Cajuput

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Cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron) Pure Essential Oil

General Information

 

Common Name: Cajuput

Scientific Name:

Melaleuca leucadendron

 

Family: Myrtacae

Origin: Native to Indonesia & cultivated in tropical countries

Synonyms: M. leucadendron var. cajeputi, Melaleuca

cajeputi, punk tree, kayaputi, M. minor, cajeput, white tea tree,

white wood, swamp tea tree and paperbark tree

Essential Oil Properties and Characteristics

 

The essential oil of cajuput is colourless to pale-yellow or

greenish-coloured liquid with a powerful fresh, eucalyptus-like and

camphoraceous odour.

 

Origin and History

 

M. cajeputi is a medium sized tree to 30m, with a single trunk to

1.5m, but several stems may grow from the original root stock. The

trees often have small crowns, especially in pure stands, with smaller

branches and often slender twigs. The bark is whitish, papery, thin

and flaking.

 

Cajuput has been traditionally used for its antiseptic, carminative

and local analgesic properties by Australian aborigines. It was used

by local aborigines on Groote Eylandt for the treatment of aches and

pains. The leaves were crushed in the hand and rubbed on. Sometimes

young leaves and twigs are crushed and steeped in hot water; the

liquid is used to bathe the affected area and the rest is poured over

the head. Crushed leaves are sniffed to cure headache.

 

Method of Extraction

 

The essential oil of cajuput is steam distilled from the fresh leaves

and twigs of M. cajeputi.

 

Precautions During Use (Contraindications)

 

Cajuput is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. However it

can irritate the skin, therefore it needs to be well diluted and never

allowed to come into contact with mucous membranes.

 

Therapeutic properties

 

Cajuput is a versatile antiseptic and clearing essential oil that can

also be used effectively as an inhalant during the cold season.

Cajuput essential oil has a fresh, camphoraceous-medicinal aroma with

a fruity body note and is very similar to eucalyptus, but softer with

a hint of herb.

 

Other therapeutic properties reported include Analgesic,

antispasmodic, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulating, sudorific and

vermifuge.

 

Cajuput essential oil blends well with bergamot, cypress,

juniperberry, lemon, pine and rosemary.

--

Diana Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is

carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a

life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown