Cajeput oil is a volatile oil obtained from the aromatic leaves and twigs of the tree, Melaleuca leucadendra. It has numerous uses in treating skin problems, respiratory diseases and others. This Buzzle article tells you about the substitutes for cajeput oil.
Precaution
Avoid using camphor oil in excess as it can cause convulsions and vomiting. Also, pregnant women and epilepsy and asthma patients should avoid using the oil.
Cajeput oil is an essential oil obtained by distillation from the white wood tree, Melaleuca leucadendra. The oil is steam-distilled and so retains all its ingredients. The tree is also known as Melaleuca cajuputi. This tree is related to the tea tree as they share the same genus, Melaleuca. The trees are found throughout Southeast Asia and some parts of Australia.
Cajeput oil has a pale yellow color and a strong pungent or camphoraceous odor. It mainly consists of caryophyllene, alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene, limonene, alpha terpinene, alpha-Terpineol, gamma-Terpinene, terpinolene, terpineol, cineole, cymene, linalool, and myrcene. It acts as an antiseptic that is useful in the treatment of wounds, fungal infections, skin problems, respiratory diseases, asthma, sinus problems, gingivitis, earaches, urinary tract infections, aches and pains and many others.
Substitutes For Cajeput Oil
Camphor Oil
Camphor is an essential oil obtained from a camphor tree, Cinnamomum Camphora, a large evergreen tree found in Asia. It also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, particularly Ocotea usambarensis. The essential oil has many uses as a stimulant, antispasmodic, antiseptic, decongestant, anti-neuralgic, anti-inflammatory, insecticide and many others. The smell of camphor oil relieves bronchi, nasal tracts and lungs congestion. It is therefore used in many balms and vapor rubs. Camphor oil stimulates blood circulation and acts as an analgesic. It provides relief from rheumatic diseases, arthritis, and gout. Camphor is also used in ointments and lotions to treat skin problems like eczema, and bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is obtained from the tree, Eucalyptus, a genus of the plant family Myrtaceae. It is found in Australia and is cultivated worldwide. Eucalyptus oil is extracted by the steam distillation of the leaves of selected Eucalyptus species. It is a colorless liquid and has a camphoraceous scent. It is used as an insect repellent, and for treating respiratory tract infections, whooping cough, bronchitis, sinus pain, rheumatism, acne, wounds, burns and many others.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is extracted from the leaves of the peppermint plant called Mentha piperita, which is a hybrid of the water mint and spearmint plants, and M. arvensis var. piperascens, a plant from the Labiatae family. The oil is clear to pale yellow in color and has a menthol smell. It also has antimicrobial properties and so is useful in the treatment of acne. Furthermore, this essential oil is used in reducing redness, irritation, itchiness of the skin and many others.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is obtained from the leaves of the tea tree plant called Melaleuca alternifolia, a member of the myrtle tree family. The plant is native to Australia. The color of the oil is colorless to pale yellow. It is used in a variety of dermatological conditions like dandruff, acne, fungal infection of the nails, and other skin infections.
Ginger Oil
The ginger oil is derived from ginger roots of the plant, Zingiber officinale, in the family Zingiberaceae. The oil is steam distilled from the roots of the plant. Ginger oil ranges in color from pale yellow to dark yellow and has a strong, spicy, and sharp smell. The oil is used for aching muscles, inflammation, respiratory problems, and many other purposes.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary is a herb that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is found in the Mediterranean region. The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tips of the plant. The oil is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a woody scent. It is rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants and essential acids. It has many health benefits and some of them are that it relieves musculo-skeletal pain and skin infections.