Cajeput Essential Oil Benefits and Uses in Aromatherapy

Cajeput essential oil (Melaleuca cajuputi) is a member of the genus Melaleuca, along with tea tree, niaouli, and rosalina. While the four essential oils have some common properties, they each have their own strengths. For example, strong cajeput essential oil benefits include relief from colds, congestion, and sore muscles.

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Basic Cajeput Facts

An alternative spelling for the oil is cajuput. This oil is sometimes confused with Melaleuca leucadendron. The correct Latin name for cajeput/cajuput is Melaleuca cajuputi.

Plant family: Myrtaceae.

Production: Steam distilled from the leaves of the tree.

Aroma: Camphoraceous, slightly fruity, sweet.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle to top.

Is cajeput safe to use during pregnancy? Probably not. Consult a professional.

Is cajeput essential oil safe for children? The 1,8-cineole content of cajeput may distress the nervous system and cause breathing problems in young children. Do not use with kids under age 6.

Caution: May irritate the skin of some people.

Main components:

• 1,8-cineole     41.1–70.9%
• alpha-terpineol  6.5–8.7%
• p-cymene        0.7–6.8%
• terpinolene       0–5.9%

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed.

Cajeput Essential Oil Benefits

Psychologically, cajeput stimulates the mind, promotes alertness, and supports motivation and self-confidence, according to Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Vol. I. Physically, the oil is primarily a restorative and a warming stimulant that addresses cold and weak conditions of the respiratory, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems.

Physical uses commonly suggested for cajeput:

• Arthritis, rheumatism
• Muscle aches, pains, and spasms
• Neuralgia, sciatica
• Mucus and respiratory problems
• Sore throat, coughs, colds, flu, fatigue
• Insect bites, oily skin, acne, pimples, spots, and head lice
• Digestive support

Sources:

• The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
• The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition)
• Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

Cajeput in TCM and Ayurveda

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the essential function of this essential oil is to raise the Yang, warm the interior, and strengthen the Shen, according to Aromatica.

• Movement: Rising
• Warmth: Warm to hot
• Meridian tropism: Lung, Spleen, Stomach, Liver
• Five-element affinity: Metal, Earth

Ayurveda and Aromatherapy:

• The rasa (taste) of cajeput is bitter, pungent, and sweet; the vipaka (aftertaste) is pungent; and the virya (energy) is heating and moisturizing.
• The oil decreases vata and kapha and increases pitta.
• Tissues most affected by the oil are skin and epithelial.
• Indications for this essential oil include colds, throat diseases, headaches, stomach cramps, rheumatism, and neuralgia.

Cajeput Essential Oil Spiritual Benefits

Spiritual benefits of cajeput essential oil include grounding and centering you for meditation and prayers, according to Llewellyn's Complete Book of Essential Oils. This oil helps open the second, fifth, and sixth chakras. The oil also offers emotional support to balance moods and help smooth transitions during life changes.

Cajeput can fill holes in the auric field and encircle you with energetic protection, according to Stillpoint Aromatics. Use the oil when you feel your energy either leaking away or being sucked out of you, leaving you feeling drained and tired.

Mixing Essential Oils for Magic states cajeput essential oil benefits are to bring balance and stability when used in blends with other essential oils. This oil stimulates the mind, strengthens courage, supports creative and sexual expression, and helps build a solid sense of self for growth and healing.

Cajeput Essential Oil Uses and Blends

To relieve bloating, use cajeput in a belly oil or butter.

Digestive Support Blend

• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) carrier oil
• 6 drops cajeput essential oil
• 6 drops cardamom essential oil
• 6 drops ginger root CO₂ extract

Source: Plant Therapy

Muscle Blends

Sore Muscle Massage Oil #1

• 5 drops cajeput
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 3 drops marjoram essential oil
• 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) carrier oil

Source: Llewellyn's

Sore Muscle Massage Oil #2

• 5 drops cajeput essential oil
• 5 drops helichrysum essential oil
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 7 drops copaiba essential oil
• Jojoba or other carrier oil

Add the essential oils to a 2-ounce squeeze bottle. Fill the bottle with carrier oil. Shake to mix well. Massage into sore areas.

Bath Salts for Sore Muscles

• 2 drops cajeput
• 2 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil
• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt

Stir together all ingredients. Add to a full tub of water for a relaxing soak.

Source: Eden's Garden

Breathing and Respiratory Support

For a breathe-easier diffuser blend, combine 2 drops each of cajeput, lemon, and thyme linalool essential oils.

Breathe Easier Massage Oil

• 4 drops cajeput
• 6 drops kunzea essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil  

Combine ingredients. Massage a little of the blend onto the chest area before going to bed.

Source: 150 Ways to Use Essential Oils

Mental Support

To support concentration and relieve mental fatigue, use this diffuser blend:

• 1 drop cajeput
• 1 drop eucalyptus globulus essential oil
• 2 drops lemon essential oil

Source: Llewellyn's

Memory-Enhancing Bath Salts

Makes 3 cups.

• 7 drops cajeput
• 7 drops clary sage essential oil
• 7 drops orange essential oil
• 2 tablespoons carrier oil
• 3 cups salts of choice (sea, Epsom, pink Himalayan, etc.)

Blend the oils. Stir into the salts. Place lid tightly on container. Let sit for 24 hours. Use 1/2 cup in a bath. Shelf life is 3 months, stored in a cool, dry place.

Source: Essential Oils for Emotional Wellbeing

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Carol Wiley is a retired massage therapist and freelance writer. She uses her deep interest in aromatherapy and essential oils to research their benefits and uses and bring you summaries and blends with links to more resources.

If you find this site useful, you can show your support by buying through my affiliate links. The site is a labor of love, and I appreciate any income that helps keep it up and running.

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Photo Credit: Murray Fagg, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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