Health Benefits of Herbs

Cajeput Essential Oil [Benefits, Uses, Side Effects]

Cajeput Essential Oil
Cajeput (source, flickr.com/dinesh_valke)

Today you will learn the many uses and health benefits of a interesting Essential Oil called Cajeput

Cajeput essential oil is one of most useful oils we have because of it’s many benefits.

The oil is usually harvested by distilling the twigs and leaves of both cajeput tree as well as the paperbark tree.

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This oil has a variety of uses and health benefit. It’s used as a pain reliever as well as a natural way of treating respiratory systems problems especially those in distress.

Cajeput Essential Oil Health Benefits

Table of Contents

Before I discuss this oils benefits, lets take a look at the origin of this essential oil. This tree native to Malaysia, Australia, and Indonesia. The benefits of this tree are often compared to those of tea tree oil. This is because they are from the same family.

The Cajeput is extracted from melaleuca cajuputi. While tea tree oil is extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia.

Both these tree oils share very similar qualities. Although the Cajeput oil has some of the unique benefits that you cannot find in any other tree.

Cajeput oil is also referred as the Cajuput oil, which is closer to the Latin name. Actually, the word Cajeput is an Indonesian derived word from the name Kayu Putih that means white wood. In Indonesia, it is also referred to as Minyak Kayu Putih. Which also refers to the same Cajeput oil.

What are the main differences between Cajeput Oil and Tea Tree Oil?

Both the cajeput and tree oil are steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of their respective trees. However, although they are from the same family of trees. Chemically speaking each tree has distinct components.

The main difference is that the cajeput has high levels of Eucalyptol, alpha Terminal and limonene. On the other hand, the tea tree oil has more Gamma-terpinene and terpinen -4 –ol. For this reason, the cajeput tree tends to have similar properties of those found in the lemon and Eucalyptus.

Cajeput Oil Composition vs. Tea Tree Oil

Let us break down the compound composition found in these tree oils.

The compound makeup of Cajeput Oil:

  • 1, 8-Cineole 44.8 to 60.2 Percent
  • Alpha-Terpineol 5.9to 12.5 percent
  • Limonene 4.5 to 8.9 percent
  • Beta-Caryophyllene 3.8 to 7.6 percent

Compounds makeup of Tea Tree Oil:

  • Gamma-Terpinene 10.0 to 28.0 percent
  • Terpinen-4-ol 37.0 to 46.9 percent
  • Alpha-Terpinene 7.9 to 10.4 percent
  • Para-Cymene 0.5 to 12.0 percent
  • 1,8-Cineole 3.0 to 3.6 percent

Johnson from a book writes these chemical compositions. Dr.Scott referred as The Ultimate Guide to the Clinical and Therapeutic Application of Essential Oils

Blending Cajeput Essential Oil

Blending Cajeput Essential Oil
Blending Cajeput Essential Oil

Therefore, which other essential oils blends together with cajeput oil. Well, this essential oil will blend well with a number of other essential oils.

These include eucalyptus, bergamot, clove, angelica, geranium, lavender, as well as thyme oil.

Below you will find the main Health benefits that come with Cajeput Essential Oil

Capeput has various health benefits and medicinal properties. This makes it a great essential oil to have in your medicine cabinet or your first aid kit.

Major Health Benefits of Cajeput Essential Oil

Below are some of the benefits that come with this essential oil.

1. Antiseptic

Cajeput oil is effective when it comes to fighting infections. This makes it a one of the best bactericide, fungicide, and antiviral. Ensure that you have this essential oil in your medicine cabinet. Because you can use it to apply in topically cuts and wounds. This oil will do a great job when keeping them clean and free of infections.

In addition, when you apply the oil in cuts that have been inflicted by rusty iron. Then it can protect you from deadly tetanus before you can get to a hospital to get the tetanus shot. This oil may also protecting you from Influenza virus and other infectious diseases including typhoid and cholera(1).

2. Decongestant

This essential oil is also an effective decongestant. If you are suffering from an illness that has led to clogging up of your nasal passage. Then using the essential oil will help to open up the airway passages. This oil is effective in removing excessive mucus giving you immediate relief in case you have a clogged up throat and nose.

The oil also helps in alleviating coughs and preventing any infection to your respiratory system. The Cajuput oil will also sooth various respiratory inflammations. These include laryngitis, pharyngitis, as well as bronchitis.

If you are suffering from asthma, inhaling a little amount of this oil could offer you some relief. However, you should avoid inhaling high levels as this oil contains eucalyptol, which can cause a reaction.

3. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

This versatile oil also works effectively in a diffuser. When you inhale the vapor of this essential oil, you can clear nasal congestion. Besides, these fumes clear anxiousness and offer you with a fresh scent that you can enjoy.

As mentioned earlier, inhaling or applying a large amount of this essential oil is not recommended for people who are suffering from asthma. In fact, some doctors prohibit the use of this oil to asthmatic patients as it can trigger an asthma attack. Additionally, because of the limonene(2) content available in this oil. It can also make it unsuitable for aromatherapy diffusers.

4. Circulation

The Cajeput oil has a warming effect that aids in promoting circulation. It can also improve the functioning of some of your organs and activation of vital secretion. In addition, this oil has stimulating effects. This assist in the secretion of the endocrine glands while boosting the functioning of your sweat glands. Remember, healthy sweating allows your body to get rid of all the toxins naturally.

5. Pain Reliever

Another benefit that comes with this essential oil is that it has analgesic properties(3). This means that it reduces the feeling as well as the sensation of pain. You can apply it to the surface or take it orally to help you in reducing the pain naturally. For instance, if you have a toothache. Then applying the essential oil locally will offer you instant relief from the pain.

If you are constantly having a headache but do not like taking aspirin, this is a great choice for you. You simply need to massage it on your forehead, and you will have immediate relief without potentially damaging your liver. With the use of aspirin

With doctor’s supervision, a highly diluted Cajeput essential oil can also be ingested to reduce any pain from joints and muscles as well as reliving cold and fever.

6. Arthritis

If you are suffering from achy joints or rheumatoid arthritis. Then you can add a few drops of cajeput oil in your lotion and apply it on the aching joints. This oil will not only relieving pain but also to reduce the inflammation. Alternatively, you can add a few drops in your bath water.

7. Muscle Cramps

A muscle cramp can be painful especially if you don’t have an effective reliever. However, using the cajeput essential oil, you can say goodbye to all those instances you had to suffer all night because of a muscle pull. This oil is an antispasmodic, meaning that it will do a good job when soothing muscle cramp.

Before applying this oil, dilute it with your favorite carrier oil and then apply it to your muscles. This is a great pain reliever to apply after intense workouts. Because it provides you with instant pain relief, reduce the inflammation as well as soothing cramping.

8. Fever Reducer

These essential oils help to alleviate fever in two ways. First, it fight’s the infections that cause the temperature of your body to rise. Second while doing this, the oil will also stimulate your sweat glands, allowing your body to cool itself naturally.

9. Eliminates Gas

Bloating is not only uncomfortable but also can cause a lot of pain. Luckily, if you have the Cajeput essential oil with you, it is easy to put all your gaseous problems behind you.

Because this essential oil works as a carminative, it will help you in giving your immediate results. Besides, this oil will also inhibit the gas formation and remove all the other gas that may be lurking in your intestines.

10. Cajeput Essential Oil Skin Benefits

Skin Benefits
Skin Benefits

Well, this is another area where this essential oil rules. The cajeput essential oil is a great astringent. This makes it a perfect addition to your daily care routine. As mentioned earlier, this oil has antibacterial properties that will not only help in preventing infections. But also assist in toning your skin for it to have a radiant glow. This is probably the reason why this essential oil has is in a number of commercial cosmetics as well s antiseptic creams.

11. Cajeput Essential Oil for Acne

Scabies and Psoriasis. Moreover, this antiseptic oil is also a perfect remedy for treating skin infections when applied topically. You simply need to dilute a few drops of this essential oil with your favorite carrier oil and apply it on your skin. Doing this will allow it to fight the fungus that are responsible for scabies and psoriasis.

  • Other benefits that come with Cajeput oil
  • Acts as a great insect’s repellent for keeping insects away from your outdoor garden
  • Being an effective detoxifier, this oil can also help to cure pimples and acne

Cajeput Essential Oil Side Effects

You can either use the cajeput essential oil alone or blend it with other essential oils to get maximum health benefits. However, despite the many benefits, it has some side effects. Consider the following cautions before using this oil.

  • Consult your doctor before using this oil to treating any condition
  • This oil is not recommended for use for breastfeeding women, pregnant women, and children
  • Not recommended for asthmatic patients
Discover the health benefits of a interesting Essential Oil called CajeputClick To Tweet

Conclusion

Last few words. It is evident the Cajeput has various benefits for us. For this reason, you should make sure you have it in your home. However, you need to consult your doctor in case you are allergic, pregnant, or asthmatic. Ingestion of this essential oil or most EO’s should ONLY be considered under a doctor’s supervision.


Medical information provided is for information purposes only. Always get guidance about a medical condition from a health care professional.

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