Ravintsara: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Mis à jour le 7 November 2025

Native to Madagascar, Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) belongs to the laurel family (Lauraceae). This majestic tree is particularly valued for its leaves, from which an essential oil with remarkable therapeutic properties is extracted. Unlike its close relative, the Asian camphor tree, Malagasy Ravintsara does not contain camphor, but it is rich in 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol.nnRavintsara essential oil contains mostly 1,8-cineole, supported by monoterpenes and monoterpenols. These compounds give it antiviral, immune-stimulating and expectorant properties. nnThanks to these properties, Ravintsara EO is often used to relieve respiratory conditions, notably colds, the flu and bronchitis. It also helps strengthen the immune system and fight viruses during the winter months.nn

Scientific name(s)

Cinnamomum camphora

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Eucalyptol

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

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

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

One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.

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

No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Flu, Bronchitis
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Ravintsara essential oil is commonly used to relieve bronchitis symptoms and to prevent or treat the flu. By oral route, it can be administered as four drops mixed in equal parts with other essential oils (Niaouli, Eucalyptus radiata, Lemon) on a neutral carrier, twice a day for prevention and up to five times a day as a treatment for five days. By topical use, it can be applied by massage diluted in a vegetable oil on the chest and upper back, three times a day until symptoms improve. These applications help reduce bronchial congestion and stimulate local immunity.

Posologie

By oral and cutaneous routes: leaf

4 drops

essential oil

Synergies

Niaouli, Eucalyptus

Ravintsara essential oil

Herpes, Zona
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For shingles and cold sores, Ravintsara essential oil is recognized for its antiviral effectiveness. These uses, stemming 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 in equal parts with spike lavender and Niaouli essential oils, and diluted in a neutral base or cream, at a rate of five applications per day until improvement.

Posologie

Topical route: leaf

3 drops

essential oil

Synergies

Lavender, Niaouli

Ravintsara essential oil

Properties

Antiviral

1,8-cineole, the main component of Ravintsara essential oil, exerts a powerful antiviral activity by inhibiting viral replication. In vitro studies show that it interferes with the binding of viral RNA to the nucleocapsid, reducing replication of the infectious bronchitis virus by 82.63%, without toxicity to cells.nn

Usages associés

Herpes

Antibacterial

1,8-cineole, combined with monoterpenols such as terpinen-4-ol and α-terpineol, acts synergistically to disrupt bacterial membranes. This mechanism also facilitates the entry of active compounds into bacteria, enhancing overall efficacy against strains such as Staphylococcus aureus.nn

Usages associés

Flu

Anti-inflammatory

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

Safe dosage

Adult: 1 drop - 4 drops (essential oil)

Ravintsara essential oil is generally well tolerated in adults. Orally, it can be taken at 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 should be diluted in a carrier oil (1 drop per 4 drops of carrier 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 women: avoid

The essential oil is not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy.

Children aged 3 years and older: use with caution

From age 3, Ravintsara essential oil can be used topically in a strict dilution (1 drop per 10 drops of carrier oil) for a massage on the chest or feet, once a day. Inhalations or diffusions should be limited to low doses (1 to 2 drops) and always under supervision. By oral route, its use is not recommended in children.

Children up to 3 years: avoid

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

Conseil scientifique