Cajeput Essence
Description
CAJEPUT (Melaleuca leucandendron)
Family: Myrtaceae (shrubs and trees).
Source: The Essential oil is obtained from the Leaves and buds.
Fragrance:: Very strong camphor/spicy pepper.
Volatility: Top note.
General description and habitat:
The trunk of the tree has whitish bark which is fibrous, loose and can be pulled off in large strips; more than a dozen varieties; grown in Indonesia, Malaysia and tropical Australia.
Principal constituents:
Cineol, several aldehydes (e.g. benzoic, butyric, valeric, pinene , terpinol).
History
History and folk use:
Thought to have originated from the Moluccas. Used in Malaysia and Indonesia for colds, flu, rheumatism and cholera. Introduced to Europe in around early seventeenth century but was rare and expensive until the Dutch colonized the Moluccas. First mentioned in France in 1876 as having antiseptic properties.
Cajeput oil is approved by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Properties & Uses
General properties:
Antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic, antiviral, fungicidal, warming, stimulant.
Primary Uses:
| Bronchial infections, | Colds |
| Cystitis | Hay fever |
| Headaches | Rheumatism |
| Sore throats | Stiff joints. |
Secondary Uses:
| Asthma, | Bladder Infections, |
| Bronchitis, | Coughs, |
| Diarrhea, | Heartburn |
| Intestinal Problems, | Laryngitis, |
| Respiratory Problems, | Rhinitis, |
| Sinusitis, | Tonsillitis. |
The German Commission E note its rubefacient use as well as its presence in numerous blends for a wide variety of other purposes, including: aches and pains and catarrh.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Contraindications
Not to be taken internally.
Use in low concentrations as may cause irritation.
Beware adulterated products which can cause further irritation (sometimes rosemary, camphor, turpentine essential oils and colorant are added).
An alternative oil to use is Naiouli which is does not irritate.
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