Cajeput

Botanical Name: Melaleuca cajeputi

Botany and Origins: It is a medium sized tree to 30m, with a single trunk to 1.5m but several stems may grow from the original root stock. The trees often have small crowns, especially in pure stands, with smaller branches and often slender twigs. The bark is whitish, papery, thin and flaking.

Method of Extraction: Cajeput oil is steam distilled from the fresh leaves and twigs.

Cultivation: Conventional

Historical and Traditional Uses: Cajeput has been traditionally used for its antiseptic, carminative and local analgesic properties by Australian aborigines. It has long been used in Malaysia and Indonesia for its therapeutic values. It was considered particularly valuable for colds, flus and chronic rheumatism and was prescribed for cholera. It was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century. Until the Dutch gain territory in the Moluccas, it remained a very rare and expensive oil in France.

It was first mentioned in The Natural History of Simple Drugs by Dr G Guibourt in 1876 and described its properties as antiseptic for intestinal problems, dysentery, enteritis, urinary complaints, cystitis and infections of the urethra.

Pharmacology and Clinical Studies: Cajeput oil is reported to have carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic and antimicrobial properties.

Indications:

• Digestive System: Soothes colic and inflammation of the intestines such as enteritis, dysentery, gastric spasm and intestinal parasites.
• Integumentary System: It is used to alleviate itching due to insect bites, and the relief of eczema and psoriasis.
• Musculoskeletal System: Cajeput oil is used in a massage oil or an ointment for all painful conditions, especially arthritis and rheumatism. Its pain relieving properties make it useful in massage for neuralgia, goout, sciatica, lumbago, sports injuries, muscle stiffness and general aches and pain.
• Nervous System: It is a tonic to the nervous system and may be used to alleviate fatigue, drowsiness and restlessness.
• Respiratory System: Cajeput oil is recommended for catarrhal conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, sore throats, coughs, colds and flus. A steam inhalation with cajeput is recommended for cleansing the congested nasal passages. It has analgesic properties that will help to reduce the discomfort of sore throats.
• Skin Care: It is recommended for the treatment of oily skin.

Safety: Non irritating and non sensitising and there are no contra-indications.

Country of Origin: Indonesia

Size: 10ml, 30ml, 50ml (for 100ml and above, please contact us)