Native to Madagascar, the ravensara tree produces an oil that is a relative newcomer to aromatherapy, but has quickly been accepted into regular use because of the many benefits it offers.

I first found out about Ravensara essential oil in an allergy relief blend of oils to help with allergy symptoms and have since found a wider variety of uses. Patricia Davis describes the oil as having strong anti-viral properties in her book “Aromatherapy A-Z” and mentions its use by medical professionals in France and other countries for fighting even such strong-rooted, viral infections as viral hepititis and viral enteriris. She says “A few drops in the bath immediately before going to bed will often avert an attack of 'flu' " or help relieve the illness more quickly once flu-like symptoms have set in.

As a massage therapist I use it as a less offensive alternative to Rosemary as the fragrance is a bit more delicate. It has a muscle relaxant and analgesic effect perfect for muscle tension relief, tension headaches or overly tired and worn out clients.

Ravensara essential oil is also a fantastic choice for respiratory support – and safe to use on the skin, and safe to use with children! Sinus infections, whooping cough and other respiratory tract infections can be eased with Ravensara as the oil lends strong effects – especially when blended with other respiratory support essential oils such as pine, thyme, eucalyptus or lavender.

Ravensara essential oil is an easy-to-use essential oil with a wide variety of applications making it a great top-ten essential oil choice for family use.

 

A 1/3 ounce of pure Ravensara essential oil is available (10ml) for $8.50  or therapeutic grade 5ml for $31.25