Cajeput Oil

Cajeput oil is derived from the Melaleuca leucadendron or cajeput tree. This tree is native to Australia and Indonesia and is closely related to the tea tree, paperbark, punk, niaouli and eucalyptus trees. The tree also grows in Vietnam, Java, Malaysia and South East Asia regions. The cajeput tree is known as the white bark tea tree as it has a characteristic white bark. The oil is also known by different names like white tea tree oil, swamp tea tree oil.

What is Cajeput Oil?
It is an essential oil produced by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the Cajeput tree. The oil contains cineol, terpineol, terpinyl acetate, terpenes, phytol, alloarmadendrene, ledene, platanic acid, betulinic acid, betulinaldehyde, viridiflorol, palustrol, etc. as some of the active ingredients. Itl is very fluid and transparent. It has a warm, aromatic odor with a camphoraceous taste that is followed by a cool feeling in the mouth. It is wholly soluble in alcohol and a colorless oil.

Uses
The uses include curative, invigorating and purifying properties. It also is used as an analgesic, antiseptic and insecticide. It has many traditional medicinal uses that include clearing acne, easing breathing difficulties by clearing the nasal passages, treating colds and coughs, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, eczema, sinus infection, pneumonia, etc.

It is known for its antimicrobial, antiseptic properties. It is also an anti-neuralgic that helps in relieving nerve pain, antihelmintic for removing intestinal worms. The uses also includes prevention of flatulence due to its carminative properties. The oil is known for healing muscle pain and joint pain. It also helps in promoting a healthy looking skin.

One drop added to a cotton ball and placed between the gums and cheeks will help in reducing toothache. The uses also includes application to cuts and gashes. The injury is healed without any infections or scar. Mixing one part of cajeput oil with three parts olive oil and applying to the hair every night, will help one get rid of head lice. Gonorrhea can be cured by application of vaginal douche of this oil daily.

Benefits
When the oil is ingested, it causes a warm sensation in the stomach. It helps in acceleration of pulse, increase in perspiration and urine. Diluted cajeput oil is very beneficial in treating acne, colic, bruises, rheumatism, scabies and even simple burns. You can apply it directly on ringworm infections and athlete's foot infestation for a quick cure. Impetigo and insect bites are also cured with the application. The oil of cajeput when added to water and gargled, helps in treating laryngitis and bronchitis. Benefits not only include treatment of throat infections and yeast infections, but also parasitic infections of roundworm and cholera. It benefits as an aromatherapy agent includes promotion of clear mind and thoughts.

Side Effects
The possible side effects may consist of rapid pulse, perspiration, skin irritation, etc. It may also cause abortion, bleeding, breast tenderness, endometrial hyperplasia, weight gain and infertility. These adverse side effects are very rare, and can occur if there is excessive use.

You should use the oil only under the recommendation of a qualified naturopath or aromatherapist. Do not take it during pregnancy and when breast feeding. You should not use it in case of inflammation. Asthma patients should avoid use of oil of cajeput. Remember to dilute the oil before ingesting it.

Note:
You should not get confused between tea tree oil and cajeput oil. These essential oils are produced from different tree species of the same genus. Cajeput oil is produced from Melaleuca leucadendron and tea tree oil is produced from Melaleuca quinquenervia.