Cajeput

Description

E3’s Cajeput — the go-to for clearing airways and calming sore muscles

Latin name: Melaleuca cajuputi
Country of origin: Australia
Part of the plant: Leaves
Obtained by: Steam distilled
Main biochemical components*: 1,8 cineole, alpha-terpineol, limonene, aplha-pinene, beta-caryophylene, beta-pinene
Properties: Analgesic, anti-neuralgic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, decongestant, expectorant, insecticide, febrifuge, carminative, stimulant
Aroma: Fresh, slightly sweet and minty, camphorous.
Scent Note: Bridges Top or Middle, an initial burst of brightness with enough body to linger a little longer than lighter top notes.
Blends Well With: Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary for opening airways, easing congestion, and sharpening mental clarity. Lavender and clary sage soften its medicinal aroma and is perfect for stress and tension relief. Citrus oils like lemon or sweet orange lift and brighten its camphorous profile to a cheery blend. And add to warm, grounding cedarwood, sandalwood, and frankincense, for cold season, muscle rubs, or evening wind-down rituals.

What makes Cajeput essential oil unique is its sweet, minty, camphorous scent and its particular knack for easing congestion, calming sore muscles, and supporting immunity during the cold season.

If you’re looking for natural ways to support your body, especially during high-stress, low-energy seasons of your life, this oil can be a game-changer.

Benefits & Therapeutic Uses

Physical uses: Calms digestive system, cooling influence to help reduce fever, soothing for muscle aches, spasms, headache, arthritis & neuralgia. Also beneficial for minor respiratory infections colds, sore throat.

Skin care uses: Acne, psoriasis, insect bites, insect repellent, lice.

Psychological uses: Promotes concentration and focus.

Subtle uses: Clears and balances the mind. Gently uplifts energy dispelling feelings of sluggishness.

Notes: Use Cajeput in a 1-5% dilution. Avoid during pregnancy and nursing.

*Chemical components: Chemical component percentages may vary. Essential 3 offers a Certificate of Analysis for review.

Which One to Choose? Cajeput, Tea Tree, or Niaouli?

Similarities: They’re all camphoraceous and have strong antibacterial, antimicrobial antiviral, and antifungal properties. They can be used interchangeably for skin care, scalp and hair care, and immune and respiratory support.

Differences: Tea Tree’s sharper, medicinal aroma is well suited for acne or fungal infections while milder, slightly sweeter Cajeput is perfect for colds, congestion, or muscle rubs. Niaouli’s slightly floral aroma is best for respiratory blends or sensitive skin.  To learn more about selecting an essential oil based on where it comes from, see our blog Why Knowing Essential Oil Country of Origin Matters.

How to Use Cajeput to Fortifying Your Wellness

Add to Products: Essential oils can be added to pre-made, fragrance-free products to enhance their performance. Add 4-8 drops to 2 ounces of facial moisturizer; 6-30 drops to 1 ounce of lotion; 10-20 drops to 8 ounces of shampoo; 15-30 drops to 8 ounces of conditioner.

After Shower: After showering, while your skin is still wet, put 1-3 drops of essential oil in the palm of one of your hands and rub your hands together. Quickly and evenly spread the essential oil over your legs, arms, and torso. Avoid sensitive skin areas. For maximum skin hydration and to seal in moisture, apply cream, lotion, or body oil directly to damp skin.

Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle aches, add 1-2 cups Epsom or Dead sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Bath, Foot: Mix 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes. Breathe in the aroma and massage your feet.

Body Lotion: Add 6-30 drops of Cajeput in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Body Oil: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Chest Rub: Mix 5-15 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion. apply to your upper chest and upper back.

Compress: Fill a basin with water. (Warm water relaxes and increases circulation. Cool water invigorates and relieves inflammation.) Add 3-5 drops of essential oil and briskly stir. Lay in a washcloth, wring and apply to the area in need for approximately 1-5 minutes. Dip, wring and apply 3 more times.

Diffusion: Follow the diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with a therapeutic aroma.
Easy alternatives when you don’t have a diffuser:
Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on several cotton balls or tissues; place nearby or tuck into the grate of fan or air vent in your home or car.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again.
(Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of Cajeput essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

Scalp Oil: Mix 12-24 drops of essential oil in 2 ounces of fractionated coconut oil or jojoba, or a blend of both. Store in a glass bottle with a cap. Use approximately 1 teaspoon to massage into scalp at night. Shampoo in the morning.

Spot Application: Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.

 e3 Blends Containing Cajeput Essential Oil

Cold & Sinus

Discover More Ways to Benefit and Use Cajeput

Melaleuca Essential Oils: Comparing Benefits of Cajeput, Tea Tree & Niaouli 

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The Methods of Use are general guidelines. Individual sensitivities, desired results, and the characteristics of the essential oil(s) used must all be considered. Adjust methods and proportions accordingly.

For external use only. Always dilute before use. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid eyes and other sensitive areas. Keep away from direct flame – essential oils are flammable. If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before using essential oils. Store at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight.

Aromatherapy: The use of natural, aromatic substances, known as essential oils, to enhance the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit. (This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. No information provided is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.)