Botanical Index No. 181

Cajeput

melaleuca leucadendra

Medicinal Actions

Colic, Analgesic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Carminative, Sedative, Stimulant, Stomachic, Suppurative

Primary Conditions Treated

Acne Arthrosis Asthma Backache Boil Bronchosis Bruise Burn Cancer Cholera Cold Cough Debility Depression Dermatosis Diarrhea Dropsy Dyspepsia Eczema Epilepsy Gas Gastrosis Gout Headache Hiccup Hysteria Infection Inflammation Insomnia Laryngosis Lumbago Malaria Myalgia Nervousness Neuralgia Otosis Pain Palsy Paralysis Pharyngosis Pityriasis Pleurosis Pneumonia Psoriasis Rheumatism Rhinosis Scabies Sciatica Scurvy Skin Slipped Disk Sore Throat Spasm Sprain Tension Toothache Tumor Worm Wound Emollient Insectifuge Rubefacient Vermifuge

General Dosage

Oil used as a monopreparation, externally as a 5% alcohol solution; topical use only, dosage not specified; 0.05–0.2 ml Cajuput oil; 0.3–2 ml Cajuput spirit.

Safety & Contraindications

Not covered. No health hazards or side effects noted with proper administration. Do not apply near nostrils of pediatrics, may cause serious glottal spasms. More than 10 g cajuput oil may induce life-threatening intoxication, due to cineole, with circulatory and respiratory disorders, hypotension, and possible collapse. Topical and vaginal irritation have been reported from similar oils from other species of Melaleuca, but the topical use of the oil has not generally been associated with toxicity. Still, the topical use cannot be recommended at this time. As with most EOs, this one may induce dermatosis in sensitive individuals.

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