Plant's Power Inc.
Botanical binomial: Cinnamonum camphora
Family: Lauraceae
Other names: Ravintsara Cinnamonum camphora Lauracea
Country of Origin: Madagascar
Part of plant used in production: Leaves
Methods of production: Steam distillation
| Description: | Introduced to Madagascar in the early 19th century, Cinnamonum camphora is mostly used for ornamental purposes but also grows in the wild highland areas to heights of 20-30 metres tall. Its leaves have a waxy coating, three longitudinal veins and they are simple and alternate in their arrangement. In the spring, Camphor (Ravintsara) produces small white flowers which later on turn into black berry-like fruit. |
| Characteristics: | C. camphora has a cool, camphoraceous scent reminiscent of eucalyptus. |
| Properties: | Analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antibacterial, carminative, expectorant, immune stimulant, tonic. |
| Constituents: | "Monoterpenes (pinene, camphene, sabinene, myrcene, terpinene, limonene, phellandrene)-- 22 -41%, 1,8-cineole (53 ?"" 68%), caryophyllene (trace-1%). " |
| Uses: | Countering bacterial and viral infections, influenza and chicken pox. The cooling effect is useful for recuperation from stress. |
| Blends well with | Black pepper, cardamom, lavender, lemon, marjoram, orange, peppermint, spearmint, thyme, and yarrow. |
| Interesting Facts: | "In the Malagasy language ravintsara means ""good leaves"" and is commonly confused with ravensara which is a different genus in the same family which produces a very different essential oil. Ravintsara is also a name of a newsletter committed to conservation and sustainable practices in Madagascar. " |
| Safety: | Generally non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing. Do not use if you are pregnant or have epilepsy. |