CAJEPUT OIL

OTHER NAME(S):

Aceite de Cajeput, Cajeputi Aetheroleum, Cajeputier, Essence de Caia-Pouti, Essence de Cajeput, Huile de Cajoupouli, Huile de Cajeput, Kajuput, Kajuputi leucadendra, Kayaputi, Melaleuca leucadendra, Melaleuca Leucodendron, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Myrtus leucadendra, Paperbark Tree Oil, Punk Tree.<br/><br/>

Overview

Overview Information

Cajeput oil is produced by steam distillation of fresh leaves and twigs of the cajeput tree (Melaleuca leucadendra) and the paperbark tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia). Don’t confuse cajeput oil with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) or niauli oil (Melaleuca viridiflora).

Cajeput oil is used to treat colds, headaches, toothache, and tumors; to loosen phlegm so it can be coughed up (as an expectorant); and as a tonic.

Some people apply cajeput oil to the skin for mites (scabies) and a fungal infection of the skin (tinea versicolor).

Cajeput oil is also used either alone or in combination with other ingredients in commercially available antiseptic lotions to treat joint pain (rheumatism) and other pains.

Some people inhale cajeput oil as an expectorant.

In dentistry, cajeput oil is used to relieve gum pain after a tooth is removed or lost.

In food and beverages, cajeput oil is used as a flavoring in very small amounts.

How does it work?

Cajeput oil contains a chemical called cineole. When applied to the skin, cineole can cause surface warmth and irritation, which relieves pain beneath the skin.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Toothache.
  • Colds.
  • Headaches.
  • Tumors.
  • Use as a tonic.
  • Thinning mucous (congestion) and making it easier to cough up, when taken by mouth or inhaled.
  • Fungal skin infections, when applied to the skin.
  • Joint pain (rheumatism), when applied to the skin.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of cajeput oil for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Very small amounts of cajeput oil are LIKELY SAFE when added to food as flavoring, but the safety of taking larger amounts by mouth is unknown.

Cajeput oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied in medicinal amounts to unbroken skin, but it can cause allergic reactions.

It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to inhale cajeput oil. It can cause breathing problems.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking cajeput oil if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Cajeput oil is LIKELY UNSAFE when inhaled or applied to the faces of children. It can cause serious breathing problems.

Asthma: Inhaling cajeput oil might cause an asthma attack.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for CAJEPUT OIL Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of cajeput oil for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for cajeput oil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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