January 30, 2023
Ravintsara vs ravensare: technical differentiation

January 30, 2023
Ravinsara, Ravintsara or Ravensare?
It can happen that certain essential oils have more than one name, or that others have similar names. This is particularly true of Ravensare and Ravintsara essential oils, which are often confused with each other. To eliminate any risk of error, this article explains the difference between Ravinsara, Ravintsara and Ravensare.
Distinguishing between Ravinsara, Ravintsara and Ravensare
A camphor tree for Ravintsara
The plant from which Ravintsara essential oil is extracted(Cinnamomum camphora sb 1,8-cineole) is a camphor tree in the Lauraceae family, which also includes the European species of Laurel. It can reach 25 meters in height, and has thick leaves that can be recognized by the camphor odor they give off when crumpled. It is these leaves that are distilled to produce Ravintsara essential oil. Originally from China and Japan, the camphor tree has adapted perfectly to Madagascar's climate. This is why Madagascar is the main distillation site for this essential oil. Camphor is recognized as a powerful antiviral agent, making it a highly effective remedy against winter infections. It can be used both preventively and curatively, helping to clear blocked noses and relieve congested respiratory tracts.
Ravensare: a plant endemic to Madagascar
The plant from which Ravensarearomatica essential oil is extracted is also a member of the Lauraceae family, but is different from the one used to produce Ravintsara essential oil. Its name is Cryptocarya agathophylla. This tree can reach 30 meters in height, and grows naturally in the wild on the island of Madagascar, at an altitude of between 700 and 1000 meters. Its leaves are distilled to obtain Ravensare aromatic essential oil. Ravensare is said to have analgesic properties, and is used in particular to relieve joint and rheumatic pain, as well as migraines.
Ravinsara: between the two, my heart sways
The term "Ravinsara" refers to either Ravensare or Ravintsara. In the first case, this is probably due to the fact that Ravinsara recalls the pronunciation of the Latin name for Ravensare(Ravensara aromatica). In the second case, the confusion between the two terms can be explained by their similarity in spelling, since there is only one "t" between them. To avoid any confusion, it's best to avoid using the word "Ravinsara", which is likely to mislead you. More tips on our social networks instagram and facebook join us.
How to recognize Ravintsara and Ravensare essential oils?
If you have a bottle of Ravinsara in your hands, it's hard to tell whether you're dealing with Ravintsara or Ravensare. Similarly, if the name Ravensare or Ravintsara is clearly marked on the bottle, we encourage you to check that this name actually corresponds to what's in the bottle. Indeed, confusion has persisted for years, even among aromatherapy specialists. There are two ways to identify with certainty which essential oil you're dealing with. Firstly, if the chemotype (the essential oil's biochemical composition) is 1.8 cineol, it's Ravintsara. You can also tell the difference between the two essential oils by their scent. Ravintsara has a fresh, camphorated scent, while Ravensare aromatique is recognizable by its notes of anise and pepper.
Now that you know a little more about the essential oils behind the terms Ravinsara, Ravintsara and Ravensare, you'll have everything you need to make sure you never confuse them again. You'll be able to use their virtues wisely, and be sure to benefit from the properties you expect.
Ravintsara essential oil supplier
If you'd like to try your hand at using Ravintsara, Landema is YOUR online supplier. In fact, among our vast selection of natural extracts, we offer Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora) essential oil for home or professional use.
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