Uses of Oil of Cajeput

In the Melaleuca family of oils, some oils are used frequently, such as tea tree, clove and eucalyptus, and others are used less frequently, including cajeput. Steam distillation of the cajeput tree's leaves and twigs produces a strong medicinal-smelling oil with uses similar to its more well-known family members. Cajeput is a skin and mucus membrane irritant so it should be well diluted in a carrier oil if you have sensitive skin.

Colds and Respiratory Infections

Many oils from the Melaleuca family, tea tree and eucalyptus especially, are well known in aromatherapy for their infection-fighting properties. Cajeput shares this useful benefit with them. Aromatherapist and author Patricia Davis writes in her book "Aromatherapy: An A-Z" that cajeput's antibacterial action helps kill the infection causing bacteria. Fellow aromatherapist Julie Lawless writes in her book, "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," that cajeput also works as an expectorant. The most effective method for treatment is including diluted cajeput oil in a steam inhalation.

Pain Reliever

While cajeput oil works well for treating the source of infections, it also works as pain reliever for several ailments. Davis writes that she uses cajeput oil to help relieve pain from sore throats and it can also provide some relief from laryngitis. This pain-relieving benefits also extend to other parts of the body. If you have sore and achy muscles or joints, cajeput's pain relieving properties might provide some relief, according to Lawless.

Insect Repellent

If you spend time outdoors or want to keep your home free from insects but don't want to use any of the available chemical insect repellents, cajeput oil provides a natural alternative. A 2006 study in the journal Parasitology Research found that cajeput oil worked as a repellent against mosquitoes. The New Zealand Dermatological Society also lists cajeput as an insect repellent. To help keep the bugs out of your home or yard you can diffuse the oil through the air. You can also include diluted cajeput in an oil blend and directly apply it to your skin.