Spotlight on Saro Essential Oil: A Magical Malagasy Oil

A recent phone call with a friend led to a fun drop-by-drop essential oil blend for an upper respiratory cold that was making the rounds in her home. At the heart of that blend was Saro essential oil (Cinnamosma fragrans).

[You can read about the phone call and the cold and flu blend we created in the Saro in Sunshine post.]

While Eucalyptus essential oil often steals the spotlight when seasonal bugs strike, Saro deserves a permanent spot in every aromatherapist’s collection. But Saro is more than a powerful essential oil for respiratory support. With its beautiful, smooth aromatic profile, Saro is also a powerful energetic protector!

In this edition of our Spotlight on Saro Series, we’re exploring where this incredible plant grows, its traditional roots, its chemical makeup, and its delightful energetic profile.

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The Magic of Saro (Cinnamosma fragrans):

Saro’s Natural Growing Environment & Habitat

Saro (Cinnamosma fragrans) is an aromatic, evergreen shrub or small tree native to the island of Madagascar. It’s a member of the Canellaceae, or Canella, Family of plants. It grows in the dense, dry tropical forests in the low-elevation former-provinces of Antsiranana and Mahajanga in northern and northwestern Madagascar (yellow on the map). This area of Madagascar is populated with numerous endemic species of plant and animal, including Baobab, Moringa, and the Lemur.

• Growth Habits: Saro grows up to 16-20 feet (5-8 meters) in height. It thrives in well-draining, sandy, sandstone, or chalky limestone soil, often nestled near shaded riverbanks, dry stream beds, or rocky gorges.

• Sunlight & Climate: Cinnamosma fragrans prefers warm, tropical conditions with distinct dry and wet seasons. The combination of intense tropical sunshine and monsoon rains fuels the production of its rich, aromatic compounds.

• Foliage & Flowers: The dark green, leathery leaves are heavily laden with essential oil glands. When bruised, they release an intensely fresh, spicy, eucalyptus-like aroma. Saro produces delicate flowers featuring pale yellow-to-white petals, and buds that are typically red or deep reddish-pink. The bark is speckled with distinct lens-shaped markings called lenticels (LEN-tuh-selz), which are pores that allow gas exchange.

• Essential Oil Production: Saro essential oil is primarily produced from sustainably wildcrafted/foraged leaves and young twigs of Cinnamosma fragrans growing in the former-province of Mahajanga, particularly the Melaky region (pink on the map). About 1kg of the thin, yellowish essential oil is produced from 40-80kg of plant material and is considered an “excellent yield.”

[References 1,2,3,4,5]

Traditional Malagasy Uses of Cinnamosma fragrans

In its native Madagascar, Saro goes by the Malagasy name Mandravasarotra, which translates to that which “overcomes all challenges” or “keeps bad things away.” (Did you notice the “saro” in mandravaSAROtra?)

Saro is also known as Sakarivohazo (“ginger wood”) and Motrobeatinany (“large fire in the belly”) because of the pungent aroma and spiciness of the leaves, bark, and fruit.

For centuries, Malagasy traditional healers and spiritual sages (ombiasy) have relied on Saro as a multi-purpose botanical protector:

• Immunity & Vitality: Traditional leaf infusions are used as a general tonic to boost stamina before long journeys or heavy physical labor.

• Respiratory & Digestive Health: Teas and decoctions made from the leaves, bark, and roots help ease upper respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments.

• Topical Healing: The juice of crushed leaves are applied directly to minor wounds and skin infections to help accelerate healing.

• Spiritual Protection: As indicated by its Malagasy names, Saro is used as a powerful protector against and remedy for negative influences and bad energy.

[References 1,2,3,4]

The Chemistry of Saro Essential Oil

The essential oil, which is steam distilled from the vibrant green, fleshy leaves and young twigs, has a balanced chemical profile that makes it highly effective and exceptionally mild on the skin and respiratory system.

• Oxides: The dominant oxide, 1,8-cineole comprises up to 53% of Saro essential oil. 1,8-Cineole, also known as eucalyptol, is a powerful mucolytic (breaks up mucus), expectorant (makes it easier to expel mucus), and decongestant (reduces inflammation of the mucous membranes to improve air flow). These actions help open the airways and promote clear breathing.

• Monoterpenes: Monoterpenes, including α-pinene, β-pinene, and d-limonene, make up around 40% of Saro essential oil. Monoterpenes are light and highly volatile, contributing fresh, coniferous, and slightly citrusy notes to the essential oil. These constituents also contribute strong airborne antimicrobial properties.

• Monoterpenols: Present at up to 15% in Saro essential oil, the gentle monoterpenols, including linalool, terpinen-4-ol, and α-terpineol, contribute antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-supporting properties. Their presence softens the aroma of Saro essential oil, making it sweeter and smoother than other 1,8-cineole-rich essential oils, like Eucalyptus and Ravintsara.

• Sesquiterpenes: While contributing only up to 5% in Saro essential oil, the less-volatile sesquiterpenes provide a rich warmth and grounding energy. The primary sesquiterpene, β-caryophyllene, adds a soft spicy aroma and anti-inflammatory action.

• 🔶Special Safety Considerations: Because Saro essential oil is high in 1,8-cineole, it’s not safe for close use (on or near the face) with children under 5 years of age. 1,8-cineole can contribute to breathing difficulty and CNS symptoms in young children.^[6]

[References 2,4,6]

Therapeutic Benefits of Saro Essential Oil

Thanks to its balanced chemistry, Saro essential oil is likely one of the most versatile tools in an aromatherapist’s toolkit!

• Respiratory Decongestant & Mucolytic: Saro essential oil is excellent for clearing congestion, chest tightness, sinus pressure, and lingering coughs caused by seasonal colds or flu. (Make the Saro in Sunshine blend!)

• Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial: Saro’s chemistry makes it effective against a variety of airborne viruses and bacteria, making the essential oil an ideal choice for diffusion during cold and flu season.

• Immune System Booster: It helps stimulate the body’s natural defense mechanisms at the onset of an infection and when symptoms linger.

• Physical Revitalizer: It helps combat physical exhaustion, fatigue, and sluggishness, particularly during recovery from illness.

• Skin Support: Mildly astringent and antibacterial, Saro essential oil makes a great addition to gentle skin applications for minor cuts, scrapes, or blemishes.

[References 4,7]

Energetics of Saro Essential Oil

Taking insight from the Malagasy word for Saro, Mandravasarotra, Saro essential oil is an excellent energetic protector and cleanser.

• Energy Dispersal: It has a moving dispersing energy that cuts through mental fog, lifts emotional heaviness, and dispels energetic lethargy.

• Chakra Alignment: By deepening the breath, Saro essential oil helps release grief or tension held in the chest. It resonates with the throat chakra and the heart/lung center to encourage open communication and honest expression.

• Emotional Protection: It helps keep away “bad things,” negative vibes, overwhelming stress, and emotional chaos.

• Self-Esteem: With its gentle clarifying action, Saro essential oil can help boost self-confidence, especially when vision is clouded by discouragement, apathy, and emotional lethargy.

[References 4]

Where to Find Saro Essential Oil?

To learn more about Saro and its use in aromatherapy, check out the links below.

Be well!

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is for educational purposes only.
All recipes provided are for personal use and are not designed for re-sale or large-scale manufacturing.
Please consult your doctor, naturopath, herbal practitioner, or other qualified health professional for medical advice and before starting any herbal regimen, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, have any existing medical conditions, or are taking any medications.