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.
Wide range of healing
Cajeput's vapours 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 and marjoram oil, it makes a warming muscular rub to ease muscular stiffness and rheumatic aches. It is also an effective natural remedy against head lice or for ridding your home or pet flea infections.
Active Ingredients of Cajeput Oil
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%. Also found in eucalyptus and rosemary oil, it has a camphorous aroma and is an expectorant and a decongestant.
Monoterpenes
Making 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.
Uses of Cajeput Oil
Cajeput is a miraculous healing that you can use in your own aromatherapy blends to cure a vast range of common ailments and problems.
Remove Unwanted Guests
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 the fur.
Wash down woodwork and floors with a litre 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 live, wash and condition hair, then work a fine metal comb through the wet hair. Rinse a 1 litre of water containing 2 drops of cajeput oil, 5 drops of tea tree oil and 4 drops of lemon oil.
The Folklore of Cajeput
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 jungles that support a wealth of wildlife.
Release cleansing cajeput vapours in an essential oil burner to purify your thoughts and surroundings before working a spell.
In traditional aboriginal folklore, cajeput magically makes lice and fleas fall from the coats of cats and dogs.
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 oil. 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 drop of cajeput, 2 drops of basil and 5 drops of benzoin.
Clear Infections
Cajeput can help you fight colds, flu and throat or 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 25ml of sweet almond oil. This run 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, shoulder, 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 oil.