Description

Cajeput oil is extracted from Melaleuca Cajeput(closely related to M. leucadendron and also known as M. Minor) of the Myrtaceae family and is also known as white wood (from the Malaysian word kayu-puti), weeping tea tree, and weeping paperback.

This powerful oil is used with great success for digestive and skin problems and helps to balance the mind by clearing thoughts, stimulating the mind and dispelling the feeling of sluggishness.

Oil properties

Cajeput oil has a sweet rather penetrating smell.

Origin of Cajeput oil

Also sometimes referred to as the white tea tree, the Cajeput tree originates from the Malayan coastal plains.

An evergreen, vigorous growing tree, it can reach 30 meters (98 feet) and has a whitish spongy bark with a crooked trunk. It is known in ancient India as Kayaputi and was also revered in the East for all its uses.

Not only was it used as an ingredient for cosmetics and perfumes, it was also well known for its antiseptic properties and was a traditional remedy for the stomach, for rheumatism, cholera and as an insecticide.

Extraction

Cajeput essential oil is extracted from fresh leaves and twigs by steam distillation.

Chemical composition

The main chemical components of Cajeput oil include a-pinene, b-pinene, myrcene, a-terpinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol and a-terpineol.

Precautions

Cajeput oil is non-toxic and non-sensitizing, yet could irritate the skin when used in high concentration and can also easily irritate the mucus membranes.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of cajuput oil include analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, decongestant, expectorant, insecticide, febrifuge, carminative, stimulant, sudorific, vermifuge and tonic.

Uses

 

By promoting sweating, Cajeput oil cools down the body and helps with infections such as colds, laryngitis and bronchitis. It is also helpful for asthma, sinusitis and a sore throat.

It calms the digestive system, soothes colic, enteritis, dysentery, vomiting. Spasms, arthritis, rheumatism and muscular aches and pains can also benefit from it.

Not only does it help with skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis, it is also used to ward off insect bites from lice and fleas.

Summary

The greatest benefit of Cajeput oil lies in its antiseptic properties for the respiratory tract and the urinary system, the combating of infections such as colds, bronchitis and laryngitis and its pain relieving properties for headaches, earache, toothache, gout and rheumatism.

• Burners and vaporizers
  • Cajeput oil can be used in vapor therapy for the respiratory tract, relieving infections and pain. It also helps to promote clear thoughts and dispels a feeling of sluggishness.
• Massage oil
  • It helps for pain relief and is useful in gout, rheumatism, arthritis and general aches and pains. Its antispasmodic properties make it useful for treating painful periods, delayed menses and spasmodic dysmenorrhoea.
• In the bath
  • In the bath Cajeput oil can help to reduce fevers by exerting a cooling influence – but take care not to irritate the mucus membranes.
• Blended cream
  • When used  as part of a formulation, it can be helpful to sort out persistent and chronic conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

More information about Cajeput

Skin Care ~ recommended for the treatment of oily skin, oily skin conditions & skin eruptions, acne, carbuncles, boils, cuts, wounds, fungal infections ~ recommended to alleviate itching due to insect bites & stings, burns & the relief of eczema & psoriasis ~ heals the damaged tissues that have turned red due to abscesses ~ heals the damaged tissues

Hair Care ~ recommended to treat hair weakened by colour processing ~ excellent remedy to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, alopecia or excessive hair loss & viral & bacterial conditions of the scalp ~ promotes hair growth ~ rids hair of head lice & nits

Digestive System ~ treats abdominal cramps, inflammation, colic

Home Care ~ protecting them from termites & other insects

Immune System ~ treats headaches

Musculoskeletal System ~ all painful conditions ~ especially arthritis & rheumatism ~ analgesic (pain relieving & anti-inflammatory properties useful for neuralgia, gout, sciatica, lumbago, sports injuries, joint & muscular stiffness & general aches & pains ~ back pain, neck pain

Nervous System ~ tonic for the nervous system & beneficial to alleviate fatigue, drowsiness & restlessness & helps relieve stress

Respiratory System ~ protects from all types of respiratory ailments ~ recommended for catarrhal conditions such as asthma, blocked nose, sinus pain, sore throat, bronchitis, ear infections, tightness in chest, laryngitis, mild fever, coughs, colds & flu ~ cleanses congested nasal passages & has analgesic (pain relieving) properties that will help to reduce the discomfort of sore throats

Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ targets the consciousness ~ helps in reverting the mind from addictions to uncontrollable habits such as alcohol, smoking etc

Blends well with ~ Bergamot, Black Pepper, Geranium, Eucalyptus, Lemon Scented Eucalyptus, Ginger, Gingergrass, Lavender, Spike Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Grass, Lemon Myrtle, Hyssop, Myrtle, Niaouli, Nutmeg, Peppermint, Pine, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Tea Tree, Lemon Scented Tea Tree, Thyme

Safety ~ non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitising