Cajeput Essential Oil

🌿 Cajeput Essential Oil – Melaleuca leucadendron L. var. cajeputi

🧾 Identification

• Botanical name: Melaleuca leucodendron L. var. cajeputi
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Chemotype / Variety: Cajeputi
• Grade: Therapeutic
• Origin: Vietnam
• Extraction method: Steam distillation
• Distilled part: Leaves, buds, fresh twigs
• CAS: 8008-98-8 / 85480-37-1
• EINECS / ELINCS: 287-316-4
• INCI: Melaleuca Leucadendron Cajaputi Oil

👃 Organoleptic Characteristics

• Note: Middle
• Description: Strong and fresh, mentholated, camphor-like with a fruity touch. Slightly sweet. Medicinal profile.
• Color: Transparent, colorless to pale yellow.

🔬 Main Molecules

• Cineole
• Terpineol
• Terpinyl acetate
• Pinene
• Nerolidol

🌱 Traditional Uses

• Colds
• Headaches
• Throat infections
• Toothaches
• Sore muscles
• Fever
• Rheumatism
• Skin conditions

✨ Actions & Properties

• Pain reliever (mild)
• Antimicrobial
• Antineuralgic
• Antihelminthic
• Diaphoretic
• Carminative
• Expectorant
• Febrifuge
• Insecticidal
• Sudorific
• Tonic

💆 Specific Uses

• Skin care: Insect bites, oily skin, blemishes.
• Circulation, muscles & joints: Arthritis, muscle pain, rheumatism.
• Respiratory system: Asthma, bronchitis, cold, cough, sinusitis, sore throat.
• Genitourinary system: Cystitis, urethritis, infections.
• Immune system: Colds, flu, viral infections.

🛠️ DIY Formulas

For atopic skin:
➤ 10 drops Cajeput + 10 drops Lavender + 5 drops Tansy + 5 drops German Chamomile in 30 ml sesame oil. Apply to calm and repair irritated skin.

For acne-prone skin:
➤ 10 drops Cajeput + 10 drops Palmarosa + 5 drops Atlas Cedar in 30 ml Rosehip oil. Apply after washing the face.

For headaches:
➤ 1 drop Cajeput + 1 drop Peppermint + 1 drop Lavender in 10 drops coconut or almond oil. Apply to temples and back of the neck.

For mouth ulcers:
➤ 1 drop Cajeput + 1 drop Clove + 1 drop Laurel in 10 drops Calendula oil. Apply directly on the lesions 2-3 times daily.

🌬️ In Diffusion

To decongest nasal passages:
➤ 3 drops Cajeput + 3 drops Eucalyptus radiata in an inhaler stick. Use 2-3 times daily.

To purify the atmosphere:
➤ 3 drops Cajeput + 3 drops Lemon in diffuser for a clean and pleasant environment.

🔮 Energetic Influences

• Chakras: Vishuddha (throat)
• Colors: Blue
• Elements: Ether, space
• Emotional: Refreshing, energizing.

🌳 Related Species

Other Melaleuca species are used to produce cajeput oil, such as Melaleuca quinquinervia. Relatives include eucalyptus, clove, niaouli, and tea tree.

🌿 The Plant

Melaleuca leucadendra, from the Myrtaceae family, is native to Southeast Asia and tropical Australia. It is an evergreen tree reaching up to 25 m, with peeling bark and lanceolate grey-green leaves. Small cream-colored flowers grow in terminal spikes.

🧪 The Oil

Cajeput oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca leucadendra and related species. Most production takes place in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Known locally as Kayu Putih (“white wood”), its aroma is pungent, like a mix of turpentine and camphor, with hyacinth-like notes. Traditionally used in liniments (e.g., Tiger Balm) and Indonesian Minyak Telón, as well as in inhalants and topical pain remedies.

🌍 Distribution

Grows wild in Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Java, Australia, and across maritime Southeast Asia.

⚠️ Safety

• Not sensitizing. Non-toxic.
• May irritate skin if undiluted.
• Not suitable for children under 6 years.
• Topical use: Safe, always diluted.
• Diffuser: Safe.
• Phototoxicity: None.
• Allergens (natural): Limonene <10%, Linalool <6%, Geraniol <0.5%.

💧 Dilution Guidelines

• Adults: max. 4% topical dilution.
• Children (6+): max. 0.25% dilution.

🤝 Blends Well With

• Atlas Cedar
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Cistus
• Thyme

“Cajeput may be one of the best-kept secrets in aromatherapy. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable oil for health and skin care. With proper dilution, it is also one of the safest essential oils to use with the whole family, especially in diffusion.”
– Luis Rodero, Aromatherapist & Author of Alquimia Aromática