Guide to essential oils

Essential oil of Cajeput

Purifying and stimulating, Cajeput essential oil is traditionally used to clear the respiratory tract. It is also appreciated for its purifying and tonic properties.

How to use

  • Skin application and massage

    Skin application and massage

    Suitable

  • Cosmetic active ingredient

    Cosmetic active ingredient

    Appropriate

  • Food grade

    Food grade

    Possible but not recommended

  • Diffusion

    Diffusion

    Suitable

  • Aromatherapy bath

    Aromatherapy bath

    Appropriate

Features

Properties and uses

Precautions

Find out more

Features

Production process

Complete steam distillation

Part of the plant used

Leaves

Botanical name

Melaleuca leucadendron cajuputii

Warning

The properties, information and methods of use below are quotes from reference books or websites on aromatherapy, hydrolatherapy and phytotherapy. This general information is provided for informative purposes only and in no way constitutes medical guidance. Under no circumstances can this information be used as a substitute for a medical diagnosis, consultation or follow-up, nor can it incur our liability. We recommend that you consult the guide to essential oils before using them, so that you are aware of any precautions that need to be taken. If in doubt, consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Properties and uses

Cajeput Essential Oil is traditionally used for: Bronchitis, 'flu, laryngitis, pharyngitis and colds, blocked nose, runny nose

Health

Beauty

Find out more

Cajeput essential oil is traditionally used to treat colds, blocked noses, bronchitis, coughs and other respiratory infections. Thanks to its 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpineol content, it helps to fight winter viruses, clear the bronchial tubes and free congested airways. It is also an excellent oil for easing the pain of herpes or shingles, while fighting the virus. Cajeput essential oil is mainly used for inhalation, air diffusion or on the skin, diluted in a plant-based oil, rubbed into the affected area or over the organ concerned.

Properties

Cajeput essential oil is recognised for its health properties:

  • Powerful general antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral

  • Expectorant, anti-catarrhal, mucolytic

  • Local analgesic, helps soothe muscular pain and neuralgia

  • Stimulating and invigorating

  • Traditionally known for its deworming and insect repellent properties

  • Venous decongestant, tonic

  • Radioprotective, reputed to help protect the skin during radiotherapy

Uses

Cajeput essential oil is traditionally used to improve the following conditions:

  • Respiratory conditions: bronchitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, colds, coughs, bronchial congestion, etc.

  • Viral infections: 'flu, herpes, shingles

  • Urinary tract infections: cystitis, urethritis

  • Pain, neuralgia, joint and muscle discomfort, rheumatism, sciatica

  • Circulatory problems: varicose veins, haemorrhoids

  • Skin problems: psoriasis, dermatitis, itching

Synergies

  • Winter respiratory infections: Niaouli, Thyme, Oregano essential oils

  • Skin with an atopic tendency: Spike lavender, Annual tansy, German chamomile essential oils

In practice

Respiratory health: Mix with your oil blend. Apply the mixture locally, rubbing it into the chest and upper back.

Air purification: air diffusion, alone or in synergy with other essential oils (Scots Pine, Silver Fir, Lemon, etc.).

Precautions

  • Not to be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding, or by children under 6 years of age. Not for oral use in children with a history of epilepsy or febrile convulsions.

  • Not recommended for asthmatics (especially when inhaled or diffused).

  • Preferably for use on the skin or by diffusion/inhalation, as the oral route is less appropriate for this essential oil.

  • Keep out of reach of children. Certain natural compounds contained in this essential oil may present a risk of allergy for certain sensitive individuals when the essential oil is incorporated into a cosmetic composition (in accordance with the 7th Amendment of the European Directive on cosmetic products (2003/15/EC)): limonene, linalool. As a general rule, always carry out a test application of your mixture, in the crease of the elbow, at least 48 hours before using it.

Find out more

Cajeput oil is thought to have appeared in Europe in the 18th century. For several centuries, it has been credited with numerous therapeutic virtues in the Asian countries where it originated. Among other things, it was used to relieve toothache, colic, rheumatism and paralysis.

Equivalents

Essential Oils

1 ml = approximately 35 drops (with our Aroma-Zone dropper caps)

Carrier oils

1 pump (Aroma-Zone aluminium pump) = approx. 0.15 ml

Mass / Volume conversion (for a liquid)

Mass (g) = Density x Volume (ml) at 20°C

Further information

1 full teaspoon = between 3 and 4.5 ml

1 full tablespoon = between 7.5 and 10 ml


However, these spoon ratios depend on a number of factors (e.g. viscosity of the liquid, temperature, depth and size of the spoon, rheological behaviour of the liquid), and we strongly advise you to use precise measuring equipment, such as graduated test tubes, graduated pipettes, and precision scales.

Aromatherapy recipes from the bibliography

EO = Essential Oil VO = Carrier Oil or Macerated Oil

Stretch mark prevention - Pregnancy and breastfeeding excluded (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Commiphora molmol (Myrrh) essential oil: 1 ml

  • Pelargonium asperum cv Egypt (Rose Geranium): 1 ml

  • Essential oil of Cistus ladaniferus CT pinene (gum rockrose with pinene): 1 ml

  • Essential oil of Helichrysum italicum (Immortelle): 1 ml

  • Essential oil of Melaleuca cajeputii (Cajeput): 1 ml

  • Essential oil of Citrus reticulata (Mandarin): 2 ml

  • Argania spinosa oil (Argan): 5 ml

  • Rosa rubiginosa carrier oil (Chilean rose hip): 15 ml

  • Corylus avellana oil (Hazelnut): 50ml

Use: 1 application morning and evening on at-risk areas.

Aroma-Zone Note: Mandarin essential oil is photosensitising, so do not expose yourself to the sun after applying this blend.

Migraine (T. Telphon)

Health & wellbeingNerve pain and disorders

  • True Lavender essential oil: 1 drop

  • Cajeput essential oil: 1 drop

  • Clove essential oil: 1 drop

  • Sweet almond oil: 10 to 15 drops

  • Arnica or St John's wort oil: 10 to 15 drops

Use: Gently massage the temples

Aroma-Zone Note: St John's wort macerated oil presents a risk of photosensitisation. Do not expose yourself to the sun after applying this mixture.

Stretch mark treatment - Only when not pregnancy or breastfeeding (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingSkin problems

  • Rosemary Verbenone Essential Oil 1 ml

  • Cajeput Essential Oil 1 ml

  • True Lavender Essential Oil 1 ml

  • Gum Rockrose Essential Oil 1 ml

  • Chilean Musk Rose Oil 2 ml

Directions for use: Put 3 drops of the mixture on the stretch mark and massage by pinching the skin as if to reduce the scar, 3 times a day until a clear improvement is seen.

Decongestant oil for the nose (M. Werner)

Health & wellbeingRespiratory problems

  • Angelica archangelica essential oil: 1 drop

  • Sweet Basil or Anise essential oil: 1 drop

  • Cajeput essential oil: 1 drop

  • Sweet Almond oil (with a drop of sea buckthorn oil added): 5 ml

Use: apply the solution to the nostrils and around the nose using a cotton bud or a clean finger. It can also be used to rub the forehead and zygomatic area. This mixture will also repair damaged skin in the nostrils and can also be used as a preventative measure.

Mouth ulcer (D. Festy)

Health & wellbeingMouth care

  • Clove essential oil: 1 drop

  • Bay laurel essential oil: 1 drop

  • Cajeput essential oil: 1 drop

  • Calendula MH: 3 drops

Directions for use: Apply 3 to 4 drops of this mixture to the lesion(s) every day for 3 days.

Spasmodic colic (on medical advice) (T. Telphon)

Health & wellbeingDigestive problems

  • Green anise Essential Oil: 2 ml

  • True Lavender Essential Oil: 2 ml

  • Cajeput Essential Oil: 2 ml

  • St John's wort oil: 20 ml

  • Arnica oil: 20 ml

  • Olive oil: 20 ml

Use: Massage into the painful lumbar region, repeating as often as necessary throughout the day

Aroma-Zone Note: St John's wort oily macerate may cause photosensitivity. Do not expose yourself to the sun after applying this mixture.

Mouth ulcers (D. Baudoux)

Health & wellbeingMouth care

  • Bay Laurel essential oil: 3 ml

  • Rosewood essential oil: 1 ml

  • Cajeput essential oil: 1 ml

Use: 2 drops of the mixture applied topically 3 times a day for 5 days.

Heat stroke (due to excessive exposure to heat, generally resulting in high fever and dehydration) (T. Telphon)

Health & wellbeingVarious

Local treatment:

  • Cajeput essential oil: 2 ml

  • German Chamomile essential oil: 2 ml

  • Lemon Balm essential oil: 2 ml

  • St John's wort oil: 20 ml

  • Olive oil: 20 ml

  • Avocado oil: 20 ml

Use: Gently massage into the back, stomach, limbs and temples 2 to 3 times a day

Aroma-Zone Note: St John's wort oily macerate may cause photosensitivity. Avoid exposure to the sun after applying this preparation.

Bibliography

1

'Huiles essentielles - 2000 ans de découvertes aromathérapeutiques pour une médecine d'avenir'

Dominique Baudoux

2

'Aromathérapie' Éditions Maloine

Dr Jean Valnet

3

'L'aromathérapie exactement'

P. Franchomme and Dr D. Pénoël

4

'La bible de l'aromathérapie'

Nerys Purchon

5

'L'ABC des huiles essentielles'

Dr Telphon

6

'Aromatherapy'

Nelly Grosjean

7

'Les huiles essentielles pour votre santé'

G. Roulier

8

" Les cahiers pratiques de l'aromathérapie française - Pédiatrie" - Editions Amyris

Dominique Baudoux

9

Aroma-News newsletters from the NARD association

10

"L'aromathérapie - Se soigner par les huiles essentielles" - Editions Amyris

Dominique Baudoux