Cajeput

Cajeput Herbal Remedies

The oil of cajeput is used externally for infections, rheumatism, toothache, fleas, and scabies. It has an antispasmodic effect and is often mixed with other herbs in cold and headache remedies. Cajeput has a taste of AROMATIC, SPICY and a temperature of WARM.

Cajeput Proper Dose

Type

Dossage

Cajeput Oil

2-5 drops externally; especially in creams or salves

Cajeput Reference Information

Latin Name

Melaleuca leucadendron

Other Names

Punk tree

Part Used

Plant Oil

Herb Forms

Essential oil.

Affects

Integumentary system

Cautions

Not for internal use.

Botanical Info

A small to medium-sized tree of the eucaplyptus family. Native to New Zealand and Australia.

Supporting Research

Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.

Cajeput is growing in popularity due to its wide-range of healing actions, which can be used to treat everything from fatigue to head lice.

Cajeput oil is steam-distilled from the leaves, twigs and bark of an evergreen tropical tree native to Australia and Indonesia. The tree is closely related to tea tree and eucalyptus, and the oil’s properties are also similar. Cajeput is known as white tea tree’ due to its striking white bark.

Cajuput’s vapors are decongestant and expectorant, making it a useful antiseptic for respiratory ailments such as laryngitis. Its refreshing action also clears headaches and fatigue and apathy associated with flu.

Cajeput is an effective treatment for urinary or digestive infections, especially those that are recurring. Blended with rosemary or marjoram oil, it makes a warming muscular rub to ease muscular stiffness and rheumatic aches. It is also an effect natural remedy against head lice or for ridding your home of pet flea infestations.

Cajeput oil is composed of chemical families that all have uplifting and stimulating properties.

Oxides
A potent oxide in cajeput oil is present in concentrations of 15 to 65 per cent. Also found in eucalyptus and rosemary oil, it has a camphorous aroma and is an expectorant and is decongestant.

Monoterpenes
Makin g up about a quarter of cajeput oil, the main compound is pinene. This contributes to the oil’s antiseptic and uplifting properties.

Alcohols
The alcohols terpineol, eucalyptol, and nerolidol are present in cajeput oil. These are warming, stimulate the immune system and are generally good tonics and balancers.

Cajeput is a miraculous healer that you can use in your own aromatherapy blends to cure a vast range of common ailments and problems.

Remove unwanted pests

Tackle infestations of parasites without being forced to resort to harmful and poisonous synthetic pesticides.

To ensure your cat or dog remains free from fleas, add 1-2 drops of cajeput oil to your pet’s brush and use weekly to brush their fur.

Wash down woodwork and floors with a liter of warm water containing 5 drops of cajeput oil and 6 drops of lemongrass oil. Add the same amount of these oils to a cotton wool ball in your vacuum cleaner to zap fleas and eggs around the home, which could reinfect your pet.

At the first sign of head lice, wash and condition hair, then work a fine metal comb through the wet hair. Rinse in 1 liter of water containing 2 drops of cajeput oil, 5 drops of tea tree oil and 4 drops of lemon oil.

Ease stiffness witha muscle rub

Ease sore and stiff muscles with a rub or a compress using soothing cajeput.

For a pre-sport rub for cold, tense muscles, blend 4 drops of cajeput with 3 drops each of black pepper and lemongrass in 35ml of grapeseed oil.

For relief from rheumatism, apply a hot compress to the joint, containing 2 drops of cajeput, 3 drops of ginger and 4 drops of black pepper. Cajeput will bring relief while ginger and black pepper will stimulate local circulation.

Rid the body of aches and pains by relaxing in a bath containing 2 drops of cajeput, 3 drops of marjoram and 5 drops of lavender. These oils will work together to warm and relax the muscles.

For a first aid treatment for sprains, apply a cold compress over the sprained joint containing 3 drops of cajeput, 2 drops of basil and 5 drops of benzoin.

Combat infections

Cajeput can help you fight colds, flu and throat and chest infections.

Apply a rub at night for congested sinuses with 4 drops of pine, 3 drops of cajeput and 3 drops of eucalyptus in 35ml of sweet almond. This rub has excellent decongestant properties.

For feverish chills, add 2 drops of cajeput and 3 drops of tea tree to a bath. Cajeput will promote sweating and both oils have anti-viral properties.

To ease laryngitis or bronchitis, massage the neck, shoulders, chest and back using a blend of expectorant oils. Blend 3 drops of cajeput with 2 drops of pine, 4 drops of Cedarwood and 35ml of sweet almond.

Cajeput folklore

The cajeput tree has powerful associations with legends of protection and purification for the native peoples of Malaysia, India and Australia.

Cajeput holds the healing energies of Mars. Inhale its aroma to prepare for inward emotional healing.

Cajeput is particularly revered by the Vietnamese. Their country is covered in vast tropical cajeput jungles that support a wealth of wildlife.

Release cleansing cajeput vapors in an essential oil burner to purify your thoughts and surroundings before working a spell.

In traditional aboriginal folklore, cajeput magically makes ice and fleas fall from the coats of cats and dogs.