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What is Cajeput?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Cajeput (Melaleuca leucadendra and Melaleuca minor) is a tree that belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Like other myrtles, this tree sports alternating evergreen leaves. In keeping with family tradition, cajeput and its 200-plus cousins are commonly referred to as paperbarks or punk trees. While many people are not familiar with cajeput specifically, they may have heard of another close relative: Melaleuca alternifolia, more commonly known as tea tree.

While this particular species is native to Australia and Malaysia, it is cultivated elsewhere for the medicinal value of the volatile oil in the leaves and twigs. In fact, some of the largest producers of cajeput essential oil are Vietnam and the islands of Indonesia, particularly Sulawesi. Since this tree is found abundantly throughout the Malay Archipelago and Peninsula of Southeast Asia, the cajeput tree received its name from the Malay word kayu putih, which translates to mean “white wood.”

Cajeput is a flavoring agent found in throat lozenges.
Cajeput is a flavoring agent found in throat lozenges.

Cajeput oil is characterized by a camphor-like odor, similar to eucalyptus. To produce the oil, the leaves are harvested when the weather is dry and hot to ensure maximum concentration. The leaves are then crushed, mixed with water, and permitted to ferment overnight. Next, the oil is extracted by steam distillation. As a medicinal, the oil may be used topically or taken internally.

When diluted, cajeput can be effective in treating hemorrhoids and a variety of other conditions.
When diluted, cajeput can be effective in treating hemorrhoids and a variety of other conditions.

The primary active constituents of cajeput are sesquiterpenes, specifically alpha-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, farnesol, linalool, and 1,8 cineole. Farnesol is a natural pesticide and pheromone that deters replication of many viruses, including Candida albicans. Cineole, also referred to as eucalyptol or cajeputol, has been the subject of many studies in which the substance demonstrated an ability to reduce inflammation. For example, it relieves headaches, nasal secretions associated with rhinosinusitis and sinusitis, and chest congestion stemming from bronchitis. It is also used as a flavoring agent for mouthwash, throat lozenges, and many other products.

Cineole may be used to relieve chest congestion stemming from bronchitis.
Cineole may be used to relieve chest congestion stemming from bronchitis.

Whether used internally or externally, cajeput should always be diluted. When mixed with a carrier oil as a topical remedy, it is effective at treating minor skin irritations, insect stings or bites, acne, herpes, hemorrhoids, and muscle or joint pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis. Taken internally, the oil is anthelmintic and used to expel intestinal parasites. It is also carminative, which improves digestion and prevents flatulence. However, cajeput also yields diaphoretic properties and may produce profuse sweating and a rapid pulse if taken in copious amounts.

Cajeput can be used to flavor mouthwashes and other products.
Cajeput can be used to flavor mouthwashes and other products.

Generally, cajeput is considered safe and has no known side effects or drug interactions. It may even assist the therapeutic activity of certain medications. In fact, studies have shown that when combined with conventional antibiotics, the rate of recovery from infection is substantially faster. However, due to its diaphoretic action, care should be taken to avoid excessive use. In addition, it is advisable to avoid using cajeput oil in any form during pregnancy and while nursing.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to WiseGEEK is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

winterstar

The wood itself is also a great parrot perch! The outer bark is, of course, paper like and just about every parrot out there loves shredding paper. The inner core of the branch is hard enough to last months (unless it's a big parrot) as a perch. It's both a toy and cage accessory!

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    • Cajeput is a flavoring agent found in throat lozenges.
      By: kostrez
      Cajeput is a flavoring agent found in throat lozenges.
    • When diluted, cajeput can be effective in treating hemorrhoids and a variety of other conditions.
      By: Andrea Danti
      When diluted, cajeput can be effective in treating hemorrhoids and a variety of other conditions.
    • Cineole may be used to relieve chest congestion stemming from bronchitis.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Cineole may be used to relieve chest congestion stemming from bronchitis.
    • Cajeput can be used to flavor mouthwashes and other products.
      By: L. Shat
      Cajeput can be used to flavor mouthwashes and other products.