Cajeput
Profile
| Latin Name | Melaleuca cajuputii / M. leucadendron |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Note | Middle |
| Aroma | <Moderate> Eucalyptus-like, like a sour tea tree |
| Color | Clear-Yellow |
| Parts Distilled | Leaves |
| Regions | Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines |
| Taste | Spicy, Bitter |
| Nature | Cooling |
| Affinity | LU, KD |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Oxides (l,8-cineole ~15-65%), Monoterpenes (-35%) |
| Skin Type | Dry |
| Dosage | 4% dilution |
TCM Categories
- Release the Exterior & Cooling
- Clear Heat (LU)
- Invigorate Blood
- Expel Damp-Hot Bi
- Clear damp heat (lower jiao)
- Clear chronic Wind-Heat
Functions
- Clear chronic Wind-Heat (fever, headache, sore throat, etc.) and Damp Heat in the Lower Heater (e.g., candida, cystitis)
- Invigorates blood for varicosities, moves blood on the surface
- Resolves Hot Bi-Obstruction (swollen joints)
Indications
- Chronic bronchitis and sinusitis manifesting as Wind Heat and Lung Heat (LU-10, LI-11, LU-11, GB-20, BL-12, BL-13, LU-1)
Topical Applications
- Apply directly to areas around the ear for earache.
- Add 20 drops of Cajeput to bath water during exposure to radiation (including radiation therapy).
- Apply 3-5 drops to water as a throat gargle.
Specific Protocols
- Apply 4% dilution of Cajeput (40%), Pine (30%), and Eucalyptus globulus (30%) for Wind-Heat with Lung Qi deficiency at LU-9, CV-17, LU-7, LU-1, and CV-22.
- Apply 4% dilution of Cajeput (40%), Myrrh (30%), and Litsea (30%) on Luo vessels.
Actions
- Venous decongestant
- Anti-infectious
- Analgesic
- Expectorant
Contraindications & Cautions
- Caution during pregnancy
- Caution with pre-pubescent children
- All melaleucas (Cajeput, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Rosalina) lower histamine levels, but they are not for acute histamine or allergic reactions, they can lead to a histamine dump and can exasperate an asthma attack
Notes
- Clear Heat & Dry Dampness (Lower jiao)
- Melaleuca - Cajeput, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Rosalina
- Cajeput is a bit harsher than tea tree
- Good for people who get attention through being sick
Additional Comments
- Cajeput is harsher than Tea Tree
From Class
- Thyme linalool / cajeput: Clear stomach and intestinal heat (thyme linalool); cajeput ventilates heat from the lungs, expectorant. (Yuen)