Ravintsara: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Updated on 19 March 2025

Originating from Madagascar, Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) belongs to the Lauraceae family. This majestic tree is particularly prized for its leaves, from which an essential oil with remarkable therapeutic properties is extracted. Unlike its close relative, the Asian camphor tree, Malagasy Ravintsara contains no camphor but is rich in 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol. Ravintsara essential oil primarily contains 1,8-cineole, reinforced by monoterpenes and monoterpenols. These compounds give it antiviral, immune-stimulating, and expectorant properties. Thanks to these properties, Ravintsara E.O. is often used to relieve respiratory conditions, particularly colds, flu, and bronchitis. It also helps strengthen the immune system and fight viruses during the winter months.

Other name(s)

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Scientific name(s)

Cinnamomum camphora

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Eucalyptol

Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.

One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.

Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Flu, Bronchitis
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Ravintsara essential oil is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of bronchitis and prevent or treat the flu. Orally, it can be administered by mixing four drops with equal parts of other essential oils (Niaouli, Eucalyptus radiata, Lemon) on a neutral substrate, twice a day for prevention, and up to five times a day curatively for five days. Topically, it can be applied in massage diluted in a vegetable oil on the chest and upper back, three times a day until symptom improvement. These applications help reduce bronchial congestion and stimulate local immunity.

Posologie

Orally, topically: leaf

4 drops

essential oil

Synergies

Niaouli, Eucalyptus

Ravintsara essential oil

Herpes, Shingles
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For shingles and cold sores, Ravintsara essential oil is recognized for its antiviral efficacy. These uses, derived from traditional practices and supported by the antiviral properties of 1,8-cineole, aim to reduce symptoms and promote healing. It can be applied directly to lesions, mixed equally with essential oils of Spike Lavender and Niaouli, and diluted in a neutral base or cream, up to five applications per day until improvement.

Posologie

Topically: leaf

3 drops

essential oil

Synergies

Lavender, Niaouli

Ravintsara essential oil

Properties

Antiviral

The 1,8-cineole, the main component of Ravintsara essential oil, exerts powerful antiviral activity by inhibiting viral replication. In vitro studies show it interferes with the binding of viral RNA to the nucleocapsid, reducing infectious bronchitis virus replication by 82.63%, with no toxicity to cells.

Usages associés

Herpes

Antibacterial

The 1,8-cineole, associated with monoterpenols like terpinene-4-ol and alpha-terpineol, acts synergistically to destroy bacterial membranes. This mechanism also facilitates the entry of active compounds into bacteria, enhancing the overall efficacy against strains such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Usages associés

Flu

Anti-inflammatory

Ravintsara essential oil stimulates superoxide dismutase, protecting cells from oxidative stress. This effect helps strengthen the immune response to external aggressions and cellular stress.

Safety dosage

Adult: 1 drop - 4 drops (essential oil)

Ravintsara essential oil is generally well tolerated in adults. Orally, it can be taken in doses of 2 to 4 drops diluted in a spoonful of honey or on a neutral tablet, twice a day, preferably after meals. For topical use, it must be diluted in a vegetable oil (1 drop to 4 drops of vegetable oil) before applying to the skin to avoid irritation. Inhalation is possible by adding 2 to 3 drops to a bowl of hot water.

Precautions

Pregnant woman: avoid

The E.O is not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Child from 3 years: use with caution

From 3 years old, Ravintsara E.O. can be used topically in strict dilution (1 drop for 10 drops of vegetable oil) for massage on the chest or feet, once a day. Inhalation or diffusion should be limited to low doses (1 to 2 drops) and always under supervision. Orally, its use is not recommended for children.

Child up to 3 years: avoid

The use of Ravintsara essential oil is not recommended for children under 3 years.

Conseil scientifique