Scientific name
Melaleuca leucadendron L.Family
MyrtaceaeOrigin
Between the Malay archipelago and Australia.Synonyms
Cajeput oilParts Used
The leaves and branches are used to obtain the oil.Chemical constituents
- Essential oil (eucalyptol, pinene, terpineol, aldehyde terpene compounds);
- Alcohols;
- Monoterpenes;
- Sesquiterpenes.
Cajeput Oil in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Cajeput Oil
Cajeput oil is the variety of tea tree 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 popular medicine.
Contraindications
The use of the oil in high doses can lead to nausea, vomiting, gastritis, miosis, disturbances of the state of consciousness, up to convulsions. Avoid taking in case of ascertained hypersensitivity to one or more components.
Pharmacological interactions
- enzyme inducer: possible increase in the metabolism of numerous drugs, such as barbiturates, aminopyrine and amphetamines;
- oral hypoglycemic agents: possible enhancement of the effects (pay attention to prolonged treatments over time with Cajeput oil).