Cajuput Melaleuca cajuputii is also known as Melaleuca quinquenervia S. T. Blake; Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) L. var. minor (Smith) Duthie; is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is native to Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
The name Cajuput is derived from the Malaysian ‘caju-puti’ which means ‘white tree’. Cajuput is also known by a few other common names including white tea-tree; paper-barked tea-tree and swamp tea-tree. This evergreen is a shrub or usually single-stemmed tree that can grow up to between 25 - 40 meters tall. It has an extensive root system, a layered, fibrous papery, grey to white bark, alternate, lanceolate, ash-coloured leaves and small creamy white, scentless flowers that are arranged on a long spike terminating in a tuft of leaves.
The leaves are very aromatic and the essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh leaves and twig tips. I find the aroma of the oil to be sweet and herb-like,and according to a source I read recently, the aroma could be described as resembling a blend of camphor, cardamom and rosemary. The leaves and twig tips are collected in autumn, steeped overnight in water, and then distilled in copper vessels. The yield is quite small.
Did you know...
Cajuput oil is slightly greenish due to the presence of traces of copper?
Australian aborigines treated aches and pains with Cajuput. One way was to crush the leaves in their hands, then rubbing them on the affected areas; another was to crush the young leaves and twigs and then steeping them in hot water. This liquid was then used to bathe the affected area and the rest was poured over the head. Crushed leaves were sniffed to cure headaches.
The essential oil contains around 44% oxides (1,8 cineole); 42% monoterpenes (alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene; 8 % alcohols (alpha-terpineol, linalool, terpinene-4-ol) about 5% sesquiterpenes and a small amount of esters. It is a good expectorant, anti-septic and analgesic oil. In dentistry it has been used to relieve discomfort caused by dry sockets.
On a subtle level Cajeput can help one to recognize and overcome dysfunctional and abusive relationship patterns, which in turn enables one to create healthier and more harmonious behaviours. Cajebut can give one a boost when you feel your energy is lagging. It can also help to clear what is getting in the way of your full self-expression. Cajeput is also considered to have the ability to connect us with childlike devotion to the Universe. Generally safe to use. Undiluted it may irritate mucus membranes. Caution in Pregnancy.
Workshops for 2010
These are offered once a month, generally the third weekend of the month so follow the link and browse through the offerings for 2010.
March 20
Advanced Massage Techniques
$150.00 plus GST
Prerequisites: some training in bodywork
As always the self-directed home study Aromatherapy Courses are available. When you are ready they are only a click away, a click that will lead you into a world filled with information, self-growth and delight! Perhaps they will be a gift you give yourself this year!
If you don't want something as formal as a course perhaps you'll find what you are looking for in one of our E-books or our Aroma Massage DVD.
E-books currently available:
Infant Massage,
Subtle Aromatherapy,
Aromatic Gifts for All Ages and All Seasons
Aromatic Lords and Ladies of the Zodiac, an exercise in energetic blending .
The Hawkins Protocol is now available as an E-book.
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