Ravintsara is the essential oil extracted by distillation from the leaves of the Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) in Madagascar. Native to Asia, this tree of the Lauraceae family produces several very different essential oils, depending on the geographical origin and the part distilled. Certain Asian camphor trees (China, Japan) or "Japanese laurels", for example, have wood from is distilled the essential oil of ho wood, or camphorwood, renowned for its high linalool content (Cinnamomum camphora CT linalol),
and therefore a very different chemotype to ravintsara. Other Asian camphor trees produce essential oils by distillation of the bark, of which there are several chemotypes, generally rich in camphor, but which can be decamphorated (like our camphor essential oil) to avoid neurotoxicity. In Madagascar, camphor trees have acclimatised to produce an essential oil with a very different chemotype that is very mild and free of camphor, ravintsara, characterised by its high 1,8-cineole content, and which is obtained by distilling the leaves. Ravintsara means "good leaf" in Malagasy, a reference to the many traditional medicinal uses of this tree's leaves in Madagascar. Ravintsara and ravensara aromatica (Cryptocarya agathophylla or Agatophyllum aromatica) essential oils have long been confused, even by leading aromatherapists such as D. Baudoux or P. Franchomme. In some books, for example, you will often find a description of "Ravensara aromatica", whereas the properties described belong to ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora CT Cinéole). So, if you are looking for the 1,8-cineole chemotype oil, traditionally reputed for its powerful effects in preventing winter infections, viruses, etc., look for RAVINTSARA oil and not RAVENSARA AROMATICA oil, which does not have the same composition.
