Feelin' it Friday- More Under the Radar EO's-Ravensara

This Feelin' It Friday we are heading back into the "Under the Radar" Essential Oils. Today we are exploring the EO, Ravensara. While you may not have heard of this EO before, it is certainly one that is well worth clearing some shelf space for.

Ravensara EO is botanically known as Agathophyllum aromaticum and sometimes called Ravensara aromatica. While the seeds of this plant are known as Madagascar nutmeg, and are used in cooking and medicines, it is the leaves of the plant that are steam distilled to create the essential oil. It has a Slightly spicy, camphory, woody herbaceous fragrance, and is considered a middle note. It is
mainly produced in Madagascar, and has been used for years in medicines and treatments. It possesses analgesic, antibacterial, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antiviral, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and stimulant properties. This essential oil is used in formulations to combat ailments such as; asthma, bronchitis, colds, congestion, cuts, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, flu, general tonic, muscular aches and pains, shingles and wounds.

This EO is said to be the best oil for combating any type of respiratory ailments, as well as cold and flu symptom relief, including the associated congestion. Additionally, due to its high estragole content, this EO is frequently used used in Calophyllum to ease the pain and inflammation of Shingles. Many use this EO to
formulate products to combat the pain of neuralgia too. And because this EO has strong antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, it also makes a great ingredient in hand santizers deodorants, and antiperspirants.

While this EO should be considered a great additive for many products, especially when formulating an inhalation blend, or an ointment to relieve congestion, you do need to mind the percentages, and be sure to perform a patch test. This EO may
cause skin irritation, and should not be used by expectant mothers. When creating products for children, especially topical products, you may wish to consider Ravintsara instead of Ravensara. It has similar properties, but is considered to be a gentler, less irritating, and therefore, a bit safer EO. It is not completely interchangeable though, so to effectively combat the pain and swelling of shingles, stick to the Ravensara!