Cajeput (Melaleuca leucodendron) wildcrafted from Vietnam

Cajeput is an essential oil which at first blush, smells much like Eucalyptus. However, this particular essential oil is my favorite pain killer of all time. It is an ingredient in our Headache Comforter and our Muscle Comforter, and I often put it into individual recipes for anything having to do with pain.

Cajeput contains the chemicals cineol, terpileol, pinene, and myrcene, among others. Its scent alone gives the impression that it would be good for asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, and fevers. It is a powerful decongestant and antispasmodic, so it is excellent for coughing fits.

Approximately ten years ago, I had a bottle of Cajeput oil which had cracked and was leaking steadily down the back wall of my workshop for several days. The bottle had been misplaced and further, was behind many other bottles, so it took me a while to figure out where it was. For those several days, my entire household had a hypnotic, camphoraceous scent which dominated every room in our three-floor, five bedroom home. A house mate of mine who regularly suffered from migraines had none. Another house mate with nasal allergies also had none in that time. We all breathed easily, feeling warm and cozy.

Cajeput is a circulatory stimulant and thus, is very warming to the body. It is excellent for sports massage when there are aching muscles, bone, or joint pain. It also helps with arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. Care should be used because Cajeput is very stimulating. It should never be used straight on the skin: always dilute. Also, it should not be used too close to bedtime, as it can be over stimulating.

Cajeput can be used externally to help stop bleeding, as an insect repellent, for skin rashes, acne, and to kill scabies. Always dilute Cajeput oil except when using it on individual pimples. Then it can be applied directly with a finger or a Q-tip.

Always dilute your essential oils in an unscented carrier oil like Sesame or Jojoba. A good general rule is 10 drops per ounce of carrier oil. Do not take essential oils internally. Always store essential oils out of heat and sunlight. Keep essential oils away from children.

All information in this description is copyright Kamala’s Own LLC. Please ask for permission to reprint it. This description is not medical advice and the information herein comes from personal experience, research, and folklore. If you believe you are ill, consult an M.D. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any medical condition. Nothing here has been evaluated by the FDA.