Cajeput essential oil news about components, benefits and more

Cajeput essential oil is made from distilled leaves and branches of cajeput trees (Melaleuca leucadendra). Cajeput is indigenous to tropical regions in Australia and Southeast Asia. Don't confuse cajeput oil with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) or niauli oil (Melaleuca viridiflora). The oil is primarily known for its antiseptic and analgesic qualities. It’s also considered an anti-inflammatory, which is sometimes used to help treat minor skin wounds, colds, and inflammatory skin diseases.

Despite its use as a natural product, cajeput oil can be as strong as traditional medication. Like all essential oils, it should be diluted in a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. It may also be dangerous for some people.

How does cajeput oil work?

Cajeput oil contains a chemical called cineole. When applied to the skin, cineole can cause surface warmth and irritation, which relieves pain beneath the skin.

Cajeput essential oil chief components 

Caryophyllene, Alpha Pinene, Beta Pinene, Limonene, Alpha Terpinene, Alpha Terpineol, Gamma Terpinene, Terpinolene, Terpineol, Cineole, Cymene, Linalool, and Myrcene. The process of extracting Cajuput Oil involves steam distillation of its twigs and leaves, which is quite similar to that of extracting eucalyptus oil.

Cajeput oil vs eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is a better known essential oil. Cajeput oil has a similar scent to eucalyptus, which has a strong medicinal aroma.

Both are also used topically for antiseptic and analgesic purposes.

Eucalyptus oil has also been clinically studied to help with coughs and colds, whereas more studies need to be conducted to prove the safety and efficacy of cajeput oil for the same purposes.

Trying to decide between cajeput and eucalyptus oils? Both have similar effects and benefits, but eucalyptus is more widely available.

Melaleuca cajeput oil benefits

1. May Fight Infections

These are perhaps the most prized potential properties of cajuput oil. It is very efficient in fighting infections from bacteria, virus, and fungi, such as tetanus (bacteria), influenza (virus), and infectious diseases like cholera and typhoid. It can be externally applied to cuts and wounds from rusty iron to protect against tetanus until a proper vaccine is taken.

2. May Relieve Congestion

Just like eucalyptus oil, cajuput oil is also an expert decongestant and expectorant. Being a decongestant, it gives immediate relief in congestion of the nose, throat, and other respiratory organs as well as for coughs, infections, and resultant inflammation of the throat and respiratory tracts such as laryngitis (larynx), pharyngitis (pharynx) and bronchitis (bronchi).

3. Might Promote Perspiration

It stimulates the organs, creates a warming effect, promotes circulation, and activates secretions. Being a stimulant, it also stimulates the Eccrine glands, promoting perspiration and thus acting as a Sudorific. These effects are very beneficial to the body because they are essential in removing the toxins from the body, which perspiration is known to do.

4. May Reduce Pain

It is potentially analgesic in nature, meaning that it reduces feelings of pain. When applied locally, such as on an infected tooth in case of a toothache or rubbed on the forehead in case of a headache, it gives quick relief. If ingested, it can reduce pain in joints, headaches, and muscles that may be related to cases of fevers and colds. However, consume only in highly diluted solutions.

5. Cajeput oil for hair

The medicinal qualities of cajeput oil are also promoted in hair care. Scalp care and hair growth may be two of these benefits. However, there’s a lack of evidence proving that cajeput can treat hair loss or any scalp condition.