OVERVIEW

DESCRIPTION

Cajuput essential oil is made by extracting oils from fresh leaves and twigs through steam distillation method. The oil is rich in anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which make it a natural substitute to treat severe body disorders.

BOTANY

Vernacularly called Cajuput or White Samet, Melaleuca Cajuputi is a large tree which grows up to 100 ft. Cajuput trees are evergreen and can reach up to 30 meters in height. They usually have a whitish, spongy bark with a crooked trunk. This evergreen tree of myrtle family is indigenous to Indonesia. It blooms white, cream, or pale yellow coloured flowers at the tip of every branch.

BRIEF HISTORY

Indonesia is one of the largest producers of cajuput oil and is also the largest consumers. It can be found close to shorelines on the island of Pulau Buru in Maluku and in some parts of Central Java. Indonesia produces around 325 - 350 MT per annum, making it one of Indonesia's largest produced essential oils by volume. Primarily used in massage oils, it is also used for its remedial qualities in treating stomach aches, common cold, nausea and insect bites. More than 90% of the oil produced is consumed locally by the pharma industry. Cajuput is Indonesia's answer to China's Eucalyptus. Both used across similar applications cajuput is also common in other South East Asian countries.

HISTORICAL USES

In Malaysia and other Indonesia islands, cajuput was considered a valuable treatment for cholera, colds, flu, headaches, rheumatism, throat infections, toothache, sore muscles, and for various skin conditions. It was highly regarded for its antiseptic, carminative, and analgesic properties. Australian aborigines used it thus: Cajuput has been used by the aborigines on Groote Eylandt for the treatment of aches and pains. The leaves are crushed in the hand and rubbed on. Sometimes, young leaves and twigs are crushed and steeped in hot water, the liquid is used to bathe the affected area, and the rest is poured over the head. Crushed leaves are sniffed to cure headache. Cajuput was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century, and the oil was an expensive and rare commodity until the Dutch gained territory in the Moluccas (the believed origin of cajuput). It is thought that cajuput was first mentioned in The Natural History of Simple Drugs by Dr. G Guibourt in 1876. He described the properties of cajuput as antiseptic for intestinal issues, dysentery, enteritis, urinary complaints, cystitis, and infections of the urethra. Nowadays, cajuput essential oil is widely used for respiratory conditions to alleviate respiratory discomfort and distress, especially nasal and chest congestion. It is also used as an effective topical pain reliever for injury, arthritis, gout, back pain, sciatica, neuralgia, and neuritis.

USES

• Cajuput essential oil is used as an expectorant to treat cough, colds and headaches.
• People apply it to the skin for mites and fungal infection.
• It is used as an ingredient in skin formulations.
• This oil is useful in many end products or conditions. It is supplied by the established cajuput essential oil bulk manufacturers.

BENEFITS

• Any kind of dental problems like gum disorders, toothache, bad breath, and sensitivity can be  treated with use of Cajuput essential oil.
• When applied during rheumatism, it can alleviate joint or muscle pain.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties and hence can give relief during headache, sprains, and minor cuts.
• It protects the body from every kind of fungal infection as it has antifungal properties.
• Cajuput essential oil can also be very beneficial during tumours by eliminating harmful toxins from the body.

THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS

The Chemical constituents and the composition of Cajuput essential oil differ according to the places of production. The major compounds present in cajuput essential oil include: 1,8-Cineole (41.1–70.8%), a-Terpineol (6.5–8.7%), p-Cymene (0.7–6.8%), Terpinolene (0–5.9%), g-Terpinene (1.2–4.6%), (þ)-Limonene (3.8–4.1%), Linalool (2.7–3.6%), a-Pinene (2.1–3.2%), b-Caryophyllene (0.7–2.5%), b-Myrcene (0.9–2.0%), a-Caryophyllene (0.5–1.6%), b-Pinene (0.8–1.5%), Terpinen-4-ol (0.6–1.5%), b-Selinene (0–1.5%), a-Selinene (0–1.5%), and Guaiol (0–1.2%). The 1,8-Cineole content primarily determines the biological activity of the cajuput essential oil.

Renowned for its beautiful foliage, exotic flowers, and attractively fibrous white bark, cajuput essential oil is one of the best-kept secrets in aromatherapy. Reached for this oil for its piercing and clarifying scent to help re-enliven the mind, improve concentration, and awaken the senses after activities in a long day. It’s also one of must-have oils in homemade sore muscle balms and salves as it soothes tension, tightness, and soreness in the muscles and has been especially helpful in controlling sciatic pain. Whatever your reason, whether it be mental, emotional, or physical, cajuput essential oil is sure to alleviate what ails you.

SAFETY & WARNINGS

Shelf Life                : 5 years

Storage Instructions :

Transfer the essential oil content received in aluminium containers from the essential oil bulk manufacturers to amber dark glass bottles. And store them in cool, dark places away from sunlight and heat to preserve their essence till their expiry.

General Precautionary Measures

1. Cajuput essential oil has so many natural properties which make it very safe to be consumed by anyone. However, there are no written proves for it to be safe to consume during pregnancy and lactation time for a woman. Therefore, ignoring its use or taking medical advice is advisable.
2. If oxidized, it may cause irritation or sensitization. It may antidote homeopathic remedies. It is too strong to use with babies or children under ten years old on their faces or in a steam. Use with caution on children between 5-10 years old. Care must be taken when using with asthmatics.
3. Cajuput essential oil is rich in 1,8-Cineole. The high content of 1,8-Cineole may cause problems in the Central Nervous System in children.
4. The scent of oil may also cause breathing problems in children. So, avoid exposure to young children.
5. Always make sure that the cajuput essential oil is not applied near the face of infants or young children.
6. Cajuput oil may cause skin irritation in sensitive skin.
7. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using the oil.

DISCLAIMER

This information is only for the use of education and is not meant for replacing any prescribed medicines or professional medical advice or for diagnosing any kind of health conditions. Never ingest essential oils and do remember to dilute them in appropriate carrier oils like Jojoba or Coconut oil. This is due to the fact that organic and unadulterated essential oils are highly concentrated liquids and direct application of essential oils on the skin may lead to allergic reactions. Due care should be taken if you are a nursing mother or carrying. Keep out of reach of children.Speak with your healthcare practitioner before taking your call on the suitable essential oils for your state of health and unique individual constitution