Melaleuca leucadendra. M. cajuputi, M. trinervis, M. lancifolia   Cajuput, White tea tree, Swamp tea tree, Paperbark tree
Cajeput tree is a common name used for certain classification of tree that has a white spongy bark that is flexible and can easily flake off the trunk. The Cajeput tree is of the genus Melaleuca, native to Australia. The name "Cajeput tree" is primarily used for the species M. cajuputi, M. leucadendra, M. linariifolia, M. viridiflora and M. quinquenervia. Other names for these trees are the paperbark tree, punk tree, or the white bottle brush tree. Similar subtropical trees from the eucalyptus family are evergreens with pointed leaves and white, red or green flowers. Aborigines of Australia often used the Cajeput tree bark for shields, canoes, roofing material and timber.
The oil is produced by steam distillation of the Melaleuca leucadendra and Melaleuca quinquenervia species. A similar essential oil known as tea tree oil is extracted from the species Melaleuca alternifolia, a native of Australia.
PART USED: Leaves/twigs
Australian Aborigines used for the treament of aches and pain. Leaves are curshed in the hand and rubbed on. sometimes yong leaves and twigs are crushed and steeped in hot water; the liquid is used to bathe the affected area and the rest is poured over the head.[3] Crushed leaves are sniffed to cure headache.[3]
PART USED: Essential oil- of leaf and twig. Steam distillation and redistilled until colorless or pale yellow. Vaporizes easily.
The trees yielding the oil are found throughout maritime Southeast Asia and over the hotter parts of the Australian continent. The majority of the oil is produced on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The name “cajeput” is derived from its Indonesian name, “kayu putih” or "white wood".
ODOR: Similar to camphor and eucalyptus.
ACTIONS
1. Stimulant.[1]
2. Antispasmodic.[1] Carminative.
3. Diaphoretic.[1]
4. Expectorant.[1]
External: Antiseptic. Antibacterial. Muscular penetrator.
INDICATIONS
Externally- Often constituent of liniments.
1. Bronchial cough and respiratory infections. Use as a vaporisation or in a massage oil blend, and rub into the chest, throat and back. Gargle 1 drop of Cajuput in water for the relief of the inflammation of laryngitis or sore throat. Do not swallow. External application of a few drops on cotton wool for the relief of toothache and earache.[4]
2. Rheumatism, neuralgia and muscle stiffness-[4] Draws circulation to the area (rubefacient) action when rubbed on skin.
Internally
1. Colds,[4] headaches. Toothache. Coughs.[4] Asthma.[4]
2. Stomach cramps.[4] Colic.[4]
COMBINATIONS
L. Wundram's toothache drop are made of one part of each of; cajeput oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil mixed with half of one part of absolute alcohol.[5]
PREPARATIONS:
Vaporisation.
Blended in massage oil.
Cajuput oil taken internally 0.05-0.2 ml.(BPC).[1] 1-5 drops.[4]
Cajuput spirit (from oil) 0.3-2 ml.[1]
NOTE- Internal doses are very low. Mainly used externally.
POISONING: Get to a doctor or hospital quickly. If swallowed do not induce vomiting. Give a glass of water.

ORIGIN: South East Asia and Australia, where it extends from Northern Queensland to the Norther Territory and northern Western Australia. Cultivated widely.
DESCRIPTION: Sometimes a small shrub, but usually a tree up to 35 m high with a somewhat silvery crown; its smaller branches and twigs are slender but not drooping. Leaves are often hairy, tapered at both ends, 5-12 cm long and 1-4 cm wide; young shoots are densely silky hairy. Spikes up to 9 cm long, densely flowered. The flowers are white, greenish white or cream-colored. Fruits are about 3 mm long and 3.5-4 mm wide. The flowers occur in Spring and Summer. The bark is papery, as in related Malaeucas, and does not help in its identification.
References
Inner Path can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Constituents
Research
The oil is reputed to have insect repellent properties; it is a powerful antispasmodic and sudorific and is useful as an anthelmintic, particularly against round-worm.[1,2]
References
[1] J. H. Maiden, The Useful Native Plants of Australia. Turner & Henderson, Sydney, 1889
[2] S. T. Blake, Contributions from the Queensland Herbarium, No. 1 (1968)