Cajeput (Melaleuca leucadendron)
Location: Cajeput is found in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the leaves.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is clear with a hint of yellow; it has a penetrating, camphorous aroma.
Description: A tree with a whitish bark growing up to 13.5 metres tall. The bark is fibrous and loose, coming off naturally in large strips. Growth is vigorous and spontaneous; re growth occurs if the bark is destroyed, so cultivation is minimal.
Background: Valued by the Malays, Chinese and Indians for its medicinal properties. The leaves are used locally for respiratory and muscular problems. However, in Europe only the oil is used, in herbal medicines for its warming qualities. First introduced during the seventeenth century, the Dutch seem to have been the first Europeans to have used it, although later the French also found it useful.
Properties: Antiseptic, expectorant, stimulant, tonic, analgesic, antispasmodic.
Uses
Respiratory System-Can help ease chronic pulmonary problems. Good for colds, flu and sinusitis.
Muscular System-Useful for general stiffness, sore muscles, rheumatism, general weakness and fatigue.
Emotion-Stimulates the mind, good for mental fatigue.
