Scientific name
Melaleuca leucadendron L.Family
MyrtaceaeOrigin
Between the Malay archipelago and Australia.Synonyms
Cajeput oil
Used Parts
The leaves and branches are used to obtain the oil.Chemical constituents
- Essential oil (eucalyptol, pinene, terpineol, aldehyde terpenic compounds);
- alcohols;
- monoterpenes;
- Sesquiterpenes.
Cajeput Oil in Herbalist: Property of the Cajeput Oil
The Cajeput oil is the variety of melaleuca most used in phytotherapy, as a disinfectant and antimicrobial, in particular for cystitis and prostatitis, while it is not endowed with analgesic effects as believed in folk medicine.
Contraindications
The use of high-dose oil can lead to nausea, vomiting, gastritis, miosis, disturbance of the state of consciousness, up to convulsions. Avoid taking in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Pharmacological Interactions
- enzyme inducer: possible increase in the metabolism of numerous drugs, such as barbiturates, aminopirin and amphetamines;
- oral hypoglycemic agents: possible enhancement of effects (attention to treatments prolonged over time with Cajeput oil).
