · Air sanitizing/refreshing · Oral hygiene · Anti-lice · Physical Fatigue · Anti-infective / ENT

✅ Recommended Uses

Skin application · Massage · Inhalation · Diffusion · Spray · Bath · Capillary · Cosmetic ingredient · Ingestion

❌ Not Recommended

Food use · Cooking

🫁 Body Areas

All Body · Hair · Respiratory System · Mouth & Teeth · Immune System · Nervous System & Mind · Skin

🧴 Skin Types

Oily · Combination · Acne-prone · Sensitive

🪮 Hair Types

Oily · Combination (oily roots, dry tips)

🤝 Pairs Well With...

Ravintsara pairs harmoniously with:

True lavender for relaxation and emotional balance.

Tea Tree to strengthen the purifying and sanitizing effect.

Eucalyptus radiata to intensify its respiratory properties.

Lemon for an invigorating and protective atmosphere.

Thyme Thymol to support the natural defenses.

⚠️ Read the "Precautions" section carefully before use.

⚠️ Read the "Precautions" section carefully before use.

Viral ENT Epidemic, Flu & ENT Infections

For ages 6 and up · Topical use Apply 3 drops of Ravintsara EO across the lower back, along the spine, and on the chest, 4–5 times a day until improvement.

For ages 6 and up · Oral use 1 drop of Ravintsara EO on a teaspoon of honey, olive oil, or a sugar cube, 4 times a day until improvement.

Ages 3–6 & pregnant women (3+ months) · Topical use Dilute Ravintsara EO at 10% in a carrier oil (1 part EO to 9 parts carrier oil). Apply to the back and soles of the feet.

From age 3 · Synergy blend (diffusion) Prepare the following blend in a 10 mL dropper bottle and diffuse according to your diffuser's instructions:

• 45 drops Ravintsara EO
• 60 drops Lemon EO
• 30 drops Scots Pine EO

Immune System Support

For ages 6 and up · Topical use Apply 1–2 drops of Ravintsara EO to the wrists and breathe deeply, once a day as a preventive measure during high-risk periods. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.

From age 3 & pregnant women (3+ months) · Topical use Dilute Ravintsara EO at 10% in a carrier oil (1 part EO to 9 parts carrier oil). Apply preferably to the soles of the feet. Do not use for extended periods without medical advice.

For ages 6 and up · Synergy blend Massage 2 drops onto the chest and 2 drops onto the back, 3 times a day. For prolonged use or sensitive skin, dilute in a carrier oil:

• 100 drops Ravintsara EO
• 30 drops Tea Tree EO
• 10 drops Thyme ct. Thymol EO
• 30 drops Lemon EO

Fatigue & Asthenia

For ages 6 and up · Topical use & inhalation Apply 2 drops of Ravintsara EO to the wrists and breathe deeply.

💡 Ravintsara vs. Black Spruce — Ravintsara is very effective for fatigue, but if you have Black Spruce on hand, it's even better! Apply 2 drops in 8 drops of carrier oil to the lower back at kidney level, 3 times a day. Take a one-week break after three weeks of use.

Depression & Low Mood

For adults and teens · Topical use & inhalation Apply 2 drops of Ravintsara EO to the wrists and breathe deeply throughout the day. If insufficient, massage the lower spine with 4 neat drops, twice a day. Essential oils are a complement — please also seek support from friends or a professional.

For ages 6 and up · Synergy blend Apply 3 drops to the solar plexus and inner wrists, 2–3 times a day:

• 3 drops Sweet Marjoram EO
• 5 drops Petitgrain Bigarade EO
• 2 drops Ravintsara EO
• 2 drops Ylang Ylang EO
• 1 drop Lemon Verbena EO
• 1 drop Frankincense EO

For severe depression, massage 8 drops of the blend along the spine, twice a day.

Source: Baudoux, D. (2002). L'aromathérapie : se soigner par les huiles essentielles. Amyris.

💡 Ravintsara vs. Neroli — Ravintsara is effective for nervous depression, but if you have Neroli on hand (and the budget), it's even better. Apply 2 drops EO in 4 drops of carrier oil to the inner wrists, chest, and lower back, morning and evening for 3 weeks.

Angular Cheilitis (Perleche)

For adults and children 3+ · Topical use Prepare a blend with 15 drops EO in 9.5 mL Nigella vegetable oil. Apply to the affected area up to 3 times a day. Seek medical advice if no improvement after 20 days or if symptoms worsen.

💡 Ravintsara vs. Rose Geranium — Ravintsara is very effective against angular cheilitis, but Rose Geranium is even better if you have it on hand. For children: prepare a blend with 9 drops EO in 9.7 mL Nigella oil. Apply up to 3 times a day. Seek medical advice if no improvement after 20 days.

Herpes (Cold Sores)

For ages 6 and up · Topical use Apply 1 neat drop directly to the cold sore 5–6 times a day using a cotton swab or clean finger, for 7–8 days. Wash hands thoroughly after application. For sensitive skin, dilute in 1 drop of Nigella oil or a small amount of Shea butter.

From age 3 & reactive skin · Topical use Prepare a 20% blend (60 drops EO in 8 mL carrier oil). Apply 1 drop of the blend to the affected area 5–6 times a day for 7–8 days.

For adults and teens · Synergy blend Apply 1–2 neat drops of the blend directly to the cold sore, 5–6 times a day for 5 days:

• 80 drops (4 mL) Ravintsara EO
• 20 drops (1 mL) Peppermint EO

Source: Millet, F. (2022). Le grand guide des huiles essentielles. Marabout.

💡 Ravintsara vs. Niaouli — Ravintsara is very effective, but if you have Niaouli on hand, it's even more targeted. Apply 1 neat drop to the affected area every 2 hours until the cold sore clears.

Gastroenteritis

For ages 6 and up · Oral use Place 1 drop of Ravintsara EO on a neutral tablet, teaspoon of honey, or carrier oil, up to 4 times a day for a maximum of 4–5 days.

From age 3 · Topical use Apply 1 drop of Ravintsara EO diluted in 4 drops of carrier oil. Massage onto the abdomen 3–5 times a day for 3 days.

For adults and teens · Synergy blend Place on a neutral support, 3 times a day for 4–5 days:

• 1 drop Ravintsara EO
• 1 drop Niaouli EO
• 1 drop Palmarosa EO

Source: Mansard, M., Laurain-Mattar, D. & Couic-Marinier, F. (2019). Huile essentielle de Ravintsara.

💡 Ravintsara vs. Chinese Cinnamon — Ravintsara is very effective, but Chinese Cinnamon is even more powerful (for adults only). Take 1 drop on a neutral support with 1 drop of Lemon EO (liver-protective), let it dissolve in the mouth, 3 times a day until improvement. Do not exceed 5 days.

• Therapy-grade · Food-grade.
• 100% pure and natural, chemotyped — each batch identified by its biochemical profile (1,8-cineole · alpha-terpineol · sabinene · terpinene-4-ol), guaranteed by ChromaCert®.
• Certified organic by Ecocert (FR-BIO-01) — EU Organic Farming.
• Batch selection, quality control, and packaging carried out in Lyon, France.
• All analysis results available in the Documents section below.
• Distilled in Madagascar from Cinnamomum camphora grown in its native habitat.

🧪 INCI

• CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA LEAF OIL*.

🌿 Botanical Characteristics

• Botanical name: Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl.
• Other names: Camphor tree, camphorwood, and camphor laurel.
• Botanical family: Lauraceae.
• Part of the plant: Leaves.
• Extraction method: Steam distillation.
• Origin: Madagascar.
• Cultivation: Product from organic farming.

⚗️ Active Ingredients*

• 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol).
• Sabinene.
• α-terpineol.

*From organic farming.

🌿 Allergens***

• LIMONENE.
• LINALOOL.
• GERANIOL.

***Potential Allergens (naturally present in some essential oils) according to Annex III to EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

👃 Organoleptic Characteristics

• Appearance: clear, free-flowing liquid.
• Color: colorless to pale yellow.
• Odor: fresh, spicy, sweet, eucalyptic and balsamic — characteristic of Cinnamomum camphora ct. cineole.

A Brief History of Ravintsara: For Relaxation

Between maritime expeditions and Venetian merchants

• Marco Polo is extremely famous today thanks to his many sea voyages, which took him to discover new horizons and new peoples with whom he could trade. The thirst for discovery of this Italian merchant, born in Venice in the 13th century, took him to the other side of the world: China. At the time, this little-known region of the world was the object of everyone’s desire, the wildest dreams, and the most picturesque images.

• It was in this part of Asia that Marco Polo discovered the essence of the Chinese camphor tree. The Chinese had been using it for hundreds of years in their traditional medicine—in lotions, ointments, and balms. The great explorer brought some back for his family so they could benefit from its incredible healing properties. It is therefore believed that the Ravintsara camphor tree is a naturalized variety of the Chinese camphor tree…

The Delights of the Fragrant Island

• Later, Etienne de Flacourt, a native of Orléans, was appointed Governor of Madagascar in the mid-17th century. He wrote several works on this marvelous “Island of Fragrances,” including *History of the Great Island of Madagascar* (1658), in which he describes ravintsara and its highly effective properties for combating all kinds of diseases and infections. Its essential oil was not described until two centuries later.

• When Ravintsara essential oil first came onto the market, producers would simply pick the leaves from whatever trees they could find—in forests, but also in cities: parks, school playgrounds, wide avenues, village squares, and so on. This overharvesting and the indiscriminate cutting carried out to maximize yield have severely damaged a large portion of the Ravintsara trees. The pursuit of profit nearly led to its extinction. The disaster was averted thanks to a growing awareness in the mid-20th century. Planting projects are flourishing, and the tree, which grows quickly and vigorously, has made a strong comeback.

• Store in its original closed packaging, away from light and high temperatures.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Packaging

• Amber glass bottle with dropper.

Regarding The Information Presented Here

The content of the Academy is written by advisors at Compagnie des Sens, based on available scientific literature. It is regularly reviewed and updated, and is intended for informational purposes only — it does not in any way replace medical advice.

Caution

• Probably the most versatile of all essential oils!
• Anyone can use Ravintsara essential oil, with the obvious exception of women who are less than three months pregnant and babies under three months old. It can also be used in all forms.
• However, people with asthma or epilepsy should consult their doctor before use.

Medical advice

• Consult a healthcare professional before using Ravintsara essential oil if you have asthma or epilepsy, or if you have a history of seizures.
  

Topical application

• For children under 6 years of age, topical application is contraindicated on the neck and face, and not recommended on the upper chest.
• Apply the product behind the ears, on the back, or on the arch of the foot.

Ingestion

• Oral administration is contraindicated throughout pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and in children under 6 years of age (unless prescribed by a doctor).
  

Contraindications

• If used for more than a few days, be aware of potential drug interactions.
• There is a risk of dependence with prolonged use.
  

Allergens***

• Limonene (≤ 2 %)
• Linalool ≤ 0,5 %)
• Geraniol (≤ 0,5 %)

***Potential Allergens (naturally present in some essential oils) according to Annex III to EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

References

Scientific Publications

• Pragadheesh, V., Saroj, A., Yadav, A., Chanotiya, C., Alam, M., & Samad, A. (2013). Chemical characterization and antifungal activity of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil. Industrial Crops and Products, 49, 628–633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2013
• Singh, R., & Jawaid, T. (2012). Cinnamomum camphora (Kapur): Review. Pharmacognosy Journal, 4(28), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2012.28.1
• Andrianoelisoa, H., Menut, C., & Danthu, P. (2012). Ravensara aromatica or Ravintsara: a confusion that persists among essential oil distributors in Europe and North America. Phytothérapie, 10(3), 161–169. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298
• Mansard, M., Laurain-Mattar, D., & Couic-Marinier, F. (2019). Ravintsara essential oil. https://www.betsara.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/HE-Ravintsara-Mansard-2019.pdf

Books

• Faucon, M. (2017). Treatise on Scientific and Medical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils, Foundations and Prescribing Aids (3rd ed.). Sang de la Terre.
• de la Charie, T. (2019). Healing with Essential Oils. Why and How Does It Work? Editions du Rocher.
• Baudoux, D. (2008). Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils. Editions Amyris.
• Couic Marinier, F., & Touboul, A. (2017). The Terre Vivante Guide to Essential Oils. Terre Vivante Editions.
• Zahalka, J. (2017). Complete Dictionary of Aromatherapy. Editions du Dauphin.
• Blondeau, S., & Baudoux, D. (2022). The Fun Molecules: When Discovering the Science of Essential Oils Becomes a Game. AMYRIS.

Organic Certification (FR-BIO-01): Compagnie des Sens (FR) by LaPeNu

Technical Analysis: Ravintsara by Compagnie des Sens & LaPeNu (FR)

Safety Analysis: Ravintsara by Compagnie des Sens & LaPeNu (FR)