Essential Oil Profile: Cajuput

HISTORY
Revered for its antiseptic properties, it has long been a popular household medication in Malaya, India and China. Looked upon as a panacea against stomach troubles and skin diseases, it was also the traditional remedy for rheumatism and cholera. Often used as a room spray to ward off insects and bugs.

HABITAT AND GROWTH
This vigorous tree, originally from the coastal plains of Malaya, reaches to about forty five feet. It is also found in the Philippines, the Moluccas and Australia and has a whitish bark with a crooked trunk. It tends to crowd out other trees and cultivation is minimal since spontaneous re-growth occurs after destruction.

PROPERTIES
Analgesic: Pain relieving
Antidontalgic: Relieving toothache
Antineuralgic: Reducing nerve pain
Antirheumatic: Helps to relieve rheumatism
Antiseptic: Helps to prevent tissue degeneration and controls infection
Antispasmodic: Relieves cramp
Balsamic: Healing, soothing and softening phlegm
Cicatrisant: Helping formation of scar tissue
Decongestant: Releasing nasal mucous
Expectorant: Removing excess mucous from bronchial tubes
Febrifuge: Cooling and reducing high body temperature
Insecticide: Killing insect pests
Pectoral: Helpful for chest infections
Stimulant: Increases flow of adrenaline and energy
Sudorific: Increases perspiration
Vermifuge: Expulsion of worms

SKIN
Said to be beneficial for chronic skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. Good for skin eruptions. Mix 1 teaspoon each of sweet almond oil, castor and 5 drops cajuput. Repeat several times. This acts as a mild counterirritant.

MIND
Rather stimulating, clears thought, awakens sluggish feelings and helps put the body and mind back into balance.

BODY
Apparently an excellent antiseptic for the respiratory tract. Its sudorific properties help to minimize feverish colds by exerting a cooling influence. A drop in the bath promotes sweating, releasing flu toxins and is also effective in inhalations.

May be particularly beneficial at the start of infections such as colds, pharyngitis, laryngitis and bronchitis. Said to ease chronic pulmonary disease generally and may be helpful with asthma.

Soothes colic and inflammation of the intestines such as enteritis dysentery, gastric spasm, nervous vomiting and intestinal parasites. Also has an antiseptic effect on the urinary system and could help with cistitis and urethritis.

Its pain relieving properties may be good for neuralgia, headaches, toothaches (almost as effective as Clove apparently), earache, gout, chronic rheumatism, muscle stiffness and general aches and pains.

Widely known as an antidote against insect bites and head lice. Fleas and lice apparently make a hasty exit when pets are rubbed down with his oil.

PRECAUTIONS
A powerful oil and should be used with caution. Could in some cases irritate the skin and mucous membranes. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY.