(Ravensara aromatica)
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and is located in the Indian Ocean, east of Mozambique in Africa. Because of its uniqueness, environmentalists call it the eighth continent. About 80 per cent of plants and animals from Madagascar live only there and nowhere else on the planet. This island is home to almost 12,000 plant species that grow only there. Many of them are medicinal and contain alkaloids such as vinblastine and vincristine that help with lymphoma, leukaemia and other types of cancer.
In that abundance of colourful life, one plant of exceptional properties – ravensara – comes to us from Madagascar. It is a high tree that grows in the rainforest on this island; its scientific name is Ravensara aromatica. Its essential oil has been valued for centuries as an omnipotent remedy by the local population who call it hazomanitra, which literally means “a fragrant tree”. Its seed is similar to nutmeg and some people even call it the nut from Madagascar. Its essential oil is extracted from its juicy aromatic dark green leaves. The oil has a strong pungent aroma and is reminiscent of tea tree and camphor.
RAVENSARA OIL FOR ALL
It has so many useful properties that it is difficult to list them all, so here are just a few. Ravesara oil is:
- antiseptic – it prevents infections
- antibacterial – it destroys some types of bacteria
- antiviral – it destroys some types of viruses, including herpes, herpes zoster and human papiloma virus
- antioxidant – it protects the cells from free radicals
- antiperspirant – it prevents excessive sweating
- expectorant – it promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages
- anti-inflammatory – it prevents skin inflammation, helps treat infections
- analgesic – it relieves pain
- anti-allergic – it soothes allergic reactions
- carminative – it prevents flatulence
- antispasmodic – it soothes cramps
- anti-cancerous – it destroys cancer cells
- aphrodisiac – it increases the libido
- anti-depressive – it stimulates the senses, eliminates negative emotions and soothes headaches.
Ravensara is an excellent analgesic as it relieves various types of pain, such as headaches, toothaches, muscle and joint aches and ear pain. It is great for allergies: it will not only eliminate its symptoms, but will also build the body’s resistance to deal with allergens in the future. Its use for inhalation for allergic rhinitis has been proven to be effective.
This oil destroys bacteria, prevents their spread, it cures old infections and does not let new ones take hold. It has been used for centuries to treat serious infections, such as cholera or typhoid fever. In the similar vein, the oil also destroys fungi, prevents their growth and kills their spores. That is why it is an ideal remedy for fungal ear, nose, skin and nail infections. Ravesnara also kills viruses – it is excellent for acne, colds, flu, chickenpox and mumps.
Ravensara oil kills the very dangerous Staphylococcus Aureus which attacks unprotected wounds and sensitive internal organs. This staphylococcus can lead to sepsis, especially in new-borns, because it can spread like wildfire in the body, causing muscle ache, cramps, contractions, convulsions, fever and swellings. Ravensara oil is rich in very useful components, such as citric acid and methyl eugenol which kill bacteria and prevent their spread, both externally and internally. The antiviral and anti-fungal properties of this plant are also useful in cystitis, vaginal infections, HPV infections, candidiasis, gardanelle vaginalis, vulvitis, as well as infections of the digestive tract.
IT HEALS WITH ITS SCENT
Ravensara scent is very strong and specific, but also therapeutic and has proven to be very successful in combatting chronic depression in patients who have been given aroma therapy. Ravensara helps with stress, irritability and insomnia, it reduces cramps, soothes coughs and helps muscles and nerves to relax. Thanks to this, it is a good aphrodisiac as it relaxes the body, increases the libido and prevents erectile disfunction.
Ravensara can be used at home or work as a disinfectant. Our desks and computer keyboards are full of viruses and bacteria. This oil will destroy all unwanted microbes and will leave a fresh smell without negative effects that artificial air fresheners may do. That is why it could be used in diffusers or can be mixed with water and sprayed on surfaces a couple of times a day. It can equally be used to spray bed linen, pillows and the mattress to help our sleep become healthier and more pleasant.
The beneficial effects of this oil for our body are manifold: it stimulates the expulsion of toxins, surplus water and fat, it improves lymph function and thus reduces oedema, acne and skin boils; it also has a beneficial effect on hypertension and digestive disorders. It will remove accumulated sputum from air passages, soothe coughs and ease our breathing.
DEATH TO VIRAL WARTS
Apart from being excellent on its own, ravesara oil combines superbly with other essential oils, such as laurel, bergamot, cedar, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, lavender, pine, rosemary, tee tree, thyme… Ravensara is completely safe to use, it can be used directly on the skin and the mucus membrane, it can be used in the bath and in inhalators. However, as is the case with all other essential oils, it cannot be drunk. It is best used in its pure form in reliable natural products.
Given that ravensara is an enemy of viruses, its oil is ideal in combating persistent and boring viral warts. Alongside essential oils of tea tree, lavender, clove and lemon and castor and tamanu oils and willow bark extract, ravensara is part of the exceptional Devi viral warts balm. This balm used over a couple of weeks painlessly and permanently removes warts. Ravensara from Madagascar, with the help from Herba Svet, does miracles here and now.