COMMON NAME: Ravensara, Ravintsara,, Hazomanitra

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ravensara aromatica, Agathophyllum aromatica

FAMILY NAME: Lauraceae (Laurel)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Madagascar

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Madagascar

HISTORY INFORMATION: There is confusion over the scientific name of this oil. You will see in some texts that it is referred to as Cinnamonum camphora or camphor. This confusion was caused by a German company buying this oil as a safe substitute for camphor. They labeled the oil camphor with camphor's scientific name and the confusion persists as some Madagascar companies continue to reproduce the error. This is where language differences can be a problem. The country speaks primarily French and native languages so an error in English or German can go unnoticed. Ravensara means tree with good leaves. The Malagasies use all parts of the tree and they believe it is a panacea for most aliments. They even use Ravensara to take away the evil eye. The bark of the tree is used to produce a rum beverage.

GENERAL INFORMATION: There are six different species of Ravensara. We carry one of them under the name Raven Anise (R. anisata). The fruit of the tree smells like clove, nutmeg and anise and is called Madagascar Allspice. This oil is much overlooked in the West, but in the East it is compared with lavender in its versatility and is considered indispensable.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An evergreen tree growing to 30ft, with a reddish trunk and dark strongly aromatic leaves bearing fruit. All parts of the tree have scent from clove, nutmeg, to anise.

PARTS PROCESSED: Leaves and twigs, bark.

PROCESSING METHODS: Steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Clear

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class Oxide/Monoterpene. Up to 49% cineole, a high % of pinene, eugenol.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Antiallergenic, antiasthmatic, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, analgesic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, immune stimulant. Used for cuts, infections, wounds, herpes, asthma, flu, bronchitis, coughs, colds, allergies, muscular and physical fatigue, stimulating the immune system, ease digestion, detoxification, anxiety, stress, nervous fatigue, and depression.

MENTAL USES: I can naturally defend myself. I do not need to control or attack you to protect me.

EMOTIONAL USES: Feeling incompetent or a loser, competitive, "it's a dog eat dog world," need to dominant or control TO competent, fun competing, honor your opponent, laugh, happy.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have become too competitive and cut off from your spirit resulting in damage to your energy field. When you choose to vanquish an opponent, it is only yourself that you vanquish as your opponent is you. Ravensara heals damage in the energy field. Your energy field is your natural defense against unwanted or negative energy from outside of you. Think of your auric field like the atmosphere of the earth. If it is damaged, meteors and unwanted energy (ozone damage) can get to the earth. Your energy field serves you the same way. When it is damaged, you are unable to defend your self. Ravensara repairs or strengthens the field and brings with it a sense of honoring your opponent as you see yourself gaining in competency and mastery. It helps to resolve shadow issues and allows you to connect with all life. You are at oneness with all things. Since negative energy can be ejected from the field, use within a sacred space.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, inhaler, diffusor, liquid candle, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: No formal testing, appears nontoxic, avoid in pregnancy and with infants and children, could be habit forming.