Exploring the Benefits of Saro Essential Oil, new research

By Christi R. Pugh

For Nature’s Gift

I confess I’ve been fascinated with Saro Essential Oil (Cinnamosma fragrans Baillon) since Marge decided to make it available alongside our wide range of oils.  Being a newer EO, not much was generally known about it & we as always err on the side of caution.  However, we’ve been working hard to (finally!) get our hands on more research as well as experimenting with it at home and are finding the possible uses for it are quite extensive and exciting!

Saro is another gift from plant rich Madagascar which is also the country of origin for the powerful antivirals, Ravensara & Ravintsara.  We found recent research particularly interesting citing its effectiveness for minor infections and in preventing recurrence both as an antibacterial and antiviral and further as an immune builder.  Purported to be antimicrobial, recent research specifically found “the oil could have activities against” bacterial strains such as: e. coli (urinary tract infections, meningitis), dysentery and food borne illnesses (food poisoning), candida albicans (vaginal mycosis, skin infections), certain types of gastrointestinal toxicity, Klebsiella pneumoniae (chronic pulmonary disease, rhinoscleroma), as well as streptococcus pneumoniae (skin infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, pericarditis), vaginal infections, and the list goes on & on. 

There is speculation the antimicrobial activities uncovered during research could be due to the high content of 1,8 cineole combined with a-pinene, as both are expectorant and mucolytic.  Saro has been found to be nontoxic and nonirritating for human use, making it an oil to go to for general overall usage for a variety of issues from the antimicrobial standpoint to usage in massage as a relaxant & anti-inflammatory.  Research indicates although it is generally a safe oil, it is not recommended for use by pregnant or lactating women or young children.  (We did not see any reason for this warning!)  Additionally, some say any 1,8 cineole oil should be avoided by those with epilepsy or seizure disorder.    

A variety of promising applications include: antiviral, antibacterial, antimycosis, antiparasitic, analgesic, immune building, and antispasmodic among others with a specific notion of use in the gynecological field to combat HPV, yeast infections, certain venereal diseases, & herpes simplex; for respiratory issues, and pain relief for achy muscles. 

Research is ongoing into this fascinating essential oil but given what we know so far, it seems to be an important oil to have on hand with its powerful germ killing potential.  I’ve been reaching for it at home instead of Tea Tree over the past few months and find it less medicinal and much more pleasant in aroma.  Saro is an essential oil which may prove to be extremely beneficial over time and an effective “go to” oil for a number of ailments. 

Read more about Saro Essential Oil on our website at www.naturesgift.com. 

(Post script from Marge - recently one of our staffers was laid low by a brief bout a nasty intestinal "thing."  I am thinking that if is MY intestinal thing, a drop or two of Saro oil in a spoonful of honey might be something I would consider.)