Herbs Guide

Cajeput

Family Name: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name(s): Melaleuca Leucadendron

Popular Name(s): Weeping Tea Tree, Weeping Paper Bark.

Parts Used: Essential oil is used.

Habitat: Indigenous to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Northern and Western Australia

Description: The tree has a long flexible trunk with irregular ascending branches, covered with a pale thick and lamellate bark. The leaves are thin and pointed. Thin, creamy white flowers appear in spikes in summer and autumn.

Uses: Herbalists use cajuput internally to treat bronchitis, tuberculosis, colds, sinusitis, gastric infections and roundworms. It is used with great effect for rheumatism, gout, neuralgia, acne, nasal congestion, sinusitis, toothache, chilblains and skin diseases. The oil has antiseptic and pain killing properties.