Cajeput oil ( also cajuput oil ) is an essential oil commonly distilled from the white wood tree (Melaleuca leucandendra ). This tree is related to the tea tree as they are from the same genus, Melaleuca. Cajeput oil is a strong, camphoraceous oil which is prominently used in aromatherapy to soothe respiratory distress. It is also used for making balms and salves.

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Source

The source of Cajeput oil is commonly Melaleuca leucadendra. This tree is also called the Melaleuca cajeputi and the Cajeput oil tree. This tree has thick white wood. It is found in Australia, the islands between Australia and Malaysia and in Indonesia. Other species of Melaleuca may also be used to make cajeput oil, like Melaleuca minor. The oil is distilled from the leaves and twigs of this tree. However, before distillation, the mixture is fermented for some time. Since the oil is steam distilled, it is organic and retains its original nutrients.

( Photo credit : Homer Edward Price )

Properties

Cajeput oil exerts lots of therapeutic properties, which really make it useful in aromatherapy and medicinal applications.

• Decongestant – It provides relief from nasal and chest congestion.
• Expectorant – It aids the release of phlegm from the lungs.
• Analgesic – It has a powerful pain relieving effect.
• Antibacterial – It kills certain species of bacteria. [1]
• Antifungal – It kills many fungi species.
• Antiviral – It is active against some viruses too.
• Antineuralgic – It exerts a protective effect on the nervous system.
• Antiseptic – prevents infection in wounds.
• Carminative – It aids in the expulsion of intestinal gas.
• Diaphoretic – It promotes excessive sweating.
• Antipyretic ( febrifuge ) – It alleviates a fever.
• Insecticide – It is used to kill many species of insects.
• Vulnerary ( cicatrizant ) – aids in healing cuts, scrapes and wounds.
• Tonic – Promotes better working of the channels of the body.
• Antispasmodic – reduces spasms.
• Astringent – shrinks the skin and takes away excess oil.
• Anti-Inflammatory – reduces inflammation.
• Antioxidant – protects the cells from free radical damage.

 Color and Aroma

Cajeput oil has a tea tree oil like pale yellow color. It has a strong  camphoraceous odor. It smells somewhat like hyacinth and has herbaceous undertones, which make it somewhat different from camphor oil.

Blends Well With

Cajeput oil goes well with tea tree oil, eucalyptus essential oil and clove essential oil. It also blends well with all kinds of spice oils, rosemary oil, lavender oil, ylang-ylang essential oil and woody oils like pine oil and cedar oil. Jojoba oil is a wonderful carrier for cajeput essential oil.

Health Benefits

Because of its healing properties, one can make use of cajeput oil for a variety of purposes.

1. Respiratory Distress
There can be many conditions in which the person suffers from respiratory discomfort. It can be a cold, cough, flu, any infection like pneumonia, bronchitis or chronic conditions like sleep apnea or COPD. In these conditions, one can use cajeput oil to get relief from the chest and nasal congestion. It also helps in getting rid of the mucus, so that provides much more relief. It can be used easily by putting a few drops in the vaporizer. This distributes its aroma in the environment. It exerts a calming effect on the nasal passage. The air feels cooler and stuffy nose is unblocked. This treatment may also be helpful in asthma as the oil is an antispasmodic. However, it may not help everyone with asthma. Since it is also an irritant, it may even worsen asthma in some people, or worse still, it may even trigger an asthma attack. So, one should use this effect only under the supervision of a trained professional.

2. Calm down a Fever
If there is a fever, one can use cajeput oil to get some relief. One can take a bucket of water and add about 20 drops of cajeput oil. Now, soak cotton cloths in this water and apply it on the skin of the person. It exerts a cooling effect which takes away the fever. However, do not use this if the person is suffering from chills.

3. Pain Relief
One of the greatest applications of cajeput oil is to provide relief from pain. It can be used for various kinds of pain, like that from an injury, arthritis, gout, back pain and even nervous issues like sciatica, neuralgia and neuritis. One can add 5 drops of cajeput oil to a base oil like olive oil or castor oil and massage it at the location of pain. It can also alleviate headaches but one should take extreme care to keep it away from the eyes. It has a warming and numbing effect on the area and therefore the sensation of pain is dulled for some time. Since it is anti-inflammatory, regular use of cajeput oil remedy can provide lasting relief from pain.

4. As an Antiseptic
Add a few drops to clean water and use it to wash wounds, cuts, scrapes and burns. This prevents the chances of infection at the site.

5. Oily Skin
Cajeput oil is a strong astringent. One can add a few drops in water, or witch hazel and apply it on the face using cotton balls. It takes away excess oil and can be used to take away the excess oily gloss on the face.

6. Toothache Relief
It has an effect similar to clove oil in relieving a toothache. Take a few drops of cajeput oil on a cotton ball. Place this cotton ball in between the teeth that is paining. This provides very fast relief from toothache and lasts for a few hours. It also disinfects the tooth and kills many germs in the mouth.

7. Sinusitis
Cajeput oil is helpful in sinusitis and general sinus congestion. The best way to use cajeput oil in this condition is to prepare a steam. When the water is boiling, add about 20 drops of cajeput oil. Inhale the steam from this essential oil. It eliminates sinus congestion and therefore the headache and heaviness associated with it is also alleviated.

8. Muscle Cramps
One can get relief from any kind of cramps by using cajeput oil. This time, cajeput oil is added to a warm water bath. Prepare some bathwater. Add about 1 cup of salt, or epsom salt to it. Then add about 20 drops of cajeput oil and lavender essential oil. Sit in this bath and gently massage the muscles that are sore and painful. It provides great relief with single application.

( Photo credit : spine )

9. Aromatherapy
Cajeput oil is a prominent essential oil in aromatherapy. It is used to reduce brain fog, sluggishness and improve concentration. One can use it to stay alert. It can also be helpful in driving away anxiety and fostering feelings of confidence. When it is diffused in the air, it can also provide relief from nausea and curb vomiting. It calms irritation in pets.

10. Scabies 
One can apply cajeput oil on the skin to get rid of scabies mites. The best base oil for this is neem oil, as it is a powerful insecticide and is a prominent herbal treatment for scabies.

Uses

Cajeput oil has many more uses besides its use in home remedies. [2]

• It is used to extract chemicals like cineol.
• Cajeput oil is used to make vapor rubs and pain relieving balms.
• It is used to treat bacterial and fungal infections in some fishes, like betta fish.
• It is used in nasal inhalers to open a blocked nose.
• Insect repellent – It can be used in a water or oil based spray to drive away fleas. It also drives away mosquitoes and many other insect species. [3]
• It is used in making perfumes extensively.

Side Effects, Safe Dosage and Toxicity Issues

Cajeput oil is a strong irritant if used in the slightest excess. So, one should always dilute it in a base oil or water. This essential oil should not be used by pregnant women, and on babies. Cajeput essential oil may be helpful for eczema but it may be harmful for other skin conditions like psoriasis because it is an irritant. This oil is hardly used internally, even though it is a carminative. This should only be done under the supervision of a trained herbalist.

Interactions

There is presently no information on the interaction of cajeput oil with medication.