What is oxides?

These are one of the families of molecules that make up the ravintsara. Mentioned in the article “Why is ravintsara effective?” the majority molecule of ravintsara is 1,8-cineole which is an oxide and the oxides act in a complementary way with the monoterpenes, the second family of molecules present in the essential oil of organic ravintsara.

But what are the properties of oxides in general?

Laurence Lebrun presents the properties of these molecules in her book “Aromatherapy and its natural allies”:

To free the respiratory system, fight infections, stimulate the body and activate microcirculation.”

Its therapeutic properties are: «mucolytic dissolve mucus, expectorant, antiviral action, immunomodulants.»

Françoise Couic Marinier in her book «The living earth guide of essential oils», adds, «Oxides stimulate the exocrine glands and are expectorant, mucolytic, powerful antiviral, antiparasitic, antibacterial.»

How are oxides identified in a chromatographic analysis (molecular analysis)?

This family of molecules ends with -oxide, for the most part but not for the one that concerns us in the ravintsara: 1.8 cineole.

In her book, Laurence LEBRUN mentions that the main oxides are: «1,8-cineole, bisaboloxy, linaloloxide, piperritonoxide.»

These molecules are notably present in cardamom essential oils. Also eucalyptus, aspic lavender, or ravintsara.”

1,8-cineol causes a contradiction: Asthmatics are not advised to use essential oils with a high percentage of 1,8-cineol.