Ravensara aromatica

Ravensara and ravintsara are traded as if they were one oil. They come from different trees. Ravintsara is Cinnamomum camphora, a cineole chemotype grown in Madagascar. Ravensara aromatica is a separate member of the laurel family, and its leaf oil has a markedly different chemistry.

01 · Origin

Ravensara aromatica belongs to the Lauraceae and is endemic to Madagascar. This oil is distilled from the leaves of wild trees. Labels in the trade have used both names for both oils, so the botanical name and the analysis are the reliable identifiers.

02 · Chemistry

Limonene and sabinene make up the monoterpene fraction. Methyl chavicol, also known as estragole, and methyl eugenol are present, together with alpha-terpinene. Both ethers are subject to concentration limits in cosmetic products, which sets this oil apart from the cineole-led ravintsara.

03 · In Practice

Fresh, spicy and lightly aniseed, with a peppery, resinous top. A top to middle note. Used at low concentration in diffusion and in massage blends. Accurate labelling matters when stocking either oil. Blends with eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, lavender, lemon, clove and cypress.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.