Cajeput - Melaleuca leucadendron var. cajuputi

History: The Eastern cultures have a long history with Cajeput. Often grown as an ornamental because it is so beautiful. Used in Java for cholera and rheumatism. Used in Africa and Asia as an insecticide and parasiticide. Aborigines used crushed cajeput leaves rubbed on the skin to relieve aches and pains. They also steeped in leaves in hot water to pour onto affected areas. Smelling the leaves helped headache pain.

Characteristics: Cajeput Essential Oil has a fresh, camphorous aroma resembling the combined fragrances of camphor, rosemary, and cardamom, with a slight fruity note; a middle note with a medium strength aroma. Cajeput being the Indonesian for 'white wood', it is part of the Melaleuca family and is used much in the same way as its cousin, Tea Tree. Cajeput is a melaleuca like tea tree, but cajeput has a high percentage of cineole which is found in eucaplyptus. This is what gives cajeput it expectorant properties. Used in dentistry and pharmaceutical work, as an antiseptic in expectorant and tonic formulations, throat lozenges, and gargles. Used as a fragrance and freshening agent in soaps, cosmetics, detergents and perfumes. Cajeput is part of a large group of plants called tea trees or melaleucas. In Malaysia it is called "caju-puti" meaning white wood because of the color of the timber.

Clinical Studies:

Indications: Used for insect bites, oily skin, arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, sore throat, cystitis, arthritis, urinary infections, colds, flu, and viral infections. Used to improve circulation, calm, reduce stress, open sinus and breathing passages, relieve aches and pains, disinfect, repel insects. Antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, balsamic, calmative, carminative, cicatrizant, counter-irritant, decongestant, diaphoretic.

Personality Profile:

Subtle Aromatherapy:

Mode of Administration: Bath, diffuser, ear oil, gargle, inhaler, liquid candle, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation, throat lozenges.

Safety: Dilute before use; for external use only. May cause skin irritation in some individuals; a skin test is recommended prior to use. Contact with eyes should be avoided.

References:
Battaglia, S.  The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy; Third Edition The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2017
Tisserand R. Young R.  Essential Oil Safety, second edition.  Churchhill Livingstone, UK, 2013
Sheppard-Hanger S. The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual.  Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, USA, 2000
Caddy R. Essential Oils in Colour.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2005
Lawless J. The encyclopaedia of Essential Oils.  Element Books Limited, GB, 1992
Caddy R. the Essential Blending Guide.  Amberwood Publishing, UK, 2007
Weaver W.W. Sauer’s Herbal Cures.  Routledge, UK, 2001
World Wide Web Encyclopedia Britannica. USA, 2014
Photos attribution – istock Photos
LabAroma

Safety Considerations:
        Do not take essential oils internally.
        Do not apply to eyes, sensitive areas or mucous membranes.
        Do not apply undiluted to skin (for directions on proper dilution refer to an aromatherapy text).
        The information on this website is not intended to diagnose or prescribe.
        Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should not use essential oils without first consulting a healthcare provider.
        The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA.
        You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.
        Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.

Information and statements regarding Kelley products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. 
All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis.  
Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem.