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Cajuput
(Melaleuca leucadendra)
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Cajuput
Where To Find It:East Indies, Tropical Australia. Imported
from Macassar, Batavia, Singapore, Queensland and N.S. Wales.
The tree has a long flexible trunk with irregular ascending branches,
covered with a pale thick, lamellated bark it is soft and spongy
and from time to time throws off its outer layer in flakes; leaves
entire, linear, lanceolate, ash colour, alternate on short foot-stalks;
flowers sessile, white, on a long spike. The leaves have a very
aromatic odour and the oil is distilled from the fresh leaves and
twigs, and is volatile and stimulating with an aroma like camphor,
rosemary, or cardamom seeds; taste bitter, aromatic and camphoraceous.
Traces of copper have been found in it, hence the greenish tint;
it should be stored in dark or amber-coloured bottles in a cool
place. Cajuput oil is obtained from Melaleuca leucadendron,
Roxburgh, and the minor Smith, but several other species
of Melaleuca leucadendron are utilized such as M. hypericifolia,
M. veridifolia, M. lalifolia, and others. The Australian species
M. Decussata and M. Erucifolia are also used. The
oil is fluid, clear, inflammable, burns without residue, highly
volatile. The trace of copper found may be due to the vessels in
which the oil is prepared, but it is doubtless sometimes added in
commerce to produce the normal green tinge when other species have
been used which do not impart it naturally.
The principal constituent of oil is cineol, which should average
45 to 55 per cent. Solid terpineol is also present and several aldehydes
such as valeric, butyric and benzoic.
Modern uses:Antispasmodic, diaphoretic,
stimulant, antiseptic, anthelmintic. Highly stimulant, producing
a sensation of warmth when taken internally, increasing the fullness
and rapidity of the pulse and sometimes producing profuse perspiration.
Used as a stimulating expectorant in chronic laryngitis and bronchitis,
as an antiseptic in cystisis and as an anthelmintic for round worms,
also used in chronic rheumatism. Applied externally, it is stimulant
and mildly counter-irritant and is usually applied diluted with
2 parts of olive oil or turpentine ointment. Used externally for
psoriasis and other skin affections.
Other Names:Cajeput. White Tea Tree. Swamp Tea Tree. White
Wood.
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