Ahhhh…. Don’t you just love the change of the seasons. The kids are settled back in their school routines and the first nip of cold is lingering in the air. Do you know what usually follows suit with these wonderful things? The dreaded cold and flu season! It inevitably happens. The change of the seasons brings allergy flare-ups, we’re so busy with life that we don’t take care of those allergies like we should and next thing you know, here comes a cold. Or the kids are playing in such close quarters at school that one of them is going to pick up a bug and next thing you know, everyone in the house has gone through a bout with the flu. Well, let’s talk about how to combat that right from the start and shorten the life of those germs if you’re already in full throws!

I bet you’ve never heard of Ravintsara. I hadn’t either until I entered the oily universe. Ravintsara is another universal oil just like Lavender. It’s part of the laures nobilis family and is akin to nutmeg or clove. It has a champhor-eucalyptus like smell. Kind of like Vicks. Now this smell distinction is important. There’s another essential oil out there that is often confused with Ravintsara. It’s Ravensara and some of the less reputable EO companies like to try and sell it to you instead of the real deal. Ravensara is not considered a therapeutic essential oil, has a cinnamon-eucalyptus scent and is used primarily by perfumers for it’s scent. That’s why it’s so important to stick with an essential oil company that uses 100% therapeutic grade EOs.

Ravintsara is considered an Enhancer. When used in conjunction with other essential oils, it amplifies their therapeutic properties. When you’re making a blend with this EO, it should be added in second in the mix due to its chemical properties. Now on to its fantastic uses!

This EO should be a staple during this time of year for you and your family. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-septic, an expectorant and great for nerve support. It’s high in cineoles, which are excellent for therapeutic reasons. For those with someone already sick in the home, diffuse this throughout your home to drastically reduce the chance of anyone else becoming sick as it neutralizes the microbes in the air that cause those germs and viruses to spread. You can also make a chest rub with your favorite carrier oil, as well. 2 drops to a quarter size amount mixed in your palm. Only use one drop for your littles. This is my preferred method of use when treating sickness. And it’s gentler than the EOs in the mint and eucalyptus families, so it’s a great alternative for use with your kiddos and for pregnant women and nursing mothers. It is still considered a “Hot” oil, so don’t go overboard with it directly on the skin.

Ravintsara will also help to clear out that mucus build-up in your lungs, as well. Its cineole content allows it to be one of the strongest expectorants. Again, just diffusing or as a chest rub will be super effective. One very effective method is to put a couple drops in a pot of boiling water, drape a towel over your head and breathe in the soothing, steamy vapor. You’ll feel better in no time flat with that.

Also, for those of you that battle with Asthma. Ravintsara has been known to stop an active asthma attack. Just apply a couple drops on the upper chest of the person having the attack and it should help to clear their airways and reduce the swelling caused by the reaction. But it’s a good idea to keep your prescription inhaler with you, just in case.

Next, it’s great for inflammation and tension headaches. It increases the blood flow through out your body, especially when used topically. For headaches, it helps to increase the cerebral blood flow, allowing more oxygen throughout helping to relieve the tension. The same is true anywhere in your body where you have inflamed joints, tight, tense muscles, anywhere where you have pain. I tell you I could’ve used this a few nights ago when my travelling arthritis kicked in unexpectedly.

Ravintsara is great as a natural alternative for wound care. Small scraps, cuts and burns, can be treated with a simple salve made of your favorite carrier oil or lotion, and a few drops of EO. Rubbed across the wound, will clean it and keep it from getting infected. Of course, if it’s a pretty serious injury, you’ll want to seek medical attention, but in a pinch, a drop of Ravintsara and Cypress will keep the wound clean and help stem the blood flow until you can get treatment.

Well, it looks like I’m going to have to pick up some Ravintsara for my family! It’s in several blends we use, but I think it’s an essential to have around always. Happy Oiling!