Botanical Name: Melaleuca Leucadendron

Origin: Australia

Safety Data: Cajaput Essential Oil is a powerful stimulant, and it is not advisable to use it for inhalations before bedtime unless it is mixed with a sedative oil to counteract this effect.

Cajaput Essential Oil is extracted via steam distallation of the fresh leaves and twigs.

Cajaput Essential Oil can irritate the skin, so it needs to be used with caution, and well diluted and must never be allowed to come into contact with the mucous membranes. For most situations where Cajaput might be used on the skin, such as in a massage oil for chest and throat infections, and a pain-killing friction for arthritis, gout and rheumatism, we would recommend the alternative of Niaouli, another Melaleuca which is non-irritant.

One last interesting fact is that Cajaput Essential Oil can be used to dull the pain of toothache. A single drop is put in or on the tooth as a first-aid until the sufferer is able to get to a dentist. Presumably the relief from pain is sufficiently welcome for the stinging this must cause to be disregarded. The only other oil used in this way is that of Clove, which is another strong irritant and also a member of the larger botanical family (Myrtaceae) concerned.

Cajaput Essential Oil is obtained from the leaves and buds of the tree Melaleuca leucodendron. The tree has a whitish bark which has given the oil its name, derived from the Malaysian 'caju-puti' meaning 'white tree'. The oil is extracted by steam distillation, and is a greenish-yellow colour which distinguishes it from several other oils from closely related varieties of Melaleuca The greenish tinge is due to traces of copper found in this tree.

The active principles of the Cajaput Essential Oil include large proportions (between 45% and 65%) of cineol, with terpineol, pinene and various aldehydes. The aroma is decidedly medicinal, camphorous and very penetrating.
The trees of the Melaleuca group are a sub-species of the family Myrtaceae which includes all the Eucalyptuses, Clove and Myrtle and the predominant property which is shared by all members of this family is the ability to combat and sometimes prevent infection.