Botanical Name Melaleuca cajeputi
Plant Part Leaves & Twigs
Extraction Method Steam Distillation
Origin Vietnam
Description Cajeput is a small tree with a tolerably erect but crooked trunk; a soft, thick, spongy, whitish, ash-colored bark; and scattered branches, with the slender twigs often drooping as completely as in the weeping willow (Salix Babylonica). The leaves are alternate, most frequently vertical, short-stalked, narrow- lanceolate, while young, sericeous, sometimes slightly falcate, entire, from 3 to 5 inches long, and from 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch broad; and very aromatic when bruised.
Color Pale yellow
Common Uses Used chiefly as a local application in skin disease and as a stimulating expectorant. Mildly analgesic, antimicrobial, antineuralgic, antispasmodic, antiseptic (pulmonary, urinary, intestinal), anthelminthic, diaphoretic, carminative, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, sudorific, tonic.
Strength of Aroma Medium
Blends well with Cedarwood; Clove Bud; Labdanum; Origanum; Rosemary; Thyme
Aromatic Scent The essential oil of Cajeput has a fresh, camphorous aroma with a slight fruity note. The odor of the oil has been stated to resemble the combined fragrance of camphor, rosemary, and cardamom.
History It is variously known as White tea-tree, Broad-leaved tea-tree, Paper-barked tea-tree, Swamp tea-tree, and White-wood. The essential oil has been part of traditional medicine since ancient times.
Cautions No known toxicity. Avoid during pregnancy.