Cajeput.

 

Herbal/folk tradition:

Held in high regard in the East, it is used locally for colds, headaches, throat infections, toothache, sore and aching muscles, fever (cholera), rheumatism, and various skin diseases. Only the essential oil is used in the Western Herbal tradition and is known for producing a sensation of warmth and quickening the pulse. It is used for chronic laryngitis and bronchitis, cystitis and to expel roundworm.

 

Cajeput is a tall evergreen tree up to 98 feet high, with thick pointed leaves and white flowers. The flexible trunk has a whitish spongy bark that flakes off easily. In Malaysia it is called "caju-puti", meaning 'white wood', because of the colour of the timber.

Cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi), is of the Myrtaceae family. It's synonyms are M. Minor, White Tea Tree, White Wood, Swamp Tea Tree, Punk Tree, Paperbark Tree. It is closely related to other members of the Melaleuca group, notably Eucalyptus, Clove, Tea Tree and Niaouli.

 

Extraction:

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

 

Characteristics:

A pale, yellowy green, mobile liquid(the green tinge derives from traces of copper found in the tree), with a penetrating, camphoraceous-medicinal odour. Compared with Eucalyptus oil, it has a slightly milder fruity body note.

 

Actions:

Mildly analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-neuralgic, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic (pulmonary, urinary, intestinal), anthelminthic, diaphoretic, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticidal, sudorific and tonic.

 

Aromatherapy/Home use:

skin care - insect bites, oily skin, spots.

circulation, muscles and joints - arthritis, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism.

respiratory system - asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs, sinusitis, sore throat.

genito-urinary system - cystitis, urethritis, urinary infections.

immune system - colds, flu, viral infections.

 

Other uses - Cajeput is used in dentistry and pharmaceutical work as an anti-septic; in expectorant and tonic formulations, throat lozenges, gargles etc. Used as a fragrance and freshening agent in soaps, cosmetics, detergents and perfumes. Occasionally deployed as a flavour component in food products and soft drinks.

 

Distribution:

The Cajeput tree grows wild in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Java, Australia and south-eastern Asia.

 

Principal constituents:

Cineol (14 - 65 % depending on source), terpineol, terpinyl acetate, pinene, nerolidol and other traces.

 

Taken from "The illustrated encyclopedia of essential oils" by Julia Lawless. (A brilliant book - highly recommended by yours truly !!).