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CAJEPUT
Melaleuca leucadendron
Myrtaceae—myrtle family

The essential oil of cajeput is extracted by steam distillation of leaves and the small tips of branches. The plant is found in the Spice Islands, Australia, Malaysia, and India. The oil has a fragrance resembling eucalyptus, strong antiseptic properties, and high terpene content. It is useful for treating bronchial tract disturbances—especially colds, flu, and bronchitis. For throat infections use compresses of 10 percent cajeput oil mixed in water, healing earth, or fatty oil. Cajeput is effective in inhalations and when mixed into a salve for a chest rub. It is beneficial for treating urinary tract infections.

Cajeput oil helps remedy intestinal disorders when used externally in compresses or liniments for diarrhea, inflammations of the small intestines, stomach cramps, nervous vomiting, and intestinal parasites of the Ascaridae and Oxyuridae families. It may be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatism, neuralgia, earaches, and toothaches. For toothaches use 10 percent cajeput oil in a base oil. For earaches add equal parts of cajeput and St.-John’s-wort oil to a cotton ball and gently rub the outer ear. The oil has been used for psoriasis and acne.
Cajeput oil is the main ingredient in olbis oil. It mixes with clover, eucalyptus, juniper, mint, and wintergreen.

Dosage: Take orally 1 to 2 drops, diluted, two to three times a day.
Caution: Used in high dosages, the oil may cause vomiting and stomach irritation.