In Malaysia and Java, cajeput oil was a traditional remedy for cholera and muscle and joint pains. In Africa and Asia, the oil is used as an insecticide and parasiticide...

Cajeput is a penetrating, uplifting oil with a camphoraceous-medicinal scent.

Nature: uplifting, stimulating

It is stimulating and known for producing a sensation of warmth and quickening the pulse.

In a steam inhalation, it is effective for chronic laryngitis and bronchitis.

Ideal in a hot or cold compress for cystitis and rheumatism.

Principal Actions: Boosts the immune, urinary and respiratory systems; eases aching muscles.

Practical Uses

Methods of Use: application, aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, lightbulb ring, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation, steam room and sauna

Skin Care with Cajeput

Caution: Possible skin irritant if used in high concentrations. Avoid in baths or massage if you have sensitive skin as it can irritate mucous membranes.

Cajeput is used as a local application for insect bites, oily skin and spots.

Circulation, Muscles & Joints

Cajeput stimulates the circulatory system, useful for arthritis, gout and rheumatic conditions. Its warming and penetrating properties can be used to relieve muscular aches and pains.

Muscle Pain and Backache: 2 drops cajeput, 4 drops nutmeg, 4 drops cardamom in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage into aching muscles two or three times a day.

Respiratory System

As an inhalant or in a diffusor, the vapors open the sinus and breathing passages, making it helpful for asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, sore throat, colds, influenza and viral infections.

Digestive System

Cajeput has a calming effect on the digestive system and can be used for colic, enteritis (inflammation of the intestines), dysentery and vomiting.

To Calm Digestive Upsets: Mix 2 drops cajeput, 2 drops peppermint and 2 drops ginger in 20ml/4tsp carrier oil and massage into abdominal area using circular, clockwise strokes.

Genito-Urinary System

The disinfectant properties of cajeput have been employed in the treatment of cystitis, urethritis and urinary infections.

Cystitis: An essential oil sitz bath is very effective for treating cystitis. Run a bath to the level of your hips and sit. You can also use a bidet or a bowl. Mix: 5 drops cajeput, 5 drops niaouli, 5 drops savory and 5 drops coriander into a sitz bath water.

Immune System

Antibacterial Air Freshener: Mix 2 drops cajeput, 2 drops thyme, 2 drops clove in a vaporizer or diffusor and use in sick rooms or in general living areas.

Cajeput in Aromatherapy

Botanical Name: Melaleuca cajuputi

Note: Top

Parts Used: fresh leaves and twigs

Source: steam distillation from the fresh leaves and twigs of the evergreen tree native to Australia and Asia.

Description and Odor Effect: pale yellowy-green liquid with a penetrating, camphoraceous-medicinal odor. The light, refreshing scent of cajeput makes it a good deodorizer. Compared with eucalyptus oil, it has a slightly milder fruity body note.

Nature: uplifting, stimulating

Blends well with: lavender, to balance blend

Methods of Use: application, aroma lamp, bath, diffusor, inhaler, lightbulb ring, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation, steam room and sauna

Therapeutic Properties: analgesic (mild), anthelmintic, antibacterial, antidote, anti-inflammatory, antineuralgic, antipruritic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, balsamic, calmative, carminative, cicatrizant, counterirritant, decongestant, diaphoretic, emollient (skin), estrogenic, expectorant, febrifuge, germicide, healing, insecticide, parasiticide, pectoral, stimulant (circulatory system), sudorific, tonic, vermifuge

Safety Data: Non-toxic and non-sensitizing; possible skin irritant if used in high concentrations. Avoid in baths or massage if you have sensitive skin as it can irritate mucous membranes.

Quick Reference - Cajeput

Skin: insect bites, oily skin, spots

Circulation, Muscles & Joints: arthritis, gout, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism

Respiratory: asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, laryngitis, sinusitis, sore throat

Digestive: colic, enteritis (inflammation of the intestines), dysentery, vomiting

Genito-urinary: cystitis, urethritis, urinary infection

Immune: colds, influenza, viral infections

Keyword: Pungent

Did you know ... Cajeput belongs to a family of over 150 trees. The tree is also known as white tea tree, swamp tea tree, and paperbark tree.

Cajeput Harmony

Add these essential oils to 20 ml / 4 tablespoons carrier oil

To soothe muscle pain and backache:

• 2 drops Cajeput
• 4 drops Nutmeg
• 4 drops Cardamom