In the family of myrtle plants, there is one unique species - the evergreen cajeput tree, which reaches a height of 15 meters. In the wild, it can be found on a number of Indonesian islands, such as the Moluccas.
The leaves of this tree are used to make the unique cajuput essential oil. It is extremely difficult to obtain even 1 kg of this product - this will require distillation of almost 200 kg of fresh leaves and buds.
However, the result is worth it, because cajuput oil not only has a fresh floral-fruity aroma, but also a huge number of useful properties that are actively used to improve human he alth.
Product components
Before talking about the properties and use of cajeput oil, you should pay attention to its composition. Even in ancient times, the leaves of the tree of the same name were actively used in Indochina, the Philippine Islands, as well as in eastern Africa and Southeast Asia to treat a number of diseases, such as cholera, colds, flu and even rheumatism.
When the process of obtaining essential oil was discovered, people noticed that italso has a huge number of useful qualities. Its composition provides a similar effect to cajeput oil. Aldegodes, pinene, direntene, limonene, tepineol and cineol can be found in this product, according to the scientists who examined this product.
Useful properties
The popularity of the cajeput tree outside its habitats spread as early as the 17th century. However, in Russia, the product from its leaves began to be used relatively recently. It is worth noting that cajeput oil is a very strong antibacterial and antiviral agent. Even now it can be used in completely different situations. Among the beneficial qualities, one can mention the anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and analgesic effect.
However, the antiseptic property of cajeput oil brought true fame to this plant, which helped save thousands of people during epidemic outbreaks that were not uncommon even a century ago.
Where is it used
As mentioned earlier, cajeput oil has a very wide range of uses. Due to its rich composition, it can be used without fear in the presence of the following pathologies:
- Diseases that affect the respiratory tract - tonsillitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and even tuberculosis. The oil keeps infection-causing bacteria at bay and prevents it from spreading.
- Also, the product penetrates well into cells and tissues, which helps in the presence of pathological problems with the joints: sciatica, arthritis,osteochondrosis and gout.
- Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the oil can be used to improve the regeneration process and relieve swelling, which is necessary for severe bruises and fractures of the limbs.
- Essential oil taken internally helps to cope with problems of the gastrointestinal tract (flatulence, gastritis) and the genitourinary system (vaginitis, cystitis, urethritis).
- It has also been observed that the use of cajeput oil has a great effect on the mental well-being of a person, calming him and normalizing his condition even in the most nervous situation.
How to use the product
Depending on what exactly the oil is used for, its dosage directly depends. It should be used sparingly and very carefully as the essential product can be dangerous:
- To get rid of toothache, you need to directly apply pure extract to the sore spot. It only takes a few minutes to get rid of the syndrome.
- For the treatment of diseases that have an ENT nature, you need to make a solution of oil and purified water at the rate of 1 to 3. In this mixture, you need to moisten a cotton swab and insert it gently into the ear.
- To disinfect wounds or wash them, you also need to prepare a special solution. First you need to mix 20 drops of cajeput oil with a tablespoon of alcohol, and then pour the mixture into half a glass of clean warm water. In this composition, you will need to moisten cotton swabs, and then gently treat the edges of the wound with them several times. This will help not only to disinfect them,prevent possible infection, but also relieve inflammation and suppuration.
Use in cosmetology
Cajeput tree oil has proven to be excellent not only in pharmaceuticals. It will be especially useful for teenagers who suffer from acne and oily skin. It can also be used after pregnancy to get rid of unpleasant stretch marks, since the components of the essential product stimulate skin regeneration and increase its elasticity.
Also, if desired, you can add a couple of drops of cajeput oil to the shampoo. It is great for getting rid of dandruff.
Beauty recipes
With the help of essential cajeput oil, you can make your own several cosmetic products that will help you quickly get rid of a number of problems. For example, among them we can mention:
- Cosmetic ice. To make it, you need to add a teaspoon of honey or cream to a glass of water, and then about 5-6 drops of essential oil. The resulting solution should be poured into ice molds, and then it should be placed in the freezer. The resulting portioned products are required to be wiped every day in the morning and evening on the face, neck, décolleté and chest.
- Refreshing spray is great for summer and also improves skin condition. To make it, you need to take one teaspoon of alcohol, and then dissolve in it from 3 to 7 drops of cajeput tree essential oil. This mixture is stirred in a glass of water, and then poured into a spray bottle. This spray provides moisture, reduces sweating and fragrances the skin.
Side effects and contraindications
If too much cajuput oil is used topically, it can cause severe skin irritation. And a high concentration of the drug during internal consumption dramatically increases the heart rate and causes excessive sweating. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it in its pure form - it is best to dilute it with water.
Also be sure to test for an allergic reaction before use. The essential oil can often cause related symptoms as there are cases of hypersensitivity to its ingredients.
Besides this, it is also worth mentioning that cajeput tree oil should not be consumed internally during pregnancy and lactation. It is also best to abandon its use in the presence of inflammatory processes in the body. Children under six years of age are also not recommended to use this remedy.
Storage conditions
Cajeput oil in Togliatti, as in other cities, can be purchased at pharmacies. Once purchased, the product must be stored in a tightly closed, cool place for no more than 5 years after the date of manufacture. It is not allowed to store it where there is free access for children.
Conclusion
Essential oil of cajeput tree has a huge number of useful properties, so it can be used to improve the condition of not only internal organs, but also incosmetic purposes. The product is recognized as one of the best folk remedies for curing respiratory diseases, as well as viral pathologies. True, it should be used with great care and in small quantities to prevent overdose.
