A ‘must’ oil to have during your cold and flu season is Cajeput Essential Oil. It has a fresh, uplifting, and rejuvenating smell that eases out respiratory distress. It is also referred to as Melaleuca leucadendron(1) and is commonly found in Australia, and at the islands situated between Australia and Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The leaves and twigs of this plant are distilled for the formation of its oil. The mixture is allowed to ferment before being distilled. The process of steam distillation of the oil helps to restore and retain the nutrients. This pale yellow oil has a camphor scent to it and blends very well with other essentials oils like tea tree oil, clove oil, and eucalyptus oil.
The chemical composition of cajeput oil is mentioned below
The nutrients found in cajeput oil are similar to the nutrients found in clove oil and tea tree oil. Cineole, commonly known as eucalyptol, is the most prominent nutrient in cajeput oil. It has a numbing result and works as an analgesic. The other compounds present in this oil have anti-inflammatory properties(2).
Also, this essential is effective in healing mosquito and bug bites. This oil also works as a mosquito repellant due to its smell that similar to camphor. It is also used to treat scabies mites. Applying topically works as an herbal and natural treatment for scabies.
Vaporizer and Cajeput oil.
Use the vaporizer and add a few drops of this herbal oil. Let the aroma spread in the environment. This aroma unblocks the stuffy nose and calms down the nasal passage.
A bucket of cold water and 5 tbsp of cajeput oil.
Add the oil to a bucket of water. Mix well. Soak washcloths in it for cold compress to reduce fever. This oil has a cooling effect and helps in lowering the temperature of your body.
[Read: Essential Oils for Fever]
steam inhaler machine and 4 tbsp of cajeput oil.
In a steam inhaler machine, add water, and once it starts to boil, add the essential oil to it. Inhale this steam and do this twice daily until the symptoms of sinusitis begin to disappear.
Cotton ball and Cajeput essential oil.
Take a cotton ball and few drops of the essential oil to it. Place it on the tooth that is paining and let it rest. It instantly helps to reduce the pain and inflammation and disinfects your mouth.
[Read: Essential Oils For Toothache]
Warm water for a bath, 5 tbsp of cajeput oil, and 1 cup of Epsom salt.
Fill your bathtub with warm water and add the essential oil and salt to it. Sit in this water for half an hour and let the muscles relax. In one single application, it can reduce the pain and ease the tension of the muscles.
The ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of cajeput oil is 37,000. ORAC is how the power of antioxidants of a substance is measured. This is why this oil is a reliable source of antioxidants. Few drops of it can help to damage the oxygen-free radicals. Always ensure that you buy it from a reliable source that offers the original version of this oil. Store this essential oil away from sunlight in a cold environment.
To use this oil as a mosquito repellant, add 2 tbsp of this essential oil to ½ cup of water and mix well. Store it in a spray bottle and use it to keep mosquitoes away.
No. It is safer to not use for babies as the side effects can cause more damage than do good.